Name: Pecan Pie Brownies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon baking powder; 1 cup light corn syrup; 1 cup granulated sugar; 3 large eggs; 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups pecans, coarsely chopped

Why You’ll Love Pecan Pie Brownies Recipe

This recipe is the ultimate fusion of flavor and texture. You get the dense, chocolatey comfort of a brownie with the sweet, buttery crunch of pecan pie. It’s perfect for holidays, potlucks, or any time you want to impress with minimal effort. Easy to make and impossible to resist, these brownies are guaranteed crowd-pleasers.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Brownie Base:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder

For the Pecan Pie Topping:

1 cup light corn syrup
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups pecans, coarsely chopped

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
Prepare the Brownie Base: In a medium bowl, mix the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Add the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir until combined. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Make the Pecan Pie Topping: In another bowl, whisk together corn syrup, sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Fold in the chopped pecans until well combined.
Carefully pour the pecan mixture over the brownie base, spreading it gently with a spatula to ensure even coverage.
Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the pecan topping is set and golden.
Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing into squares.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 16–20 brownies, depending on how you slice them. Prep time is about 15 minutes, and bake time is 45–50 minutes. Allow at least 1 hour for cooling before serving.

Variations

Chocolate Chip Twist: Add 1/2 cup chocolate chips to the brownie batter for extra richness.
Bourbon Kick: Mix 1–2 tablespoons of bourbon into the pecan topping for a Southern-inspired flair.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Mini Version: Bake in muffin tins for individual servings with a crispy edge.
Nut Mix: Use a mix of pecans and walnuts for varied texture.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the brownies for up to 2 months. To reheat, microwave individual servings for 15–20 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

How do I know when the pecan topping is set?

The topping should look golden and slightly firm to the touch, not jiggly. It will firm up more as it cools.

Can I use dark corn syrup instead of light?

Yes, dark corn syrup will add a deeper, richer flavor to the topping.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. These brownies taste even better the next day once the flavors have melded.

What kind of cocoa powder should I use?

Use unsweetened cocoa powder—either natural or Dutch-processed will work in this recipe.

Do I need to toast the pecans first?

It’s not necessary, but toasting the pecans briefly enhances their flavor and crunch.

Can I use a boxed brownie mix?

Yes, for convenience, you can substitute the homemade brownie base with your favorite boxed mix.

Why did my pecan topping sink into the brownies?

This can happen if the brownie batter is too thin or if the topping is added too aggressively. Pour gently and use a thick brownie base.

Can I add chocolate chips to the pecan topping?

Yes, adding 1/4 cup chocolate chips to the topping creates a delicious twist.

Is this dessert overly sweet?

It is sweet and rich, as expected from brownies and pecan pie. Cutting into small squares helps balance the portion.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but use two 9×13 pans or one larger baking sheet to ensure even baking.

Conclusion

Pecan Pie Brownies are the perfect dessert when you want to impress without complicating things. With their fudgy base and gooey pecan topping, they offer an unforgettable combination of textures and flavors. Whether you’re serving guests or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation.

Pecan Pie Brownies