Praline Chocolate Saltine Bark Recipe

Introduction

Praline Christmas Bark is a sweet and crunchy holiday treat that combines the salty snap of crackers with rich caramel, toasted pecans, and smooth chocolate. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for festive gatherings or gifting during the season.

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350º F and lightly grease a 12×17-inch jelly roll pan with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Step 2: Arrange the saltine crackers in an even layer in the greased pan.
3. Step 3: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter and brown sugar. Stir frequently until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves.
4. Step 4: 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.
5. Step 5: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt until fully incorporated.
6. Step 6: Pour the caramel mixture evenly over the crackers, smoothing the top as needed.
7. Step 7: Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the caramel layer.
8. Step 8: Bake in the oven for 7-9 minutes, until the caramel becomes bubbly and toffee-like.
9. Step 9: Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
10. Step 10: Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the hot toffee and let sit for 2 minutes to melt, then spread the chocolate evenly.
11. Step 11: Allow the bark to cool completely before cutting or breaking into pieces.

Tips & Variations

• For a twist, substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or mixed nuts to suit your preference.
• Use graham crackers instead of saltines for a sweeter base.
• Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the melted chocolate for a salted caramel effect.
• To speed up setting, refrigerate the bark after spreading the chocolate layer.

Storage

Store the praline bark in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, keep it in the freezer and thaw at room temperature before serving. Avoid refrigerating as it may cause the chocolate to bloom.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cracker?

Yes, graham crackers work well as a sweeter alternative, while saltines provide a salty contrast. Choose based on your preferred flavor balance.

How do I prevent the chocolate from seizing while melting?

Let the heat from the toffee melt the chocolate chips gently instead of applying direct heat. This helps avoid overheating, which can cause chocolate to seize.

Praline Chocolate Saltine Bark Recipe

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Praline Christmas Bark is a festive, crunchy treat featuring a buttery caramel toffee layer over saltine crackers, topped with toasted pecans and melted semi-sweet chocolate. This easy-to-make holiday bark combines salty, sweet, and nutty flavors into one delicious dessert perfect for gift-giving or holiday parties.

• Author: Rita
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 pieces 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base

• 30–40 saltine crackers

Caramel Toffee Layer

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup pecans, chopped

Topping

• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350º F and lightly grease a 12×17-inch jelly roll pan with butter or non-stick spray for easy removal later.
2. Arrange Crackers: Spread the saltine crackers in an even layer, covering the base of the prepared jelly roll pan completely.
3. Make Caramel Toffee: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter and brown sugar. Stir frequently until the butter is melted and the sugar dissolves. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for 2-3 minutes while continuously stirring. Then reduce heat to a simmer and continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes.
4. Add Flavorings: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt, whisking until fully incorporated to create a smooth caramel toffee mixture.
5. Pour Caramel Over Crackers: Pour the hot caramel evenly over the layered crackers in the jelly roll pan and smooth it out as needed to cover them completely.
6. Add Pecans and Bake: Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the caramel layer. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 7-9 minutes or until the caramel-toffee mixture starts bubbling vigorously.
7. Cool Slightly: Remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool for 5 minutes, which prepares it for the chocolate topping.
8. Top with Chocolate: Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the hot toffee layer and let them sit for 2 minutes to soften and melt.
9. Spread Chocolate Layer: Using a spatula, spread the melted chocolate into an even layer over the toffee and crackers.
10. Final Cooling and Serving: Let the bark cool completely at room temperature until the chocolate sets. Break or cut into pieces and store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the freezer.

Notes

• For an extra festive touch, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the melted chocolate before it sets.
• Use salted butter if you want a slightly saltier contrast with the sweet toffee layer—reduce added salt accordingly.
• Store in an airtight container to keep the bark crisp and fresh for up to two weeks at room temperature or longer in the freezer.
• Feel free to substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds depending on your preference.
• If using graham crackers instead of saltine crackers, the flavor profile will be sweeter and less salty, which is also delicious.

Keywords: Praline Christmas Bark, Holiday Dessert, Toffee Bark, Saltine Cracker Toffee, Festive Treat, Christmas Candy