Praline Christmas Bark

Have you ever made something that’s just so good that you’re asked to bring it year after year? Our take on a praline Christmas bark is one of those recipes that has become an annual tradition. This festive and delicious holiday treat disappears really quickly whenever we bring it to a party and has, arguably, become one of Santa’s favorite chimney treats.

Our praline Christmas bark uses saltine crackers as the base, with a homemade caramel sauce poured over them, sprinkled with pecans and then topped off with chocolate chips that get smoothed into a nice layer that seals in all the greatness. It’s like homemade toffee or some sort of brittle, but way easier and more flavorful – people beg us to make this every year!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This praline Christmas bark is the perfect blend of sweet and salty, and it’s incredibly easy to make. With its rich caramel flavor and satisfying crunch, it’s sure to become a holiday favorite in your household. Plus, it makes for a fantastic gift or party snack that’s guaranteed to impress.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• 12×17-inch jelly roll pan
• Medium saucepan
• Spatula or spoon for stirring
• Knife for chopping pecans
• Airtight container for storage

Ingredients

• 30-40 saltine crackers
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup pecans, chopped
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350º F and lightly grease a 12×17-inch jelly roll pan with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Spread the saltine crackers out in an even layer in the greased jelly roll pan.
3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter and brown sugar. Cook, stirring frequently, until the butter is melted and the sugar has dissolved. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
4. Remove the mixture from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt, whisking until incorporated.
5. Pour the caramel mixture in an even layer over the saltine crackers, smoothing as necessary.
6. Sprinkle the chopped pecans on top of the caramel layer, then place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 7-9 minutes, or until the caramel/toffee mixture becomes bubbly.
7. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
8. Sprinkle the chocolate chips on top of the hot toffee and let sit for 2 minutes before spreading into an even layer.
9. Let cool, then cut or break into pieces. Store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the freezer.

Tips for Success

Make sure to keep stirring the caramel mixture to prevent burning. Also, when spreading the chocolate, work quickly so it melts evenly. Allow the bark to cool completely before breaking it apart for the best texture.

Additional Tips or Variations

For a festive touch, sprinkle crushed candy canes on top of the chocolate before it sets. You can also experiment with different types of nuts or add a sprinkle of sea salt for extra flavor.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

While exact nutritional values can vary, a typical serving of praline Christmas bark is rich in sweet, buttery flavors and provides a delightful treat that’s perfect for the holiday season.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use a different type of cracker? Yes, graham crackers or other sturdy crackers can also work well as a base.

How long will the bark keep? When stored in an airtight container, it will last up to a week at room temperature or longer in the freezer.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Absolutely! This bark can be made a few days in advance, making it perfect for holiday planning.

Conclusion

This praline Christmas bark has everything you want in a holiday treat—it’s sweet, crunchy, and oh-so-satisfying. We invite you to give this recipe a try and see why it’s a beloved favorite. Don’t forget to share your experiences in the comments below!