Description
This cozy pecan pie bark with salted caramel and dark chocolate is a quick and easy treat that combines crunchy pecans, buttery caramel, and rich dark chocolate for a perfect balance of sweet and salty. It’s ideal for cozy nights, holiday gifting, or any time you need a comforting, indulgent snack.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (200g) raw unsalted pecan halves
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1 cup (200g) packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt, plus more for finishing
- 1 cup (175g) dark chocolate chips (60-70% cacao) or roughly chopped dark chocolate bar
- Optional: ¼ cup (45g) white chocolate, melted for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a half-sheet pan (18×13 inches) with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the long sides.
- Toast the pecans: Spread pecan halves in a single layer on the prepared pan. Toast for 5-7 minutes, shaking halfway through, until fragrant and slightly darkened. Let cool on the pan.
- Make the salted caramel: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar and stir until combined. Whisk in heavy cream and bring to a gentle boil. Let bubble for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened and deep amber. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt.
- Pour and spread: Pour hot caramel directly over toasted pecans on the sheet pan. Use a spatula to spread gently, ensuring caramel gets into gaps between nuts. Don’t overwork; unevenness is desired.
- Bake the bark: Return pan to oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until caramel is bubbling all over and deepened in color. Let cool on counter for exactly 10 minutes.
- Melt and spread chocolate: While bark cools, melt dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. Pour over warm caramel-pecan layer and spread evenly with an offset spatula.
- Add finishing touches: While chocolate is still wet, sprinkle generously with flaky sea salt. If using white chocolate, melt and drizzle over dark chocolate layer.
- Chill and break: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until completely firm. Lift bark out using parchment overhang, place on cutting board, and break into irregular pieces.
Notes
Don’t rush the chilling step; give it the full hour for clean breaks. The flavors deepen after a day or two. For dairy-free, use vegan butter and full-fat coconut cream. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 ounces (56g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 95
- Fat: 19
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 26
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 3
Keywords: pecan pie bark, salted caramel bark, dark chocolate bark, easy dessert, holiday treat, gluten-free dessert, cozy snack