Looking for the ultimate dessert combination? These Rich and Decadent Pecan Pie Brownies are the perfect blend of two irresistible classics: the gooey sweetness of pecan pie and the fudgy richness of brownies. Whether it’s for the holidays, a potluck, or just an indulgent treat for yourself, this dessert is sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Two Desserts in One: Pecan pie and brownies are already crowd-pleasers on their own, but when combined, they create a luxurious dessert that will satisfy even the most intense sweet tooth.
- Perfect for Special Occasions: These brownies are a great way to elevate any event. They’re showstoppers on any dessert table and make for excellent homemade gifts during the holidays.
- Easy to Make: Despite their rich, layered look, these pecan pie brownies are simple enough for beginner bakers to tackle.
Ingredients:
For the Brownie Layer:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
For the Pecan Pie Topping:
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Layer Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. In a large bowl, mix melted butter with granulated and brown sugar. Stir in the eggs and vanilla extract until fully combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients—flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt—mixing just until smooth. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, ensuring an even layer.
Step 2: Prepare the Pecan Pie Topping In a separate bowl, whisk together corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Fold in the chopped pecans and a pinch of salt. This mixture will form the gooey, caramel-like topping on your brownies.
Step 3: Layer and Bake Carefully pour the pecan pie mixture over the brownie batter, using a spatula to ensure it’s evenly distributed. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the brownies are mostly set but still slightly gooey in the middle. Allow the brownies to cool completely before slicing into bars.
Pro Tip: If you’re in a rush, you can speed up the cooling process by placing the pan in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes. Just make sure not to slice them while they’re too warm, as the layers need time to set!
Topping Ideas:
If you want to take these brownies to the next level, here are a few topping ideas to consider:
- Drizzle of Chocolate: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate for an extra indulgent touch.
- Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: Serve warm brownies with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience.
- Caramel Sauce: For even more decadence, drizzle some homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the brownies.
Storage Instructions:
These Pecan Pie Brownies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap each brownie tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours or reheat them in the microwave for a warm, gooey treat.
PrintRich and Decadent Pecan Pie Brownies
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Description
These Rich and Decadent Pecan Pie Brownies combine the gooey texture of a classic brownie with the sweet, nutty crunch of pecan pie, creating an irresistible dessert.
Ingredients
- For the brownies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- For the pecan topping:
- 1 ½ cups pecan halves
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ⅓ cup light corn syrup
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the brownies:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
- Add eggs, one at a time, whisking until fully incorporated. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Mix until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the edges are set but the center is slightly underbaked.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- Prepare the pecan topping:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Stir in the pecan halves until they are fully coated in the mixture.
- Assemble and bake:
- Pour the pecan topping evenly over the partially baked brownies.
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the pecan topping is set and slightly golden.
- Remove from oven and cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Make sure the brownie layer is slightly underbaked before adding the pecan topping to prevent overcooking.
- You can substitute dark chocolate chips for a richer taste.
- For extra decadence, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 22g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make these brownies ahead of time? Yes! These brownies actually taste even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld together. Feel free to make them a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
What’s the best way to cut these brownies? For clean slices, use a sharp knife and run it under warm water before each cut. Wipe the knife clean between each slice to ensure you get neat squares without dragging the topping.
Can I add chocolate chips to the brownie layer? Absolutely! For an extra chocolatey twist, fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips into the brownie batter before pouring it into the pan.
These Rich and Decadent Pecan Pie Brownies are perfect for anyone who loves the combination of sweet, nutty, and chocolaty flavors. They’re guaranteed to become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire!