With the holidays comes a certain level of busy-ness and the easier we can make life the better during this time. That's why a simple but tasty recipe like our pecan pie bark is the easiest homemade candy for a special treat during the holidays. The good news is that it's fast, easy, and festive.
Why This Recipe
Super fast. When you need something that requires zero cooking, won't heat up the kitchen, and literally takes minutes to prepare and set-up, this sweet treat recipe for pecan pie bark will be your go-to. Whip up a batch for your next holiday party, small group event, or dinner party.
Festive. Nothing says holidays like the combination of caramel, chocolate and nuts. This pecan pie bark recipe is part cookie and part candy. It is always a great addition for your favorite holiday. If you want to take the festivity-vibe up a notch, add colorful thematic sprinkles or edible gold dust.
Easy. This caramel-pecan pie bark recipe literally requires you to melt chocolate, melt caramels, and spread all of the ingredients out on a baking sheet to cool together. With just a few minutes of prep, you have a tasty treat for the holiday season. It's the perfect creative dessert recipe.
Ingredients for Pecan Bark Recipe
Just a few simple ingredients are required for this recipe.
Milk Chocolate Chips. If you have semi-sweet that will work. Use what you have. You can also use chocolate flavored almond bark or candy melts.
Soft Caramels. Werther’s brand works great!
Heavy Cream. Milk will work.
Pecans. Make sure pecans are fresh. If you take ten-fifteen minutes to roast them in the oven, they will have a deeper flavor. You will need about ½ cups pecans.
Salt Flakes. You can also use coarse Kosher salt.
How to Make Pecan Pie Bark
Then, sprinkle the pecan pieces and salt on top of the hot mixture. Allow the ingredients to set for about 30 minutes. Break the pieces apart.
Step 1 - Line a baking sheet or rectangular pan with wax paper. Microwave the 1 ½ cup of chocolate chips for 30 second increments, stirring well between each session until the chips are mostly melted.
Step 2- Spread chocolate onto prepared sheet until about ¼” thick.
Step 3 - Combine the heavy cream and caramel together and microwave for 30 second increments, making sure to stir in between each time in the microwave, until the caramel is smooth and creamy.
Step 4 - Spread caramel over the chocolate. I find it is easy to do this using a small spoon. Spread to cover the melted chocolate mixture.
Step 5 - Then, sprinkle the pecan pieces and salt on top of the hot mixture.
Step 6 - Allow the ingredients to set for about 30 minutes. Check for a cool pan, Peel parchment paper off the candy and break the pieces apart.
Recipe FAQ's
How do I store leftover pecan pie bark?
Once the pecan turtle bark has set up, you can place it in an airtight container for longer storage. It will keep for up to a week at room temperature before the chocolate begins to dry out and get crumbly.
Can I make pecan pie bark ahead of time?
Yes. Make it up to two days before your party and store it in an airtight container. After a couple of days, it won't look as attractive for your party tray.
Can I freeze pecan pie bark?
No. I do not recommend any candies that are coated in chocolate because the chocolate can dry out and crack. The change in texture is off-putting. While it can be done, it would probably be better to package up your extras and give them away as gifts for friends, teachers, and neighbors that have a sweet tooth.
Tips for Best Results
Add festive sprinkles or a drizzle of brightly colored candy melts to the top to make your caramel pecan turtle bark more thematic for any holiday or special occasion.
A good quality chocolate will improve the flavor. The same is true with caramels. For this recipe, it is certainly true that you will get what you pay for.
You can add a teaspoon vanilla extract for extra flavor.
I recommend using a rimmed baking sheet so the mixture does not spill.
You may want to place pan in the refrigerator or freezer for 15-20 minutes to allow the caramel to set before breaking it into pieces.
Store candy in an airtight container or cover with aluminum foil.
More Amazing Candy Recipe Ideas
📖 Recipe
Pecan Pie Bark
Equipment
- wax paper or parchment paper
- rimmed sheet pan or cookie sheet
- 2 medium microwave-safe bowl
- Spatula or large spoon
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups chocolate chips milk chocolate
- 4.25 ounces soft caramels Werther’s works great!
- 1 ½ teaspoon heavy cream or milk
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- Salt flakes or kosher salt
Instructions
- Place parchment paper on bottom of pan.
- Microwave almond bark for 30 second increments, stirring well between each session until mostly melted, then stir until almond bark is melted completely.
- Spread chocolate onto prepared sheet until about ¼” thick. Spread to the edges of pan.
- Combine the heavy cream and caramel together and microwave for 30 second increments, making sure to stir in between until caramel is smooth and creamy. It may look like there is too much liquid, but it does come together after mixing.
- Drizzle caramel over the chocolate.
- Sprinkle the chopped pecans and salt on top of the caramel.
- Allow the pecan mixture to set for about 30 minutes. You may want to chill the bark in the fridge or freezer to allow the caramel to set before breaking into pieces.
Notes
Equipment:
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