Pecan Pie Brownies are the perfect marriage of two beloved desserts—gooey, rich pecan pie and decadent, fudgy brownies. These brownies bring together the satisfying texture of brownies with the sweet, nutty flavors of a traditional pecan pie, making them a delightful treat for any occasion.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The deep chocolate flavor of the brownies complements the sweet, nutty, and slightly caramelized taste of the pecan topping, creating an incredibly balanced dessert.
Texture Contrast: The fudgy, soft brownie base contrasts beautifully with the crunchy pecans on top, providing a delightful mix of textures in every bite.
Easy to Make: Despite looking impressive, this recipe is surprisingly simple and can be prepared in a few easy steps, making it perfect for beginner bakers or those short on time.
Crowd-Pleaser: Pecan Pie Brownies are an excellent choice for gatherings, offering a combination of two classic desserts that everyone will love.

Tips and Tricks

Check for Doneness: Since ovens vary, it’s essential to check the brownies around the 30-minute mark. The top should look set, and the center should not jiggle when you gently shake the pan. The brownies will continue to set as they cool.

Chill for Neater Slices: If you want perfect, clean slices, allow the brownies to cool completely and even refrigerate them for an hour or two before cutting.

Mixing the Brownie Base: To get that perfect fudgy texture, mix the brownie batter gently. Overmixing can result in dense brownies that lose their light, chewy texture.

Adjust Sweetness: You can adjust the level of sweetness to suit your taste. If you prefer a less sweet topping, reduce the amount of brown sugar in the pecan mixture.

Toast the Pecans: For added flavor, lightly toast the pecans before adding them to the topping. This enhances their nutty flavor and adds a bit of crunch.

Variations

Chocolate Chip Pecan Brownies: Add ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the brownie batter for an extra burst of chocolate.
Salted Caramel Pecan Brownies: Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the finished brownies for a rich and salty-sweet contrast that complements the pecans perfectly.
Nut-Free Option: If you prefer to skip the nuts, you can omit the pecans and replace them with chocolate chunks or dried fruit for a twist on the classic brownie.
Vegan Pecan Pie Brownies: For a vegan version, substitute the butter with plant-based butter, use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg), and ensure the sugar is vegan-friendly.

How to Serve

Pecan Pie Brownies are delicious on their own, but there are many ways to take them to the next level:

With Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream pairs wonderfully with these brownies, adding creaminess that complements the crunchy pecans.
With Whipped Cream: Top each brownie with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a light and airy addition.
Drizzle with Caramel or Chocolate Sauce: For extra sweetness, drizzle caramel or chocolate sauce over the brownies just before serving.
Serve Warm: Warm up the brownies in the microwave for a few seconds before serving for an extra gooey texture.

How to Store

At Room Temperature: Store Pecan Pie Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’re best enjoyed within the first few days for maximum freshness.
In the Refrigerator: If you want them to last longer, store the brownies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
In the Freezer: These brownies freeze beautifully! To freeze, cut them into squares and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container. They will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or heat them in the microwave for a warm, fudgy treat.

Recipe FAQs

1. Can I use a different nut for the topping? Yes, you can use walnuts, almonds, or any other nut of your choice in place of pecans. Just make sure to chop them into smaller pieces for even distribution.

2. Why are my brownies too dry? Overbaking the brownies can cause them to dry out. Be sure to check for doneness around 30 minutes and remember that the brownies will firm up as they cool.

3. Can I make these brownies ahead of time? Yes, Pecan Pie Brownies can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for several days and make for a great make-ahead dessert.

4. Can I add more pecans to the topping? Absolutely! Feel free to increase the number of pecans if you prefer a more substantial nut topping.

5. Are these brownies gluten-free? This particular recipe is not gluten-free, but you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make them gluten-free.

Yield: 16

Pecan Pie Brownies

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 55 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients

Cooking spray
1 box (18-20 oz) “Family”-sized brownie mix (plus required ingredients)
2 cups pecans, coarsely chopped
4 tbsp unsalted butter
⅓ cup packed light brown sugar
⅓ cup light corn syrup
2 tbsp heavy cream
¾ tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp kosher salt
Flaky salt, for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Pan: Preheat the oven to 325°F and generously coat a 9-inch square baking pan with cooking spray. Line the bottom and sides with parchment paper, ensuring it extends over all edges.
Make the Brownie Base: Prepare the brownie mix according to package directions. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the top is smooth and a tester inserted into the center comes out clean.
Make the Pecan Pie Topping: While the brownies bake, coarsely chop the pecans. In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat and stir in the chopped pecans until evenly coated.
Assemble and Bake: When the brownies are done, remove them from the oven and increase the temperature to 350°F. Spoon the pecan topping evenly over the brownies. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 25-30 minutes until the pecan topping is bubbling.
Cool and Serve: Let the brownies cool on a wire rack for about 1½ hours. Once cooled, lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment paper and place on a cutting board. Sprinkle with flaky salt, if desired, and cut into squares.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 164Total Fat 13gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 9gCholesterol 10mgSodium 87mgCarbohydrates 12gFiber 1gSugar 10gProtein 1g

TastyFitnessRecipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although tastyfitnessrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.

Final Thoughts

Name: Pecan Pie Brownies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 16
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Cooking spray; 1 box (18-20 oz) “Family”-sized brownie mix (plus required ingredients); 2 cups pecans, coarsely chopped; 4 tbsp unsalted butter; ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar; ⅓ cup light corn syrup; 2 tbsp heavy cream; ¾ tsp vanilla extract; ½ tsp kosher salt; Flaky salt, for sprinkling (optional)

Pecan Pie Brownies are the perfect blend of two classic desserts, offering a rich, fudgy, and nutty treat that’s sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Whether you enjoy them as a sweet snack or serve them at a special occasion, these brownies are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Try other brownie recipes: