This pecan pie bark is what happens when you take the best parts of a holiday pie—sweet, buttery, nutty—and pack them into a crisp, no-crust treat that takes just minutes to make. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a cheat code: all the comfort of pecan pie without the rolling, baking, or fussing with a flaky crust.
I started making this for holiday trays when I needed something fast but festive. One batch in, and it became a staple. The buttery crackers form a crisp base, the brown sugar caramel bubbles up into that perfect toffee texture, and the pecans get toasty and rich as they bake. If you want to dress it up, a drizzle of melted chocolate adds just enough decadence to push it over the top.
Table of contents
Quick Pecan Pie Bark
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
Ingredients
Cracker Base
- 1 sleeve buttery crackers (like Ritz or Club) (about 30 crackers)
Caramel Topping
- 1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup corn syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- pinch salt
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
Optional Topping
- melted chocolate for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and lightly grease it.
- Arrange crackers in a single layer, edge to edge on the sheet.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar and corn syrup, stirring until smooth and bubbling (about 3 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, salt, and chopped pecans.
- Pour the hot mixture over crackers and spread evenly with a spatula.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
- Cool completely. Drizzle with melted chocolate if desired, then break into bark pieces.
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Pecan Pie Bark
- Just 7 ingredients – No specialty baking tools or crust required.
- Quick prep – Ready to bake in under 10 minutes.
- Crunchy, buttery texture – Thanks to a base of buttery crackers and rich caramel.
- Perfect for gifting – It stores well and packs beautifully into tins or bags.
- Holiday flavor, everyday ease – Great for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or anytime you need a quick dessert.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Buttery crackers (like Ritz or Club) | 1 sleeve (about 30 crackers) |
| Butter | 1/2 cup (1 stick) |
| Brown sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Corn syrup | 1/4 cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Chopped pecans | 1 1/2 cups |
| Salt | Pinch |
| Melted chocolate (optional) | For drizzling |
How to Make Pecan Pie Bark
- Preheat and prep: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and lightly grease it.
- Arrange the crackers: Lay the buttery crackers in a single layer on the sheet, edge to edge without overlapping.
- Make the caramel: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add brown sugar and corn syrup. Stir until smooth and bubbling—about 3 minutes.
- Finish the topping: Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, salt, and chopped pecans.
- Pour and spread: Carefully pour the hot mixture over the crackers and use a spatula to spread it evenly.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
- Cool and finish: Let cool completely. Drizzle with melted chocolate if desired. Once set, break into bark-style pieces.
Chef Scarlett’s Tips
- Use parchment or foil: Don’t skip lining your baking sheet—it makes cleanup and bark removal a breeze.
- Work quickly with caramel: It sets fast, so spread it right after pouring.
- Try different nuts: Walnuts or almonds also work beautifully if you’re short on pecans.
- Add a pinch of sea salt: A light sprinkle on top before baking brings out all the caramel notes.
Nutrition Facts (Per Piece, Approx. 20 Pieces)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 130 |
| Fat | 9g |
| Carbohydrates | 13g |
| Sugar | 8g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Protein | 1g |
Serving Suggestions
- Holiday trays: Add to cookie platters or gift tins with truffles, shortbread, and chocolate bark.
- With a drink: Serve alongside a hot drink for a sweet afternoon pick-me-up.
- Party snack: Break into bite-sized pieces and serve in a bowl like toffee or brittle.
“I brought this to a cookie swap once, and it was the first thing gone—no baking drama, no crust tears, just simple, sweet joy.”
Perfect Pairings
- With bourbon or spiced cider: Great for adults during fall and winter gatherings.
- With vanilla ice cream: Crumble pieces over a scoop for a crunchy caramel topping.
Storage and Gifting Tips
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Fridge: Helps the bark stay crisp longer—especially in warm climates.
- To gift: Pack in parchment-lined tins or clear bags tied with ribbon.
Flavor Variations to Try
Once you’ve got the base recipe down, you can dress this bark up any way you like. Here are a few of my go-to twists:
- Chocolate-Pecan Bark: Drizzle dark or milk chocolate over the cooled bark—or dip half of each piece for a candy-like finish.
- Bourbon Touch: Stir a teaspoon of bourbon into the caramel mix for an adult twist on the classic flavor.
- Maple Pecan Bark: Swap out the corn syrup for real maple syrup for a warmer, deeper sweetness.
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice to the pecan topping for holiday flair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of crackers?
Yes! Ritz and Club are my favorites for their buttery texture, but saltines or graham crackers work too. Just aim for something flat and crisp.
Is corn syrup necessary?
Corn syrup helps keep the caramel smooth and prevents it from crystallizing. If you’d prefer to skip it, maple syrup or honey can work, though the texture may be softer.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just use a larger baking sheet and double every ingredient. Keep an eye on the baking time—it may need an extra 1–2 minutes.
What kind of pecans work best?
Chopped raw pecans toast beautifully in the oven. If you only have roasted ones, they’ll still work—just skip toasting them in the caramel too long.
How long does pecan pie bark stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container, it’ll stay crisp for about 5 days at room temperature, or up to a week in the fridge.
The Kind of Treat That Disappears Fast
This pecan pie bark recipe is one of those sweet little miracles that looks like you fussed but comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s got that crackly caramel crunch, the richness of toasted pecans, and a buttery base that hits all the right notes. Perfect for when you need something quick, homemade, and guaranteed to impress.
Whether you’re making it for gifting, snacking, or setting out with after-dinner coffee, this bark disappears fast. So maybe double it anyway—you’ll thank yourself later.