Decadent Pecan Pie Brownies: A Perfect Dessert Combo

Are you ready to elevate your holiday baking game with a show-stopping treat that combines the best of two worlds – decadent brownies and classic pecan pie? Look no further than these irresistible Pecan Pie Brownies. This recipe is a delightful fusion of rich, fudgy chocolate brownies and a gooey, nutty pecan pie topping that will have your taste buds singing with joy.

I stumbled upon this gem of a recipe a few years back during Thanksgiving when I couldn’t choose between baking brownies or a pecan pie. The marriage of flavors and textures in these Pecan Pie Brownies is simply magical. The brownie layer provides a rich, buttery base, while the pecan pie topping adds that classic pecan pie sweetness and crunch. The best part? Despite their impressive appearance, these brownies are surprisingly easy to make, making them a perfect holiday baking secret weapon for any occasion.

I’ve fine-tuned this recipe over the years, ensuring that every bite delivers the perfect balance of chocolatey goodness and nutty sweetness. Whether you serve these Pecan Pie Brownies at room temperature, slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or dusted with powdered sugar for a festive touch, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to create lasting memories and draw compliments galore with these delightful Pecan Pie Brownies that are bound to become a holiday favorite in your baking repertoire.

Quick Benefits

• Perfect Balance of Flavors and Textures: The combination of fudgy chocolate brownies and gooey, nutty pecan pie topping offers a delightful contrast that pleases the palate.
• Versatile and Customizable: Easily adaptable with variations like adding bourbon, cinnamon, or chocolate chips for a personalized touch.
• Long Shelf Life and Freezer-Friendly: Stays fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days, refrigerates well for up to a week, and freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it a convenient make-ahead dessert option.
• Impressive and Crowd-Pleasing: A visually stunning dessert that garners compliments and makes a memorable addition to any holiday gathering or gift basket.

Why You’ll Love This Decadent Pecan Pie Brownies: A Perfect Dessert Combo Recipe

• The perfect balance of flavors and textures between fudgy chocolate brownies and gooey pecan pie topping creates a dessert that will make people think you spent hours in the kitchen, when it’s surprisingly straightforward to make.
• The recipe has been perfected over years with small tweaks to achieve the ideal ratio between the brownie layer and pecan topping, ensuring each component shines.
• Serve at room temperature for the perfect texture, or warm slightly with a scoop of ice cream for a decadent treat. They can also be cut into smaller squares for an elegant addition to a holiday cookie platter.
• The recipe offers various customization options such as adding bourbon to the pecan mixture, cinnamon to the brownie batter, or chocolate chips for a delightful twist, allowing you to cater to different preferences.
• These brownies keep well at room temperature for up to 3 days, refrigerate for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months, making them a convenient make-ahead dessert option.
• The dessert is versatile and perfect for various occasions like holiday gatherings, bake sales, or as homemade gifts, with its unique combination of flavors intriguing and delighting everyone who tries it.
• Tips like underbaking for a fudgy texture, toasting the pecans for extra flavor, or adding espresso powder for enhanced chocolate taste, ensure that every bite is a culinary delight.

Ingredients for Decadent Pecan Pie Brownies: A Perfect Dessert Combo

• Corn syrup – Just a small amount helps create that classic pecan pie consistency that sets but remains gloriously gooey. Light or dark both work here.
• Brown sugar – The molasses content in brown sugar creates that distinctive pecan pie flavor and helps achieve that perfect gooey texture in the topping. Dark brown sugar provides even more richness.
• Cocoa powder – This gives the brownies their deep chocolate flavor without making them too sweet. Dutch-processed cocoa creates the darkest color and most intense flavor, but regular works beautifully too.
• Pecans – The star of the show! Toasting them briefly before adding to the mixture enhances their nutty flavor significantly.
• Unsalted butter – Using unsalted butter in both layers allows you to control the salt content precisely. The brownie layer needs that rich buttery foundation for the perfect fudgy texture.

How to Make Decadent Pecan Pie Brownies: A Perfect Dessert Combo

Step 1: Prepare oven and pan

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing for some overhang.

Step 2: Make brownie batter

1. Microwave butter in a medium bowl until melted. Whisk in granulated sugar until combined. Add eggs one at a time, whisking after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 3: Add dry ingredients to brownie batter

Sift cocoa powder into the mixture, then add flour and salt. Gently fold until just combined, being cautious not to overmix. Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan.

Step 4: Prepare pecan pie layer

In a different bowl, mix chopped pecans, brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.

Step 5: Combine layers

Spoon dollops of the pecan pie mixture onto the brownie batter. Swirl gently with a knife or toothpick to create a marbled effect, being careful not to overmix for distinct layers.

Step 6: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the center is cooked through and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 7: Cool and slice

Cool the brownies in the pan on a wire rack until completely cooled. Then, lift them out using the parchment paper, cut into squares, and serve.

Storage Tips

After making a batch of these delightful Pecan Pie Brownies, you can store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. Remember to bring them back to room temperature before serving to enjoy the best texture. To freeze the brownies, layer them between sheets of parchment paper, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw the brownies overnight in the refrigerator and bring them to room temperature before serving.

These Pecan Pie Brownies make for a versatile dessert that can be served on various occasions. You can elevate them by warming slightly and adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat. For a festive touch, lightly dust the tops with powdered sugar before serving. Experiment with different variations like adding bourbon to the pecan mixture, cinnamon to the brownie batter, or chocolate chips to create unique flavor profiles. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, participating in a bake sale, or giving them as gifts, these brownies are sure to impress with their rich chocolate brownie base and gooey, nutty pecan pie topping that never fails to delight.

Ingredient Substitutions

For the Pecan Pie Brownies, there are a few ingredient substitutions you can consider based on personal preferences or dietary restrictions. Instead of unsalted butter, you can use salted butter and adjust the added salt in the recipe accordingly to control the overall saltiness. If you don’t have corn syrup on hand, you can substitute it with an equal amount of maple syrup or honey for a different flavor profile. Additionally, if you prefer a different type of nut, you can swap the pecans for walnuts or almonds to create a variation of the brownies with a different nutty flavor.

If you want to make a vegan version of these brownies, you can replace the butter with a plant-based alternative like vegan butter or coconut oil. To make the recipe gluten-free, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. For a healthier twist, you can reduce the amount of sugar by using a sugar substitute like coconut sugar or erythritol. Experimenting with different types of cocoa powder, such as raw cacao powder or dark chocolate cocoa powder, can also alter the intensity of the chocolate flavor in the brownies.

Serving Suggestions

These Pecan Pie Brownies are a delightful fusion of two classic desserts that will be a hit at any holiday gathering. For a decadent serving suggestion, warm them slightly and top with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The combination of warm, fudgy brownie with gooey pecan pie topping and cold ice cream creates a delightful contrast in temperature and texture that will have your guests coming back for more.

For a festive touch, dust the brownies lightly with powdered sugar before serving. The snowy dusting adds a touch of elegance and a hint of sweetness to these rich treats. Paired with a cup of hot coffee or a glass of bourbon-infused eggnog, these Pecan Pie Brownies are the perfect way to end a holiday meal or to enjoy as a cozy winter dessert by the fireplace.

FAQs for Decadent Pecan Pie Brownies: A Perfect Dessert Combo

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter in this recipe?

It’s recommended to use unsalted butter in both layers to precisely control the salt content. However, if you only have salted butter on hand, you can use it, but consider reducing the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.

Can I substitute the corn syrup with another sweetener?

Corn syrup helps create the classic pecan pie consistency in the topping. If you prefer to avoid corn syrup, you can try using maple syrup or a combination of honey and molasses as substitutes. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly.

How do I know when the brownies are done baking?

Slightly underbaking the brownies creates a fudgy texture. You can test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. Remember that they will continue to set as they cool, so it’s better to slightly underbake than overbake.

Can I make these brownies ahead of time and freeze them?

Yes, these brownies freeze exceptionally well for up to 3 months. To freeze, layer them between sheets of parchment paper, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Conclusion

I hope this recipe for Pecan Pie Brownies brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine. The fusion of fudgy brownies and luscious pecan pie topping is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for holiday gatherings or just a cozy night in. The simplicity of this dessert belies its decadent flavors, making it a standout in any spread.

Experiment with the recipe by trying out the suggested variations or adding your own twist. Whether you choose to enjoy these brownies with a scoop of ice cream, a dusting of powdered sugar, or simply on their own, the rich flavors and comforting textures are sure to leave a lasting impression. Pecan Pie Brownies are not just a treat for the taste buds but also a delightful experience to share with loved ones, making every bite a moment to savor. Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with the aroma of these delightful Pecan Pie Brownies soon!

Decadent Pecan Pie Brownies: A Perfect Dessert Combo

Indulge in the ultimate holiday dessert with Pecan Pie Brownies—a decadent fusion of fudgy chocolate and gooey pecan pie topping.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time15 Minutes

Cook Time30 Minutes

Total Time45 Minutes

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings16 Servings (16 brownies)

Ingredients

• Corn syrup – Just a small amount helps create that classic pecan pie consistency that sets but remains gloriously gooey. Light or dark both work here.
• Brown sugar – The molasses content in brown sugar creates that distinctive pecan pie flavor and helps achieve that perfect gooey texture in the topping. Dark brown sugar provides even more richness.
• Cocoa powder – This gives the brownies their deep chocolate flavor without making them too sweet. Dutch-processed cocoa creates the darkest color and most intense flavor, but regular works beautifully too.
• Pecans – The star of the show! Toasting them briefly before adding to the mixture enhances their nutty flavor significantly.
• Unsalted butter – Using unsalted butter in both layers allows you to control the salt content precisely. The brownie layer needs that rich buttery foundation for the perfect fudgy texture.

Instructions

1. Prepare oven and pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing for some overhang.
2. Make brownie batter: 1. Microwave butter in a medium bowl until melted. Whisk in granulated sugar until combined. Add eggs one at a time, whisking after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
3. Add dry ingredients to brownie batter: Sift cocoa powder into the mixture, then add flour and salt. Gently fold until just combined, being cautious not to overmix. Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan.
4. Prepare pecan pie layer: In a different bowl, mix chopped pecans, brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
5. Combine layers: Spoon dollops of the pecan pie mixture onto the brownie batter. Swirl gently with a knife or toothpick to create a marbled effect, being careful not to overmix for distinct layers.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the center is cooked through and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
7. Cool and slice: Cool the brownies in the pan on a wire rack until completely cooled. Then, lift them out using the parchment paper, cut into squares, and serve.