If you adore the rich, nutty flavors of pecan pie and the fudgy, chocolatey goodness of brownies, then you are going to fall head over heels for this fantastic Pecan Pie Brownies Recipe. It’s a delightful mashup that brings together the best of both worlds in one irresistible dessert. Imagine biting into soft, chewy brownies topped with a luscious layer of sweet, gooey pecan pie filling—each slice is a symphony of textures and tastes that promise pure comfort and celebration in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this recipe will quickly become a cherished favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Pecan Pie Brownies Recipe lies in its simple ingredients, each playing an essential role. The brownie mix delivers that classic fudgy base, while the pecan pie filling’s combination of sugar, eggs, and butter creates the perfect sweet and sticky topping. The pecans add a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor that brings balance to the rich layers.
- Brownie mix: Choose your favorite boxed mix for a quick and consistent fudgy base that everyone will love.
- Sugar: This adds the essential sweetness that complements the chocolatey brownies perfectly.
- Light corn syrup: Helps create a smooth, glossy texture for the pecan pie topping without overpowering the flavors.
- Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the pecan pie filling, helping it set beautifully.
- Unsalted butter: Adds a luxurious depth and creaminess that enhances the overall flavor.
- Vanilla extract: A fragrant note that lifts the sweetness and rounds out the taste.
- Pecans: Roughly chopped for the perfect crunchy contrast to the soft brownie and gooey topping.
How to Make Pecan Pie Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
First things first, follow the instructions on your brownie box to set the oven temperature just right. This ensures your brownies bake evenly and develop that perfect fudgy texture underneath the pecan topping.
Step 2: Prepare the Pecan Pie Filling
In a small saucepan, whisk together the sugar, light corn syrup, eggs, butter, and vanilla extract. Cook this mixture over medium-high heat, stirring continuously, so it thickens without curdling. It usually takes around 15 minutes to reach the ideal consistency—think of it as thick as runny oatmeal. Once thickened, stir in your roughly chopped pecans to coat them well and cook for another 2-3 minutes to meld all the flavors together fabulously.
Step 3: Prepare and Bake the Brownie Base
Next, prepare the brownie batter exactly as directed on your package. Pour it into a greased 13×9 inch baking pan, smoothing it out evenly. Bake the brownies for about 20 minutes or follow the package’s instructions to get that soft, rich base ready to be enhanced.
Step 4: Add the Pecan Pie Filling and Bake Again
When the brownies have baked, carefully remove them from the oven and pour the luscious pecan pie filling evenly over the warm surface. Return the pan to the oven and continue baking for another 25-30 minutes. The filling should jiggle slightly in the center but be set around the edges, creating that perfect balance of gooey and firm.
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Once baked, allow the Pecan Pie Brownies to cool completely at room temperature before cutting. This step is crucial because it lets the layers set properly, making those neat squares that are as beautiful as they are delicious.
How to Serve Pecan Pie Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar can add a touch of elegance to your brownies without overshadowing their flavors. For an extra indulgent touch, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully, creating an irresistible contrast of warm and cold, soft and creamy.
Side Dishes
Pecan Pie Brownies are rich and satisfying enough to shine on their own. However, serving them alongside fresh berries or a light fruit salad can add a refreshing counterpoint to the dense sweetness. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of cold milk also complements the nutty chocolate combo perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress guests, consider stacking the brownies in a pyramid on a decorative plate or serving them in individual ramekins with a drizzle of caramel sauce on top. You can also sprinkle some toasted pecan halves on the surface for a rustic look and an extra crunch boost.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pecan Pie Brownies keep wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This makes them convenient for preparing ahead of time or enjoying as a snack throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to extend their life, wrap the brownies tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. They will last for up to three months this way. Just thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy their sweet, nutty goodness again.
Reheating
When reheating, pop a brownie in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to warm it up without drying it out. The filling will soften slightly, bringing back that fresh-baked sensation. Avoid reheating for too long or the brownies may become crumbly.
FAQs
Can I use homemade brownie batter instead of a box mix?
Absolutely! If you prefer making your brownies from scratch, just use your favorite recipe and bake the base accordingly. The pecan pie topping will work just as beautifully over homemade brownies, giving the dessert an even more personalized touch.
What type of pecans work best for this recipe?
Fresh, raw pecans are ideal since they toast and flavor the filling nicely without any added salt or seasoning. Roughly chopping them ensures a great mixture of crunchy bits and smaller pieces that meld into the gooey topping perfectly.
Can I substitute corn syrup with something else?
Light corn syrup helps create that sticky, glossy filling, but you can swap it with golden syrup or a neutral honey if needed. Just keep in mind that it might slightly change the texture and flavor of the topping, but it will still be delicious.
How do I know when the pecan pie filling is done baking?
After the final bake, the filling should jiggle slightly in the center when you gently shake the pan but be set around the edges. This means it’s perfectly cooked—gooey yet stable enough to cut into neat slices.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free brownie mix and ensure that your other ingredients like vanilla extract and cornsyrup are gluten-free certified. This recipe adapts well without sacrificing any of the rich flavors or textures.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dessert that thrills with every bite and brings a cozy sense of delight to your kitchen, this Pecan Pie Brownies Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s rich, nutty, chocolaty, and sticky-sweet all at once—making it impossible to eat just one piece. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep this recipe close and share it with everyone who loves a wonderful treat. So go ahead, bake a batch, and savor the happiness in every bite!
Print
Pecan Pie Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the perfect marriage of rich brownies and classic pecan pie in these decadent Pecan Pie Brownies. Featuring a fudgy brownie base topped with a gooey, nutty pecan pie filling, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser ideal for gatherings or a special treat. Easy to prepare with a brownie mix and simple ingredients, these bars combine the best of two beloved desserts in one delicious bite.
Ingredients
Brownie Base
- 1 box brownie mix (for 13×9 inch pan, plus ingredients listed on the package)
Pecan Pie Filling
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 cups light corn syrup
- 4 eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups pecans, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven according to the brownie package instructions to ensure optimal baking temperature.
- Prepare the Pecan Pie Filling: In a small saucepan, whisk together the sugar, light corn syrup, eggs, unsalted butter, and vanilla extract. Cook this mixture over medium-high heat while stirring continuously to prevent curdling or burning.
- Thicken the Filling: Continue cooking and stirring the filling as it thickens, approximately 15 minutes. Once thickened to a runny oatmeal consistency, stir in the roughly chopped pecans and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to incorporate the nuts and enhance the flavor.
- Prepare the Brownie Base: Following the instructions on the brownie mix package, prepare the brownie batter. Pour the batter into a well-greased 13×9 inch baking pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake the Brownies: Bake the brownies for about 20 minutes or according to the package instructions, just until partially set but not fully baked through.
- Combine and Bake Again: Remove the brownies from the oven and carefully pour the warm pecan pie filling over the brownies, spreading it evenly over the top.
- Final Bake: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes. The filling should jiggle slightly in the center but be set to ensure a perfect texture.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely to room temperature before cutting into 16 squares to ensure clean slices and enhanced flavor. Serve and enjoy your rich pecan pie brownies!
Notes
- Make sure to stir constantly when cooking the pecan pie filling to avoid curdling the eggs.
- Use a greased or parchment-lined 13×9 inch baking pan for easy removal.
- These brownies are best served at room temperature or slightly chilled.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For a more intense pecan flavor, toast the pecans lightly before chopping.
