Pecan Pie Brownies Recipe

Quick & Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies Recipe: A Sweet Treat Magic

Chocolate lovers might find their perfect dessert match in these decadent pecan pie brownies that blend rich, fudgy textures with caramelized nutty goodness.

Layers of intense cocoa create a stunning visual and flavor contrast against sweet, glossy pecan filling.

Crisp pecans scattered across a dense brownie base promise an irresistible crunch in every bite.

Southern baking traditions shine through this innovative dessert fusion that marries two classic treats into one indulgent experience.

Unexpected combinations often yield the most delightful culinary surprises, and this recipe proves that theory deliciously.

Passionate bakers will appreciate the simple yet sophisticated approach to creating something extraordinary from familiar ingredients.

Prepare to impress your guests with a dessert that elevates comfort food to an art form.

Why These Pecan Pie Brownies Are a Showstopper

  • Indulge in Decadent Layers: Combine the ultimate chocolate brownie with a classic pecan pie topping, creating a mind-blowing dessert that satisfies two cravings in one incredible treat.
  • Simplify Baking Magic: Requires basic baking skills and common pantry ingredients, making this recipe accessible for home bakers of all experience levels from beginners to seasoned pros.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert Sensation: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, holiday celebrations, and casual weekend dessert moments where you want to impress without complex preparation techniques.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap pecans for other nuts, adjust sweetness levels, or add chocolate chips to personalize this versatile dessert that welcomes creative baker's touches.

What You Need to Make Pecan Pie Brownies

Main Ingredients:

Flour Base: – Flour, Cocoa Powder: Core dry ingredients that provide structure and deep chocolate flavor for the brownies.

  • Baking Powder, Salt: Essential leavening and seasoning agents to enhance the brownie texture and taste.

Sugar Blend: – Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweeteners that create moisture, tenderness, and rich caramel undertones in the brownie.

Fat Components: – Unsalted Butter, Vegetable Oil: Primary fat sources that contribute to the brownies’ rich, moist texture and flavor.

Binding Ingredients: – Eggs: Crucial element that helps bind the ingredients and provide structure to the brownie.

Flavor Enhancers: – Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the overall chocolate flavor profile.

  • Corn Syrup: Provides additional sweetness and helps create a glossy, smooth texture.

Topping: – Pecans: Crunchy nuts that add texture and nutty flavor to the top of the brownies.

Step-by-Step Pecan Pie Brownie Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Grab your 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, letting the edges hang slightly over the sides for easy brownie removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl. This ensures a silky-smooth base without any pesky lumps.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a separate bowl, whip unsalted butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and irresistibly creamy.

Step 4: Blend Wet Ingredients

Whisk eggs, vegetable oil, corn syrup, and vanilla extract into the butter mixture. Stir until everything looks glossy and well-combined.

Step 5: Combine Batter

Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir carefully to keep the batter smooth and velvety, avoiding overmixing.

Step 6: Spread the Base

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, creating a perfect chocolate foundation.

Step 7: Sprinkle Pecan Magic

Generously scatter chopped pecans across the top of the batter. Make sure they’re distributed evenly for a nutty crunch in every bite.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into a preheated oven at 350°F. Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 9: Cool and Set

Remove from the oven and let the brownies cool completely in the pan for at least one hour. Patience is key to perfect texture.

Step 10: Slice and Serve

Cut into squares and enjoy the rich chocolate base topped with crunchy pecans. These brownies are a true dessert lover’s dream!

Kitchen Tips for Perfect Brownie-Pie Fusion

  • Prevent Dry Brownies: Add an extra egg yolk or replace some butter with oil to maintain moisture and create a fudgier texture.
  • Select Quality Pecans: Toast pecans briefly before adding to intensify their nutty flavor and enhance the overall taste of the brownies.
  • Check Doneness Carefully: Remove brownies from the oven when a few moist crumbs cling to the toothpick to avoid overcooking and ensure a soft, rich center.
  • Maximize Flavor Depth: Use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar to introduce deeper caramel notes and increase complexity in the brownie base.
  • Store Smartly: Keep brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Flavor Swaps for Pecan Pie Brownie Fans

  • Caramel Pecan Paradise: Replace corn syrup with homemade caramel sauce, adding deep golden flavor and extra richness to the brownie base.
  • Bourbon Chocolate Crunch: Incorporate 2 tablespoons of bourbon into the wet ingredients and sprinkle sea salt over pecans for sophisticated adult-friendly version.
  • Dark Chocolate Nutty Blast: Use dark cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa and mix chopped dark chocolate chunks into the batter for intense chocolate experience.
  • Maple Pecan Dream: Swap corn syrup with pure maple syrup and add ground cinnamon to create a warm, autumnal flavor profile in the brownies.

Delicious Pairings for Pecan Pie Brownies

  • Pair Sweet Southern Bourbon: A smooth Kentucky bourbon complements the rich chocolate and nutty pecan flavors, cutting through the dessert's sweetness with its warm, caramel undertones.
  • Create Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Companion: Serve a scoop of creamy, cold vanilla bean ice cream alongside the warm brownies, creating a delightful temperature and texture contrast that elevates the dessert experience.
  • Match Dark Roast Coffee Connection: Brew a strong, bold dark roast coffee with subtle chocolate notes that harmonizes perfectly with the brownie's deep chocolate base and enhances the pecan's earthy crunch.
  • Introduce Salted Caramel Drizzle Accent: Delicately drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce over the brownies, adding a luxurious layer of complexity that ties together the chocolate, pecans, and overall dessert profile.

How to Store These Rich Brownies Properly

  • Store brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and preventing moisture loss.
  • Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag for up to 3 months, preserving their rich flavor and texture.
  • Keep brownies in a sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days, ensuring they remain soft and delectable, away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
  • Place parchment paper between brownie layers when storing to prevent them from sticking together and maintain their perfect shape and appearance.

FAQ for Pecan Pie Brownie Lovers

  • Why do I need to sift the dry ingredients?

Sifting helps break up any lumps in flour, cocoa powder, and other dry ingredients, ensuring a smoother, more consistent brownie texture without clumps.

  • Can I use different types of nuts instead of pecans?

Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a similar crunchy texture and nutty flavor in your brownies.

  • How do I know when the brownies are perfectly baked?

Check for a toothpick with a few moist crumbs when inserted near the center. This indicates the brownies are cooked but still deliciously fudgy.

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Pecan Pie Brownies Recipe

Pecan Pie Brownies Recipe


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4.5 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Rich chocolate brownies meet Southern classic pecan pie in this irresistible dessert mashup. Gooey chocolate layers merge with caramelized pecans, creating a luxurious treat that will satisfy serious sweet cravings and impress dessert enthusiasts.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 3/4 cup chopped pecans

Binding Ingredients:

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup corn syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Baking Ingredients:

  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp milk (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing slight overhang for easy removal.
  2. Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl to ensure smooth, lump-free dry ingredients.
  3. Cream unsalted butter with granulated and brown sugars in a separate bowl until light and fluffy, creating a rich base for the brownies.
  4. Whisk eggs, vegetable oil, corn syrup, and vanilla extract into the butter mixture until thoroughly combined and glossy.
  5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently to maintain a smooth, velvety brownie batter without overmixing.
  6. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula to create a uniform layer.
  7. Sprinkle chopped pecans generously across the top of the batter, ensuring even distribution for consistent nutty flavor in every bite.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  9. Remove from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan for at least 1 hour before lifting out using the parchment paper.
  10. Cut into squares and serve, enjoying the rich chocolate base and crunchy pecan topping.

Notes

  • Toast pecans lightly before adding to enhance their nutty, rich flavor and release more aromatic oils for deeper taste complexity.
  • Swap corn syrup with maple syrup or honey for a more natural sweetness and unique flavor profile that complements the chocolate.
  • Check brownies early to prevent overcooking, as they continue baking slightly after removal from the oven, ensuring a fudgy, moist texture.
  • Use gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version without compromising the dense, decadent brownie consistency.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 75 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 35 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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