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Cozy Pecan Pie Bark with Sea Salt

cozy pecan pie bark with sea salt - featured image

A quick and easy 15-minute stovetop caramel bark with toasted pecans and flaky sea salt, capturing the deep, buttery flavor of pecan pie without the crust or long bake time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ cup (1 stick or 113 grams) unsalted butter
  • ½ cup (packed, 100 grams) light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1½ cups (about 170 grams) coarsely chopped pecans
  • ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt (such as Maldon)
  • ¼ cup (about 45 grams) dark chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

  1. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on each side.
  2. Toast the pecans (optional but recommended): Spread chopped pecans on a separate baking sheet and toast in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes until fragrant. Let cool.
  3. Melt the butter and brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly with a silicone spatula, until the mixture is thick and glossy (about 2-3 minutes).
  4. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. The mixture will bubble up; stir until smooth.
  5. Fold in the toasted pecans until every piece is coated.
  6. Pour the pecan-caramel mixture onto the parchment-lined baking sheet and spread into an even layer about ¼ inch thick using the spatula.
  7. While still warm, sprinkle the flaky sea salt evenly over the top.
  8. Let the bark cool completely at room temperature (about 30-45 minutes) or in the refrigerator for 15 minutes until firm.
  9. Once set, lift the parchment paper out of the baking sheet and break the bark into irregular pieces using your hands or a sharp knife.

Notes

Don’t try to cut the bark while it’s still warm; it will stick. Medium heat is crucial to avoid burning the caramel. For best texture, let the bark set completely at room temperature. The bark tastes even better the next day as flavors meld. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: pecan pie bark, sea salt bark, easy dessert, 15-minute recipe, stovetop caramel, gluten-free dessert, vegetarian dessert