Pecan Pie Brownies Recipe
Imagine sinking your teeth into the rich, fudgy goodness of a brownie, only to be surprised by the sweet, nutty crunch of pecan pie on top. It’s the ultimate dessert mash-up that will have your taste buds doing a happy dance. If you’re craving something indulgent, look no further—Pecan Pie Brownies are here to steal the show!
What makes these brownies stand out? They combine two classic desserts into one irresistible treat, blending the gooey texture of a brownie with the caramelized pecans of a pie. Perfect for holiday gatherings or just a cozy night in, this dessert will quickly become a household favorite.
Ready to impress your family and friends? These Pecan Pie Brownies are not only delicious but also easy to make. With simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you’ll create a dessert that looks and tastes like it came straight from a bakery.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your apron, preheat the oven, and let’s get baking! This is one recipe you’ll want to save and make again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe offers the best of both worlds – the rich, chocolatey flavor of brownies paired with the sweet, nutty goodness of a pecan pie. Here’s why this recipe stands out:
- Easy to make: While it looks fancy, this recipe is beginner-friendly.
- Versatile: Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a weekend treat.
- Textural delight: The contrast of fudgy brownies and crunchy pecans adds a delightful bite.
- Customizable: You can switch up ingredients, add chocolate chips, or even mix in some bourbon for a boozy twist.
Ingredients
To make these Pecan Pie Brownies, you’ll need two sets of ingredients: one for the brownies and one for the pecan pie topping.
For the Brownie Base:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
For the Pecan Pie Topping:
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups pecan halves
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps to create the perfect Pecan Pie Brownies that will become your go-to dessert.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking until smooth after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the brownies tough.
Step 3: Bake the Brownies
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
Step 4: Prepare the Pecan Pie Topping
While the brownies are baking, prepare the pecan pie topping. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir in the pecans, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Step 5: Layer the Topping on the Brownies
Once the brownies are partially baked, remove them from the oven and carefully pour the pecan pie mixture over the top. Use a spoon to spread the mixture evenly, making sure the pecans are distributed across the entire surface.
Step 6: Bake Again
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the pecan topping is set and golden brown. The brownies should be gooey, but the pecan topping should have a slight crunch.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow the Pecan Pie Brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. For best results, let them sit for a couple of hours to fully set. Enjoy them as they are, or top them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence!
Tips for Success
Here are a few tips to ensure your Pecan Pie Brownies turn out perfect every time:
- Use room temperature ingredients: Cold ingredients can prevent the brownies from mixing smoothly, so make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting.
- Don’t overbake: Brownies are best when they’re slightly underbaked and fudgy in the center. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
- Let them cool completely: It’s tempting to dive in while the brownies are warm, but letting them cool will help the layers set and make cutting them easier.
Customizing Your Pecan Pie Brownies
While this recipe is fantastic as is, you can easily put your own spin on it:
- Chocolate Chips: Mix in ½ cup of chocolate chips into the brownie batter for extra richness.
- Bourbon Pecan Pie Brownies: Add a splash (about 2 tablespoons) of bourbon to the pecan pie filling for a boozy twist.
- Salted Caramel: Drizzle some salted caramel sauce over the top before serving for an added layer of decadence.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Fat | 28g |
| Saturated Fat | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 52g |
| Sugar | 38g |
| Protein | 5g |
Storing and Freezing Pecan Pie Brownies
These brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. If you want to freeze them, wrap each brownie tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw at room temperature.
Why Trust This Recipe?
We understand the importance of trust when it comes to cooking and baking. That’s why we’ve tested this recipe multiple times to ensure it’s foolproof. You can confidently follow these instructions knowing that they’ve been crafted with care to provide you with the best possible result.
Additionally, our goal is to offer recipes that are beginner-friendly but satisfying enough for experienced bakers. We explain every step in detail and provide tips to troubleshoot common issues. If you have questions or need advice, we’re here to help!
Final Thoughts
Pecan Pie Brownies are the perfect dessert when you want something indulgent, rich, and satisfying. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or making them just because, they’re sure to impress. The combination of fudgy chocolate brownies and the nutty, caramel-like pecan pie topping is a match made in heaven.
Try this recipe, and you’ll see why we love it so much! Don’t forget to share your baking success with us in the comments or on social media – we’d love to see how your Pecan Pie Brownies turned out!
