Pecan Pie Brownies – Immaculate Bites

Pecan Pie Brownies—A Dessert to Go Nuts For

Since it’s easy to make, transport, and serve, it’s the perfect go-to dessert for holiday gatherings or casual get-togethers. Have an upcoming office party to get to? Everyone loves brownies, so combine them with pecans, and you will be loved forever.

Recipe Ingredients

Brownie Layer

1. Unsalted Butter – Smooth and creamy, it melts easily and balances the brownies’ sweetness.
2. Semi-Sweet Chocolate – Intense chocolate flavor boasts the perfect balance of bittersweet.
3. Dark Brown Sugar – The darker the sugar, the more molasses it has. Yum!
4. Vanilla Extract – A sweet and somewhat floral flavor that enhances the aroma of many baked desserts. Homemade vanilla extract is easy and cheaper than store-bought.
5. Flour – The batter’s base ingredient gives brownies that fluffy, cakey texture.
6. Cocoa Powder – More chocolatiness for a true chocolate overload. 😍

Pecan Pie Layer 

1. Corn Syrup – This pantry staple provides substance and smoothness without making your brownies too sweet. Some people use maple syrup as a substitute, but I haven’t found anything that works as well.
2. Cinnamon – I love the warm sweet spiciness that cinnamon adds.
3. Pecans – Well, you can’t have pecan pie without pecans. The sweet nuttiness, butter-like flavor, and crunchy texture are more delicate than walnuts or almonds.

How to Make Pecan Pie Brownies

The Brownies

• Preheat your oven to 350°F/175°C.
• Prepare the baking pan – Spray a 9″x13″ or an 8 “×8”-inch baking pan (for thicker brownies) with oil spray and line with parchment paper. Leave a 2-inch overhang on both sides to lift the brownies out easier after they cool. Then grease the parchment paper with baking spray. Set the pan aside.
• Melt Chocolate – Combine the chocolate chips (or chunks) and butter in a medium bowl. Then melt in the microwave, stopping and stirring frequently every 20-30 seconds so it doesn’t burn, usually about 2 minutes. Keep stirring the chocolate until it is smooth, shiny, and completely melted. (If microwaving isn’t your thing, then melt in a double boiler over medium heat, stirring occasionally until melted.)
• Make the Brownies – Whisk the eggs in a large bowl. Then add and whisk the sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, and salt until combined.
• Add Chocolate – Stir in the melted chocolate, then gently fold the flour and cocoa powder in until thoroughly combined. 
• First Bake – Pour the batter into a prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25–35 minutes or until slightly undercooked.

The Pecan Pie Topping

• Pecan Pie Topping – Prepare the pecan pie topping while the brownies are baking. In a medium mixing bowl, mix the brown sugar, corn syrup, granulated sugar, melted butter, ground cinnamon, vanilla, and eggs until thoroughly combined (no visible clumps of sugar remaining). Fold in the chopped pecans until they’re evenly coated with the mixture.
• Assemble – Remove brownies from the oven once they are finished pre-baking. Pour the pecan filling over the top and spread it evenly over the brownies using a spatula. 
• Bake Again – Return the brownies to the oven and bake for 25-30 more minutes. After 25 minutes, check the brownies for doneness by lifting one side of the pan to see if the filling is jiggly (it should be a bit soft because it’s hot).
• Carefully remove the brownies from the oven and cool the pan on a wire rack. Use the edge of a thin silicone spatula to loosen the edges from the pan. As the brownies cool, the sugar hardens, making removing the pecan brownies easier. 
• Cool the brownies completely (2-3 hours) before lifting them from the pan.
• Serve – Slice brownies, top with ice cream if desired, and enjoy!

Recipe Variations 

1. Looking to jazz up the classic pecan pie topping? Add dried cranberries or raisins to the topping for a fruity twist. For a real indulgence, melt some caramel candies with heavy cream and a pinch of salt, then stir in some chopped pecans.
2. For a mouthwatering mocha-infused pecan brownie pie, mix coffee granules into the brownie batter and bake. 😍 ☕
3. A vegan option is just as easy and flexible. Swap regular butter and chocolate with vegan alternatives.

 Tips and Tricks 

1. You can also use store-bought brownie mix for this recipe. Follow the instructions on the brownie packaging and bake for ¾ of the suggested time before adding the pecan topping. 
2. Toast your pecans before throwing them in the batter for even better flavor and a nicer crunch. Spread them on a baking sheet and toast them in a 350°F/177℃ oven for 8-10 minutes or until fragrant.
3. You don’t want your sugar topping to burn and harden when it cools, so take care not to overcook the pecan brownie pie.

Make-Ahead Instructions

You can make your brownie batter ahead of time. Pour your batter into a greased and lined baking pan. Then, cover the pan tightly with plastic or foil and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Then remove the plastic wrap and bake it once the batter reaches room temperature.

The pecan pie topping can also be prepared beforehand. Once mixed, you can store the pecan pie filling in the refrigerator for 3 days.

Serving and Storage Instructions

Allow your brownie pecan pie to cool to room temperature, and serve with a dollop of fresh whipped cream. Or try a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a nice contrast with a slice of warmed pecan brownie pie.

Completely cool your brownies before storing them. Then cut them into slices or squares and place them in an airtight container (airtight lid or sealable plastic bag). Store in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. Freeze for 3 months.

FAQs

What to Serve With Pecan Pie Brownies

Pecan pie holds a special place at most Thanksgiving and Christmas tables. So serve up your delicious pecan pie brownies after a hearty dinner of pineapple honey-baked ham or collard greens with smoked turkey.

Or it can be a guilt-free dessert indulgence after a shrimp salad or Cajun honey butter salmon.

 More Decadent Cocoa Powder Recipes to Try 

1. Texas Sheet Cake
2. Chocolate Guinness Cake
3. Mississippi Mud Cake
4. Devil’s Food Cake

Conclusion

A few simple ingredients are all you need to create this pecan pie brownie recipe that will have your friends and family begging for more. Why not make this delicious pecan brownie pie for your next gathering? And let me know how you wowed your guests in the comments below. 😍

Watch How to Make It