The easy pecan pie brownies are a match made in dessert heaven! Start by baking a batch of the most deliciously fudgy brownies and then pouring over a layer of homemade pecan pie filling that oozes over the top. As the mixture bakes in the oven, the pie filling sets into a gooey, nutty layer that takes every bite to the next level!
If you love pairing your favorite seasonal flavors with rich chocolate, you’ll love these tender and chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies! They’re made with real pumpkin puree and dark chocolate chips for crunch and sweetness. These Frosted Peppermint Brownie Cookies have the chewy, fudgy brownie texture you love with a dreamy peppermint frosting. They’re the perfect dessert for the holiday season!
I love pecan pie, but it can be too rich. That’s where the chocolate brownies come in! The rich, dark chocolate flavor cuts through the sweet pecan filling for a perfect balance of flavor. Plus, this pecan pie brownie recipe is way easier than rolling out pastry dough!
These gooey chocolate brownies are a great alternative to chocolate pecan pie or traditional pecan pie, both of which can be quite time-consuming to make.
Plus, they are so easy to customize! You can even use your favorite boxed mix for the brownie layer in a pinch. You might want to make a double batch – these do not last at all!
What are Pecan Pie Brownies?
Pecan pie brownies are a delicious twist on traditional pecan pie! Instead of adding the pecan pie filling to a pie crust, pour it on top of rich chocolate brownies for an easy dessert that pleases any crowd. These aren’t just pecan brownies with little pieces of nuts folded into the batter.
The homemade brownies are topped with a gooey pecan pie filling that has the same texture as traditional pecan pie, adding the most decadent texture and flavor. They’re the best Thanksgiving dessert and fantastic for the holidays!
Pecan Pie Brownie Recipe Ingredients
Here are the basic ingredients to make these delicious brownies. Check out the recipe card for full ingredient amounts.
Brownie Batter
- Melted butter: Use regular unsalted butter to keep the pecan pie brownies from tasting too salty.
- Chocolate chips: Melt the chips into the butter until smooth and glossy for a fudgy texture.
- Granulated sugar: This adds the perfect sweetness and the perfect chewy texture.
- Eggs: Eggs bind the brownie batter together and help it rise.
- Vanilla extract: A little vanilla adds a delicious aroma that pairs perfectly with chocolate.
- Kosher salt
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Cocoa powder adds an extra layer of chocolate flavor to complement the chocolate chips.
- All purpose flour: Stick with regular all purpose flour to hold the brownie batter together.
Pecan Pie Topping
- Brown sugar: This adds a caramel-like flavor to your bars and is a great alternative to corn syrup or maple syrup.
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
- Kosher salt
- Unsalted butter: As the ingredients melt together, the butter softens the sugar and adds a smooth texture to the nutty filling.
- Chopped pecans: Roast and chop crunchy pecans for a little crunch and a delicious nutty flavor.
How to Make Pecan Pie Brownies
Here are the simple instructions needed to make homemade pecan pie brownies. For the full instructions, check out the recipe card at the bottom of this blog post.
STEP 1: Preheat the oven. Butter a metal 9×9-inch baking pan and line with parchment paper.
STEP 2: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium high heat. Remove from heat when the butter is melted. Add in the semi sweet chocolate chips and stir once. Let sit for 3 minutes then stir everything together. Set aside to cool.
STEP 3: Whisk together sugar, eggs, salt, and vanilla. Mix in the cocoa powder.
STEP 4: Mix in melted chocolate mixture with 1/4 cup of chocolate chips if desired for chocolate chunks in brownies.
STEP 4: Sift in the flour and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
STEP 5: Pour the brownie batter into the baking pan. Bake for 35 minutes.
STEP 6: While the brownies are baking, make the pecan topping. In a microwave safe bowl, melt the butter. Stir in brown sugar, vanilla, egg and salt. Mix until the sugar has dissolved. Stir in pecans.
STEP 7: Pour the pecan mixture over the baked brownies and spread in an even layer.
STEP 8: Place the brownies back in the oven. Cool completely before cutting.
Tips for Success
- The secret to the best brownies is melting the butter and chocolate chips together. They’re perfectly fudgy every time!
- Butter the pan and add parchment paper for easy serving.
- To get the perfect pecan pie layer, you need to add egg to hot, melted butter, which can curdle it. Whisk the butter to cool it down before adding the egg.
Recipe Variations
- Use your favorite homemade brownie recipe. Have a tried-and-true brownie recipe you love? Feel free to use that instead!
- Try a boxed brownie mix. You can easily use a box of brownie mix if you prefer.
- Add more crunch. For a little extra texture, fold in chopped pecans or chocolate chunks into the fudgy brownie base.
- Toast the nuts. Lightly toast the nuts in a skillet on medium heat to really bring out the flavor. Be careful not to burn them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What nuts go well with brownies?
Nuts are a classic combination with brownies for a reason. They add a delicious crunch and a nutty flavor that complements chocolate so well. It’s traditional to serve brownies with walnuts, but they’re also lovely with pecans and peanuts.
Can you make pecan pie brownies without corn syrup?
Yes! If you’re not a fan of corn syrup, you can easily make the syrupy pecan pie filling with brown sugar and butter instead.
What goes well with pecan pie brownies?
Although this pecan pie brownies recipe is absolutely delicious on its own, I highly recommend adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. These will balance out the decadent brownies, making it easier to eat bite after bite.
How to Store & Reheat
How to refrigerate pecan pie brownies? Store leftover brownies in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
How to keep at room temperature? These brownies are perfect for serving with your favorite desserts on your holiday dessert bar, but they should be stored in the fridge after 2-3 hours on the counter.
Can I Freeze Pecan Brownies?
How to freeze pecan pie brownies? If you have too many brownies, pop the leftovers in a freezer-safe container and freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Try these other recipes!
- Raspberry Brownie
- Rocky Road Brownies
- Butterscotch Brownies
- Candy Corn Sugar Cookies
- Coconut Macaroons with Condensed Milk
If you’ve tried this gooey pecan pie brownies recipe, don’t forget to give me a star rating and leave me a comment below in the comment section. I love to hear from people who have made my recipes.
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Pecan Pie Brownies
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter
- 1 1/3 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1/3 cup all purpose flour
- 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips optional
Pecan Pie Topping
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 1/4 cups pecans chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F. Butter a metal 9×9-inch baking pan and line with parchment paper.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium high heat. Remove from heat when the butter is melted. Add in the semi sweet chocolate chips and stir once. Let sit for 3 minutes then stir everything together. Set aside to cool.
- Whisk together sugar, eggs, salt, and vanilla. Mix in the cocoa powder.
- Mix in melted chocolate mixture and 1/4 cup chocolate chips( if desired for chocolate chunks in brownies).
- Sift in the flour and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour the brownie batter into the baking pan. Bake for 35 minutes.
- While the brownies are baking, make the pecan topping. In a microwave safe bowl, melt the butter for 10-15 seconds at a time stirring between heatings. Stir in brown sugar, vanilla, egg and salt. Mix until the sugar has dissolved. Stir in pecans.
- Pour the pecan mixture over the baked brownies and spread in an even layer.
- Place the brownies back in the oven for 20-25 minutes. Cool completely before cutting.
Notes
- Try a boxed brownie mix. You can easily use a box of brownie mix if you prefer.
- Add more crunch. For a little extra texture, fold in chopped pecans or chocolate chunks into the fudgy brownie base.
- Toast the nuts. Lightly toast the nuts in a skillet on medium heat to really bring out the flavor. Be careful not to burn them.
- Brownies stored in an airtight container will last at room temperature for 3-4 days.
Nutrition
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We had dinner guests and I made these brownies for dessert. What a hit they were! We polished off the whole pan and everyone wanted the recipe. Thank you!
Two holiday classics in one dessert!! Love everything about these brownies, thanks for the recipe!
Yes brownies! I have been craving for brownies and I just made one earlier and followed this recipe! It was so good!
This is two of my favorite desserts in one delicious treat! What an absolutely genius idea for a brownie recipe. 🙂
In one word ~ amazing! Not only were these brownies fudgy like I like them, the pecan topping was soooo good. I froze half of the pan so I have snacks for another day.