Paula Deen's Pine Bark Candy

Indulge in the irresistible sweet-and-salty crunch of Paula Deen's Pine Bark Candy, a simple yet decadent holiday treat that’s perfect for sharing. This quick and easy recipe requires just 10 minutes of prep time and transforms humble saltine crackers into a crispy caramel base, topped with a luscious layer of melted semi-sweet chocolate. Optional chopped nuts or a sprinkle of coarse sea salt add delightful texture and flavor, making each bite a crowd-pleaser. Ideal for gift-giving or snacking, this no-fuss dessert is made with pantry staples and comes together in under 30 minutes. Whether you're hosting a festive gathering or craving a homemade sweet, this bark-style candy is sure to satisfy—and disappear fast!

Nutriscore Rating: 34/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 40 pieces saltine crackers
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup, packed light brown sugar
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 0.5 cup (optional) chopped nuts (e.g., pecans, walnuts, or almonds)
• 1 teaspoon (optional) coarse sea salt

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a standard baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper, then lightly grease it with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2

Arrange the saltine crackers in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, covering the entire surface.

Step 3

In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and stir until the mixture is fully combined and starts to come to a boil.

Step 4

Allow the caramel mixture to boil for about 3 minutes without stirring. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.

Step 5

Carefully pour the hot caramel mixture over the saltine crackers, spreading it evenly with a spatula to cover all the crackers.

Step 6

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 5 minutes. The caramel should become bubbly.

Step 7

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips over the hot caramel layer. Let the chocolate sit for 1–2 minutes to soften.

Step 8

Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, spread the melted chocolate evenly over the caramel layer.

Step 9

If desired, sprinkle chopped nuts or coarse sea salt over the melted chocolate for added flavor and texture.

Step 10

Allow the candy to cool at room temperature for about 20 minutes, then transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate is fully set.

Step 11

Once the candy is firm, break it into pieces by hand. Store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(833g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4051.9

Total Fat 237.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 119.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.8g
Cholesterol 248mg	0%
Sodium 2781.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 522.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 30.1g	0%
Total Sugars 386.0g
Protein 44.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 350.6mg	0%
Iron 16.7mg	0%
Potassium 1383.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 48.5%

Protein: 4.1%

Carbs: 47.5%