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Kid-Approved Pecan Pie Bark with Sea Salt

pecan pie bark - featured image

This easy 5-minute recipe transforms classic pecan pie flavors into a crunchy, buttery bark with a salty-sweet finish. Perfect for holiday parties, after-school snacks, or last-minute treats.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 40 saltine crackers (enough to cover a half-sheet pan in a single layer)
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt (or to taste)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a half-sheet pan with parchment paper, letting it come up the sides.
  2. Arrange the saltine crackers in a single layer on the parchment, fitting them snugly together without overlapping.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the packed brown sugar and stir constantly until the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Let it boil for 3 minutes without stirring.
  4. Pour the hot caramel evenly over the crackers, using a spatula to spread it into all the nooks and crannies.
  5. Bake for 5-7 minutes, until the caramel is bubbly and deep amber in color.
  6. Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips over the hot caramel. Let them sit for 2-3 minutes to soften, then spread into an even layer with a spatula.
  7. Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the chocolate, pressing them in gently. Finish with a generous sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
  8. Let cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or 2 hours to be safe) until fully set.
  9. Once set, lift the parchment paper out of the pan and break the bark into irregular pieces. Store in an airtight container.

Notes

Don’t skip the parchment paper—it prevents sticking. Watch the caramel closely to avoid burning; the difference between perfect and burnt is about 30 seconds. Use room temperature chocolate chips for easier melting. Break the bark while cold for clean pieces. Toasting the pecans in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes adds extra flavor. The flavors improve after a day or two.

Nutrition

Keywords: pecan pie bark, easy dessert, no-bake dessert, holiday treat, salty-sweet, kid-friendly, 5-minute recipe