Pecan Pie Brownies have officially stolen my heart, and I just know they’ll steal yours too! Imagine biting into a rich, fudgy brownie, only to discover a layer of gooey, caramelized pecan pie filling right on top. It’s a match made in dessert heaven. This brownie pecan pie hybrid is my go-to for holidays and potlucks; the aroma of chocolate and toasted pecans filling my kitchen always brings a smile to my face. They’re incredibly satisfying and just so delicious. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love These Pecan Pie Brownies
- An incredible taste sensation: the perfect blend of rich, fudgy chocolate and sweet, nutty pecan pie
- Super quick to whip up, making them ideal for last-minute cravings
- A surprisingly budget-friendly treat, especially when made from a mix
- Family-approved! Even picky eaters adore this sweet treat
- These easy pecan pie brownies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser
- The delightful texture contrast between chewy brownie and crunchy pecans is divine
- A fantastic option when you want something special without a lot of fuss
- You’ll be making these easy pecan pie brownies again and again!
Ingredients for Pecan Pie Brownies
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these amazing pecan pie brownies. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity, starting with a convenient brownie mix. For the luscious pecan pie topping, you’ll need a few pantry staples. These ingredients come together to form the ultimate pecan pie topping brownies.
- 1 family-size box brownie mix – plus the ingredients called for on the box (usually eggs, oil, and water)
- 1 cup granulated sugar – this forms the base of our gooey topping
- 1 ½ cups corn syrup – essential for that classic pecan pie texture and shine
- 4 large eggs – they bind everything together for the topping
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted – adds richness and helps the topping set
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract – for that warm, comforting flavor
- 2 cups pecans, chopped or whole – you can use halves or chopped pecans, whatever you prefer for your topping
How to Make Pecan Pie Brownies
Ready to whip up some magic? Learning how to make pecan pie brownies is simpler than you think! These steps will guide you to that perfect sweet treat.
- Step 1: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This ensures your brownies won’t stick.
- Step 2: Prepare the brownie batter according to the package directions. Pour this rich, chocolatey batter evenly into your greased baking dish.
- Step 3: Bake the brownie layer for 20 minutes. You’ll notice it starting to set around the edges, and the chocolate aroma will begin to fill your kitchen.
- Step 4: While the brownies are baking, prepare the pecan pie topping. In a medium bowl, whisk together the 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 ½ cups corn syrup, 4 large eggs, ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted, and 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Step 5: Stir in the 2 cups pecans into the wet ingredients. Make sure they are evenly distributed for that perfect bite in every piece.
- Step 6: Carefully remove the partially baked brownies from the oven. Pour the pecan mixture evenly over the top of the brownie batter, spreading it gently to cover the entire surface.
- Step 7: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25–35 minutes. You’re looking for the pecan topping to be set but still slightly jiggly in the very center – this is key to that gooey texture!
- Step 8: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let the pecan pie brownies cool completely on a wire rack. This cooling step is crucial for the flavors to meld and for cleaner slicing. I find that waiting is the hardest part, but it’s so worth it when you see those perfect squares!
Pro Tips for the Best Pecan Pie Brownies
I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that really elevate these pecan pie brownies from good to absolutely unforgettable. Follow these tips for guaranteed success!
- Using a good quality brownie mix as a base makes these easy pecan pie brownies a breeze, but don’t skimp on the fresh pecans for the topping!
- For perfectly distributed pecans in the filling, try chopping them slightly – this helps them nestle into the gooey topping.
- Don’t be tempted to overbake! The magic of these brownies lies in that slightly jiggly center, which sets up as they cool for that coveted gooey pecan pie brownies texture.
What’s the secret to perfect Pecan Pie Brownies?
The secret is all in the topping! Using corn syrup and eggs creates that classic, luscious pecan pie filling that bakes up perfectly over the brownie base. This combination ensures a wonderfully gooey pecan pie brownies result every time. For more baking tips, check out these focaccia bread secrets and recipes.
Can I make Pecan Pie Brownies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the brownie batter and topping mixture separately a day in advance. Store the batter covered in the fridge and the topping mixture at room temperature. Assemble and bake when you’re ready for a delicious homemade pecan pie brownies treat.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Pecan Pie Brownies?
The biggest pitfall is overbaking, which can dry out both the brownie and the pecan topping. Also, make sure your brownie batter is spread evenly before adding the pecan mixture to ensure consistent baking. Learn more about proper baking techniques from this guide on french cruller donuts recipe.
Best Ways to Serve Pecan Pie Brownies
These decadent pecan pie brownies are a showstopper on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a few simple additions. For a truly special pecan pie brownie dessert experience, I love serving them warm with a scoop of classic vanilla ice cream. The contrast of warm, gooey brownie and cold, creamy ice cream is simply divine! Another fantastic pairing is a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. They also make a delightful addition to a holiday dessert platter alongside cookies and other treats.
Nutrition Facts for Pecan Pie Brownies
Let’s talk about what makes these pecan pie brownies such a delightful indulgence. Each square is packed with flavor, offering that perfect balance of chocolate and pecan goodness. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional highlights per serving, so you know exactly what you’re enjoying with this delicious pecan pie brownie dessert.
- Serving Size: 1 square (approx. 60g)
- Calories: 330
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 30g
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more information on nutritional estimates, you can refer to resources like the USDA’s guide to nutrition labeling.
How to Store and Reheat Pecan Pie Brownies
Once your incredible homemade pecan pie brownies have cooled completely – and trust me, the wait is worth it! – it’s time to think about storage. To keep them tasting their absolute best, store them in an airtight container. I find that lining the container with parchment paper first helps maintain their texture, especially for those delicious chewy pecan pie brownies. You can keep them at room temperature for a day or two, but for longer freshness, pop them into the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For even longer storage, these brownies freeze beautifully! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and they’ll stay delicious in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply unwrap and warm them in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for a few minutes until they’re soft and gooey again.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pecan Pie Brownies
What are Pecan Pie Brownies?
Pecan Pie Brownies are a delightful dessert mashup that combines the rich, fudgy texture of a classic brownie with the sweet, gooey, nutty filling of a traditional pecan pie. It’s essentially a brownie base topped with a pecan pie mixture, creating a truly decadent brownie pecan pie hybrid that’s perfect for any occasion. If you enjoy unique dessert combinations, you might also like these churro saltine toffee.
Are these the best pecan pie brownies for a crowd?
Absolutely! These pecan pie brownies are incredibly popular and always a hit at parties, holidays, or potlucks. Their unique flavor combination and satisfying texture make them a memorable treat that guests rave about. They’re simple to make and transport, making them ideal for sharing. For other crowd-pleasing recipes, check out the latest recipes.
Can I make fudgy pecan pie brownies with a different type of nut?
While pecans are traditional and truly shine here, you can experiment with other nuts if you prefer or have them on hand. Walnuts are a fantastic substitute and offer a similar rich flavor profile. You could also try a mix of nuts for added complexity. Just ensure they are roughly chopped to distribute well in the topping.
What makes these pecan pie brownies so chewy?
The combination of the brownie base and the corn syrup-based pecan topping is key to achieving that wonderfully chewy and gooey texture. Corn syrup helps prevent crystallization, keeping the filling soft and pliable, while the brownie itself, when not overbaked, retains a perfect fudgy chewiness. For more baking tips, consider these nutter butter bars.
Variations of Pecan Pie Brownies You Can Try
While this classic recipe for pecan pie brownies is already a winner, there are so many fun ways to mix things up! If you’re looking for dietary adjustments or just a new flavor twist, these variations are fantastic. For a beautiful presentation, try making pecan pie swirl brownies by swirling a bit of the pecan topping into the brownie batter before baking. If you need a gluten-free option, simply use your favorite gluten-free brownie mix as the base. For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of espresso powder to the brownie batter. And if you’re feeling adventurous, a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg in the pecan topping can add a warm, cozy note to these delightful brownie pecan pie hybrid treats.
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Pecan Pie Brownies: 1 Dreamy Dessert
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in Pecan Pie Brownies, a delightful fusion of rich, fudgy brownies and a gooey pecan pie topping. These brownies are perfect for holidays or casual gatherings, offering a unique flavor experience with chocolate and caramelized pecans.
Ingredients
- 1 family-size box brownie mix (plus required ingredients)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups corn syrup
- 4 eggs
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups pecans, chopped or whole
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the brownie batter as per package instructions and pour it into the prepared dish.
- Bake for 20 minutes, then remove from the oven.
- In a medium bowl, mix sugar, corn syrup, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in pecans.
- Pour the pecan mixture over the baked brownies and spread evenly.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 25–35 minutes until set but slightly jiggly in the center.
- Allow to cool completely before slicing into squares.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh ingredients.
- Do not overmix the brownie batter.
- Monitor baking time to avoid overcooking.
- Cool completely before cutting for cleaner slices.
- Chill briefly before slicing for even cleaner cuts.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
- Freeze wrapped tightly for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (approx. 60g)
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
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