Pecan Pie Brownies Recipe
These Pecan Pie Brownies are the perfect combination of two beloved desserts: gooey, rich pecan pie and fudgy, chocolatey brownies. The brownie base is decadent and dense, while the pecan pie topping adds that sweet, nutty crunch that takes these brownies to the next level. A treat that’s sure to impress at any holiday gathering or family dinner!
Ingredients:
For the Brownie Base:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional, for extra chocolatey goodness)
For the Pecan Pie Topping:
- 1 cup light corn syrup (or dark corn syrup for a deeper flavor)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups pecan halves (or chopped pecans if preferred)
Instructions:
1. Make the Brownie Base:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until fully combined. The batter will be thick.
- Stir in the chocolate chips (if using) for extra richness.
- Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). The brownies should be mostly set but not fully baked, as they will finish cooking with the pecan topping.
2. Prepare the Pecan Pie Topping:
- While the brownies are baking, make the pecan pie topping.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
- Stir in the pecans, making sure they are well coated in the syrup mixture.
3. Assemble and Bake:
- Once the brownies are done baking (and while they are still slightly underbaked), remove them from the oven.
- Pour the pecan pie mixture evenly over the partially baked brownies. Use a spatula to spread the pecans evenly over the top.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes until the topping is set and slightly bubbly, and the center of the brownies is firm.
- Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 1-2 hours (or refrigerate for faster cooling) before cutting them into squares.
4. Serve:
- Once cooled, cut the brownies into squares and serve! They’re rich and decadent, with the perfect balance of fudgy brownie and crunchy, sweet pecan pie topping.
Storage:
- At Room Temperature: Store leftover pecan pie brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
- Refrigeration: You can also store them in the fridge for up to 1 week for an extra firm texture.
- Freezing: These brownies freeze well! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Why You’ll Love These Pecan Pie Brownies:
- Decadent Combination: The fudgy, chocolatey brownie base paired with the rich, nutty pecan pie topping creates a perfect marriage of flavors and textures.
- Easy to Make: These brownies come together quickly and bake in one pan, making them a low-fuss dessert.
- Impressive for Holidays: Whether for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any celebration, these pecan pie brownies are sure to impress your guests.
- No Special Equipment Needed: You can whip these up without any fancy tools, just basic kitchen equipment like a whisk and a mixing bowl.
Tips for Success:
- Underbake the Brownies: The brownie base needs to be slightly underbaked before you add the pecan topping so that the entire dessert stays soft and fudgy. If you bake the brownies too long, they will be too firm to hold the pecan topping properly.
- Use Fresh Pecans: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh pecans. If possible, toast them lightly in the oven for 5 minutes to bring out their natural oils and flavor before adding them to the topping.
- Let Them Cool: These brownies are rich, so allow them to cool fully before slicing. If you’re in a hurry, refrigerate them to speed up the process.
These Pecan Pie Brownies are a showstopper dessert that combines the best of both worlds. They’re perfect for those who can’t decide between a classic brownie or a slice of pecan pie! The sweet, gooey topping and fudgy base are sure to win over anyone who tries them. Enjoy!
