Oh, you are going to LOVE these pecan pie brownies. Seriously, if you’re looking for a dessert that screams “special occasion” but is secretly easy enough for a Tuesday night, this is IT. I’ve been baking for what feels like forever, and these brownies have become a total go-to. They’re this perfect marriage of a rich, fudgy chocolate brownie base and a gooey, sweet pecan pie topping. It’s like getting two amazing desserts in one bite! Trust me, once you try these, they’ll be a staple in your kitchen too.
Why You’ll Love These Pecan Pie Brownies
- Super Easy to Make: Seriously, the brownie batter comes together in minutes, and the pecan topping is just as simple. No fuss, just deliciousness!
- Incredible Flavor Combo: You get that deep, chocolatey goodness from the brownie, perfectly balanced by the sweet, caramel-like pecan pie layer.
- Amazing Texture Contrast: The fudgy brownie base meets the slightly chewy, gooey pecan topping for a bite that’s just *chef’s kiss*.
The Perfect Blend of Chocolate and Pecan
Imagine the most decadent, fudgy chocolate brownie you’ve ever had. Now, picture it topped with a warm, gooey pecan pie filling that’s sweet, nutty, and utterly irresistible. That’s exactly what you get here – a harmonious fusion of two beloved classics that tastes even better together.
Essential Ingredients for Pecan Pie Brownies
Alright, let’s talk about what you’ll need to make these absolute showstoppers! Gathering your ingredients is half the fun, and having everything ready makes the baking process so smooth. You’ll need a few things for the brownie base and then some goodies for that irresistible pecan topping. Don’t worry, it’s all pretty standard stuff you probably have in your pantry or can grab easily!
For the Rich Brownie Base
First up, the chocolatey foundation! You’ll need 1 cup (that’s two sticks) of unsalted butter, all melted and ready to go. Then, grab 2 cups of granulated sugar, 4 large eggs – make sure they’re at room temperature if you can, it helps them mix better! – and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for that lovely warmth. For the dry stuff, we’ve got 1 cup of all-purpose flour, half a cup of unsweetened cocoa powder for that deep chocolate flavor, half a teaspoon of salt, and half a teaspoon of baking powder to give them just a little lift.
For the Gooey Pecan Topping
Now for the magic layer! You’ll want 1 cup of chopped pecans – give them a rough chop so you get those nice nutty bits throughout. Then, we need half a cup of packed brown sugar for that caramel-y sweetness, a quarter cup of melted butter to make it gooey, 1 tablespoon of light corn syrup to help it set up just right, and another teaspoon of vanilla extract to really amp up the flavor. This topping is what takes these brownies from good to absolutely legendary!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pecan Pie Brownies
Alright, let’s get baking! This recipe is so straightforward, you’ll be amazed at how quickly these beauties come together. Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have a pan of pure chocolate-pecan heaven in no time. First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and get your 9×13 inch baking pan all greased and floured. This makes sure nothing sticks and you get those perfect, clean squares.
Preparing the Brownie Batter
In a nice big bowl, start by whisking together that melted butter and the granulated sugar. Get them all friendly and combined. Then, it’s time for the eggs – add them one at a time, beating after each one, and then stir in that teaspoon of vanilla. In a separate bowl, quickly whisk together your flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Now, gradually add those dry ingredients to your wet mixture. Mix until it’s *just* combined – seriously, don’t overdo it! Overmixing is the enemy of a good brownie. Pour this gorgeous, thick batter right into your prepared pan.
Creating the Pecan Pie Topping
This is where the magic really happens! Grab another bowl, and toss in your chopped pecans, the packed brown sugar, the quarter cup of melted butter, that tablespoon of corn syrup, and the other teaspoon of vanilla. Give it all a good stir until everything is well combined and the pecans are nicely coated. It’ll look a little clumpy, and that’s exactly what you want!
Assembling and Baking Your Pecan Pie Brownies
Now, take that lovely pecan mixture and spread it evenly over the brownie batter in the pan. Try to get it as consistent as possible so every brownie gets a good amount of that gooey topping. Pop the pan into your preheated oven. Bake for about 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted into the center of the brownies comes out with moist crumbs attached. We’re not looking for wet batter, but we don’t want it bone dry either! Let them cool completely in the pan before you even think about cutting them. Patience is key here for those perfect slices!
Tips for Perfect Pecan Pie Brownies
Alright, let’s get these pecan pie brownies absolutely perfect! I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that really make a difference, from picking the right ingredients to making sure everything bakes up just right. Follow these little tips, and you’ll be rewarded with the most amazing brownies!
Achieving the Perfect Texture
For that super fudgy brownie texture, try using a good quality dark chocolate cocoa powder – it really deepens the flavor! Also, be super careful not to overmix the batter once you add the flour; you just want it combined. A little bit of flour variation can also help; using slightly less flour will give you a denser, fudgier result! For more baking tips, check out this guide to baking.
Ensuring Even Topping Distribution
The key to getting that perfect bite with both brownie and pecan topping is even distribution. When you spread that pecan mixture over the batter, use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to gently smooth it out, making sure it reaches all the edges. This way, you won’t have a bite that’s all brownie or all topping – just pure, delicious harmony in every piece!
Serving and Storing Your Pecan Pie Brownies
These pecan pie brownies are absolutely divine served at room temperature, maybe with a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream! If you have any leftovers (which I doubt!), just pop them into an airtight container. They’ll stay wonderfully fresh on the counter for about 3-4 days. If you want to reheat them a bit to get that gooey topping nice and melty again, just pop a square in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Enjoy every last crumb!
Frequently Asked Questions about Pecan Pie Brownies
Got questions about these amazing pecan pie brownies? I’ve got answers! Baking should be fun, not frustrating, so let’s clear up anything you might be wondering about. These are some of the things people often ask me when they try this recipe.
Are these brownies fudgy or cakey?
These brownies lean towards the fudgy side, which is just how I like them! The recipe uses a good amount of butter and sugar, and we’re careful not to overmix the batter. If you want them even fudgier, you can try using dark chocolate cocoa powder and maybe even a touch less flour, but honestly, this recipe is pretty perfect as is!
Can I use different nuts in the topping?
Absolutely! While I adore pecans, you can totally swap them out for other nuts. Walnuts are a fantastic substitute and give a similar rich flavor. You could also try chopped almonds or even a mix of your favorite nuts. Just make sure they’re chopped so they spread nicely over the brownie batter!
Estimated Nutritional Information for Pecan Pie Brownies
Just a heads-up, the nutritional info for these pecan pie brownies is an estimate, like most home baking! Depending on the brands you use and how you measure, things can shift a little. But generally, each brownie is around 350 calories, with about 20g of fat (10g of that is saturated fat, thanks to all that butter and chocolate!). You’re looking at about 40g of carbohydrates and 4g of protein per serving. It’s a rich treat, so enjoy every bite!
Print
Decadent Pecan Pie Brownies In 1 Hour
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Decadent chocolate brownies topped with a gooey pecan pie filling.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, beat together the melted butter and granulated sugar.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then 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, mixing until just combined.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, melted butter, corn syrup, and vanilla extract.
- Spread the pecan mixture evenly over the brownie batter.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the brownies comes out with moist crumbs attached.
- Let cool completely before cutting and serving.
Notes
- For fudgier brownies, use less flour.
- For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate cocoa powder.
- Ensure the pecan topping is evenly distributed.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: pecan pie brownies, chocolate brownies, nutty brownies, dessert recipe, easy brownies