Pecan Pie Brownies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love brownies and pecan pie, you’re going to adore this fusion dessert. The soft, chewy brownie layer provides a rich chocolate base, while the pecan pie topping adds a sweet, nutty crunch. It’s the best of both worlds, and it's surprisingly easy to make. Whether you're serving it at a family gathering or enjoying it on your own, these Pecan Pie Brownies will quickly become a go-to dessert.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the brownie layer:

• ½ cup unsalted butter

• 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• ¼ cup brown sugar

• 3 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the pecan pie topping:

• 1 cup light corn syrup

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 3 large eggs

• 2 cups pecans, chopped or whole

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2. For the brownie layer: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and chopped chocolate together over medium heat, stirring occasionally until smooth. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

3. Stir in both the granulated sugar and brown sugar until fully combined.

4. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

5. Add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.

6. For the pecan pie topping: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Add the eggs and whisk until smooth.

7. Stir in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed.

8. Pour the pecan mixture over the brownie layer, spreading it out evenly.

9. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (it should not be completely clean).

10. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares and serving.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 16-20 squares (depending on size)

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 35-40 minutes

• Cooling time: 1 hour

Variations

1. Add chocolate chips: Stir in a cup of chocolate chips into the brownie layer for extra chocolatey goodness.

2. Use different nuts: If you’re not a fan of pecans, you can substitute with walnuts or even hazelnuts for a different twist.

3. Salted caramel drizzle: For an even sweeter treat, drizzle salted caramel sauce on top of the brownies before serving.

4. Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this dessert gluten-free.

5. Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of cayenne pepper to the pecan pie topping for a subtle, warm spice.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover Pecan Pie Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week.

• Reheating: If you prefer to enjoy them warm, reheat the brownies in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

How do I know when the Pecan Pie Brownies are done?

The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. It should not be completely clean as that indicates the brownies are overcooked.

Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet?

Yes, you can substitute dark chocolate for semi-sweet chocolate if you prefer a richer, less sweet flavor.

Can I use honey instead of corn syrup for the topping?

You can substitute honey for corn syrup, but it will slightly alter the flavor. Honey may also make the topping a bit more sticky.

Can I make these brownies ahead of time?

Yes, these brownies can be made a day ahead. Just store them in an airtight container and let them cool completely before cutting.

Can I freeze Pecan Pie Brownies?

Yes, you can freeze these brownies. After they’ve cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

How can I make the brownies more gooey?

For a gooier brownie, slightly underbake the brownie layer by a couple of minutes. Keep an eye on it so that the topping sets properly, but the brownie remains soft and fudgy.

How do I keep the pecan topping from becoming too hard?

Make sure to keep an eye on the baking time, as overcooking the topping can make it too hard. Once done, let the brownies cool completely before cutting to ensure the topping stays soft.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe and bake it in a 9x13-inch pan. Just be sure to increase the baking time by about 5-10 minutes, checking for doneness as described above.

What type of pecans should I use?

You can use either chopped pecans or whole pecans, depending on your preference. Chopped pecans give a more even distribution in the topping, while whole pecans create a more decorative look.

Can I use salted butter?

It's best to use unsalted butter in this recipe to control the amount of salt, but if you only have salted butter, you may want to reduce the added salt in the brownie batter.

Conclusion

Pecan Pie Brownies are the ultimate indulgence for dessert lovers. With a rich, fudgy brownie base and a sweet, crunchy pecan topping, they’re a perfect blend of two classic treats. Whether you're serving them at a gathering or enjoying them on your own, they’re sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or as a make-ahead treat—either way, you’ll be hooked after the first bite.