Pecan Pie Bark

This easy Pecan Pie Bark is the kind of treat that belongs on every holiday dessert table. It’s quick to make, easy to share and filled with the warm, buttery, nutty flavors everyone loves about classic pecan pie. Perfect for parties, gifting or late night holiday snacking!

Looking for more easy treat recipes? Make sure to try my Christmas Crack, Graham Cracker Toffee, and Christmas Bark!

Pecan Pie Bar Recipe

This yummy Pecan Pie Bark is the perfect way to enjoy all the cozy flavors of classic pecan pie without the fuss of making a full pecan pie or pecan pie bars. Crisp graham crackers are topped with buttery caramel, warm cinnamon and plenty of chopped pecans, then baked until bubbly and irresistible. Once cooled, simply break or cut into pieces that are perfect for sharing.

This recipe is especially popular during the holidays, but it’s easy enough to make anytime a sweet craving hits. Whether you’re adding it to a dessert tray, packaging it up for gifting, or sneaking a piece straight from the pan, this bark always disappears fast. If you’re a pecan pie lover, this bark is for you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If pecan pie is part of your holiday tradition, this Pecan Pie Bark is a must-make. With rich caramel, toasted pecans, and a hint of cinnamon, it’s a simple dessert that feels right at home at Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings. No pie pan required. There’s lots to love about this easy recipe:

• Pecan Pie Flavor: This recipe delivers all the rich, buttery flavors of pecan pie in an easy, break-apart bark form.
• Quick Prep: It comes together with just a handful of pantry staples and only a few minutes of hands-on time.
• Holiday Ready: The bark is perfect for holiday dessert trays, cookie exchanges, and homemade gifts.
• Make-Ahead: It can be made ahead of time, making holiday entertaining and prep much easier.

What You’ll Need

This Pecan Pie Bark is made with simple pantry staples that come together to create that classic pecan pie flavor in an easy bark form. Each ingredient plays an important role in creating the buttery caramel layer, balanced sweetness and satisfying crunch. Use the best quality ingredients for the best results!

Substitutions & Ingredient Details

• Graham Crackers: You can also use saltine crackers for a sweet and salty mix, very similar to my Christmas Crack. If you decide to use saltine crackers, feel free to omit the additional salt in the recipe. 
• Unsalted Butter: Salted butter can be used, just make sure you omit the extra salt in the recipe. 
• Sugar: Dark brown sugar adds a deeper molasses flavor if you prefer a richer caramel. You can keep the combination of brown and granulated sugar or do all of one type if it makes it easier for you. 
• Light Corn Syrup: This helps to stabilize the caramel sauce.
• Ground Cinnamon: Pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice also gives a warm seasonal variation. 
• Pecans: Chopped walnuts, almonds, or cashews can be swapped in for a different flavor.

How To Make Pecan Pie Bark

This Pecan Pie Bark recipe comes together quickly with just a saucepan and a baking sheet, making it an easy dessert for busy days and holiday baking. The caramel cooks briefly on the stovetop before being poured over graham crackers, topped with pecans and baked until bubbly. Once cooled, the bark sets up beautifully and breaks into pieces perfect for sharing.

Let’s take a quick look at how to make this recipe for pecan pie bark and as always, you can find the full printable recipe card at the end of this post.

1. Melt butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, corn syrup, cinnamon and salt together over medium heat. Bring to a rolling boil and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
2. Remove from heat and add pecans and vanilla extract.
3. Stir until evenly combined.
4. Arrange graham crackers in a single layer.
5. Pour mixture over the graham crackers.
6. Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes, or until the caramel is bubbly. Let cool, then break or cut into pieces.

Storage Information

• Room Temperature: Cool completely, break the bark into pieces and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Refrigerator/Freezer: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 2 months. Allow frozen bark to come to room temperature before serving to restore its crispness. 

Variations To Try

You can’t beat the original version but it’s so fun to try some of these variations:

• Drizzle melted chocolate over cooled bark for an extra layer of sweetness, reminiscent of these Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars or Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie.
• Try walnuts, almonds, cashews or a mix of nuts if pecans aren’t your favorite!
• Swap out ground cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice which gives this pecan pie bark a warm seasonal flavor.
• Top with colorful candies or sprinkles right as the bark comes out of the oven for a festive finish.

How should I store my Pecan Pie Bark? 

Once completely cooled, break the bark into pieces and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 2 months. Allow frozen bark to come to room temperature before serving to restore its crispness. 

Can I double this recipe?

Sure! Use a half sheet pan instead of a quarter sheet pan.

Trish’s Tips

• Prepare everything before starting. Have the graham crackers arranged and the parchment ready before you make the caramel. This process moves quickly and you want to be ready.
• Wait for a rolling boil. A true rolling boil means the mixture continues bubbling even when stirred. Don’t start timing the 2 minutes until it reaches that stage, and make sure you stir constantly to prevent burning.
• Work fast when pouring. Once the caramel is ready, pour it immediately over the graham crackers. It will harden quickly as it cools and make it very difficult to spread the caramel.
• Choose your texture. For a softer caramel bark, bake for about 10 minutes. For a crunchier toffee-like bark, bake for closer to 15-20 minutes.
• Cool completely before breaking. Let the bark rest until fully set; breaking too soon can cause uneven pieces or sticky caramel.
• Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bark or sprinkle with sea salt for extra decoration.
• Place in festive cellophane bags and tie with a ribbon for the perfect gift for friends and family.

More Pecan Recipes To Try

1. Candied Pecans
2. Pecan Pie Cookies
3. Mini Pecan Pies
4. Buttermilk Pecan Pralines
5. Penuche
6. Better Than Anything Toffee Recipe