Pecan Pie Brownies are a delicious mashup of rich chocolate brownies and sweet, crunchy pecan pie! The gooey topping brings that perfect nutty flavor to every bite.
When I make these, I often end up eating the whole pan! 😂 They are so good, and they’re perfect for sharing—if you can stop yourself from eating them all first!
Just mix, layer, and bake! It’s an easy recipe that impresses everyone, and they vanish quickly at parties. Trust me, your friends will be asking for more!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This is the base of your brownies, adding richness. If you’re in a pinch, you can use margarine or coconut oil, but the taste will differ slightly. I always stick to unsalted for better control over salt levels.
Granulated Sugar: Essential for sweetness and that nice chewy texture. You can use brown sugar instead for a deeper flavor, but keep in mind it may alter the texture a bit.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa gives the brownies their chocolatey goodness. If you’re looking for a healthier twist, try substituting with carob powder, though it’ll taste different.
Pecans: These nuts add crunch and flavor. If you’re allergic to nuts, you could use rolled oats or sunflower seeds instead for some texture. Also, feel free to toast the pecans for added depth!
How Do I Ensure My Brownies Turn Out Fudgy and Delicious?
Getting that perfect brownie is all about technique! Here are some tips I always use:
- Melt Butter Gently: If using the microwave, melt in short bursts and stir frequently to avoid overheating.
- Don’t Overmix: When adding dry ingredients to the wet ones, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to rubbery brownies.
- Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out with moist crumbs, not batter! This way, you keep them fudgy.
- Cool Completely: Allowing the brownies to cool in the pan helps the layers set, making them easier to cut.
By following these tips, your Pecan Pie Brownies will come out rich, gooey, and absolutely irresistible! Enjoy your baking!
How to Make Pecan Pie Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownie Base:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
For the Pecan Pie Topping:
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups chopped pecans (plus extra for topping)
- Flaky sea salt (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and then 40-45 minutes for baking. You’ll want to let them cool completely before cutting, so plan about an hour… but the wait is well worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Brownie Batter:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy lifting or grease it well. In a saucepan, melt the butter, mixing in the granulated sugar while it’s still warm. This gives your brownies a lovely texture!
In a separate bowl, whisk together your eggs and vanilla extract until they’re combined. Gradually add your warm butter-sugar mixture to the eggs, whisking away! In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients gently. Avoid overmixing—your brownies will be happier this way!
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
2. Prepare Pecan Pie Topping:
In a medium bowl, whisk together corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla until it’s all smooth. Now fold in those delicious chopped pecans. This mixture will make the perfect topping for your brownies.
3. Assemble and Bake:
Pour the pecan pie topping evenly over the brownie batter. It’s going to look amazing! To make it even prettier, sprinkle some extra whole or halved pecans on top, and if you like, toss on a pinch of flaky sea salt to make all those flavors pop.
4. Bake:
Place your creation in the oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes. Keep an eye on it! To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out with moist crumbs—perfectly gooey but not wet.
5. Cool and Serve:
After baking, let the brownies cool completely in the pan. This helps the topping set nicely. When they’re cool, gently lift them out using the parchment paper and cut into squares for serving. Enjoy your rich, fudgy Pecan Pie Brownies!
These brownies will impress your friends and family with their amazing flavor and texture, as shown in the image. Happy baking!
Can I Use Different Nuts for the Topping?
Absolutely! While pecans are traditional for pecan pie brownies, you can use walnuts or almonds for a different flavor and crunch. Just chop them roughly and follow the same instructions for the topping.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, but let them come to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
Can I Freeze Pecan Pie Brownies?
Yes, these brownies freeze beautifully! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving.
Can I Make These Brownies Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that you trust. Make sure your cocoa powder and any other ingredients are also gluten-free to keep these brownies safe for gluten-sensitive friends!
