Ingredients
Scale
- 1 sleeve of saltine crackers
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Arrange the saltine crackers in a single layer, ensuring they cover the sheet entirely.
- Make the Caramel Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once fully melted, stir in the brown sugar and bring the mixture to a boil. Let it boil undisturbed for 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract for that aromatic boost.
- Assemble the Bark: Pour the hot caramel mixture evenly over the saltine crackers. Use a spatula to gently spread it, ensuring all the crackers are coated. Sprinkle the pecan halves over the caramel layer and press them lightly to stick.
- Bake to Perfection: Pop the tray into your preheated oven. Bake for 8–10 minutes until the caramel is bubbling and the pecans are toasty.
- Cool and Break Apart: Remove the pan from the oven and let the bark cool at room temperature. To speed things up, you can refrigerate it for about 30 minutes. Once set, break the bark into pieces. Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Choose High-Quality Pecans: Fresh, high-quality pecans elevate this dessert’s flavor and crunch.
- Experiment with Toppings: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of sea salt for extra flair.
- Storage: Keep your bark fresh in an airtight container for up to a week. It’s freezer-friendly too!
- Be Cautious with Caramel: Boiling sugar can be extremely hot, so handle with care. Avoid stirring during the boil to ensure smooth caramel.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 piece
- Calories: 180kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg