Pecan Pie Brownies are a delicious mix of gooey brownie and crunchy pecans. It’s like having dessert twice in one bite! Rich chocolate meets sweet pecan topping, and it’s irresistible.
Honestly, who could say no to this treat? I love serving these at gatherings because everyone raves about them. Just warm them up a little; you’ll hear a chorus of happy sighs! 🍫🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is a must for control over the saltiness. If you’re dairy-free, try using margarine or coconut oil, which work well in baking.
Sugar: You need both granulated and brown sugar to achieve that perfect sweetness. If you’re looking for healthier options, you could use coconut sugar or maple syrup, though this may change the texture a bit.
Pecans: Chopped pecans give that classic pecan pie flavor. You can substitute walnuts if you prefer a change, or avoid nuts altogether for allergies.
Cocoa Powder: For the best chocolate taste, stick with unsweetened cocoa powder. Dutch-process cocoa can also work, giving a richer flavor.
How Do I Get My Brownies to Be Extra Fudgy?
Getting that fudgy texture in your brownies is all about the ingredients and baking time. Here are some handy tips:
- Use a combination of melted butter and butter that remains solid in the batter. This keeps brownies rich yet soft.
- Avoid overmixing the batter! Just mix until combined for a tender texture.
- Keep an eye on baking time—take them out when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs, not completely clean.
Letting the brownies cool completely before cutting is also key. This helps them set, giving you clean, nice squares. Enjoy your baking! 🥳
Pecan Pie Brownies Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar, divided
- 4 large eggs, divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, divided
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 1/2 cups pecans, chopped (divided into 1 cup + 1/2 cup)
For the Pecan Pie Topping:
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful treat takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 50-60 minutes of bake time in total—25-30 minutes for the brownies and another 25-30 minutes for the topping. Allow extra time for cooling to get perfect slices!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan is essential, but make it easier by lining it with parchment paper, letting some hang over the sides. This makes it simple to lift the brownies out later!
2. Make the Brownie Batter:
In a medium saucepan, melt 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, take it off the heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar until it’s well mixed. Now, transfer this mixture into a large bowl and beat in 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until you have a smooth batter.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, sift together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder. Gradually fold this dry mix into the wet ingredients until just combined—try not to overmix! Spread the brownie batter evenly into your prepared pan.
4. Bake the Brownies:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. To check if they’re done, use a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs. Once baked, take them out and let them cool a little.
5. Make the Pecan Pie Topping:
While the brownies are cooling, mix up the pecan topping! In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup of light corn syrup, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 cup of packed light brown sugar, 2 eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until it’s smooth. Stir in the melted 1/4 cup of butter and the remaining 1 cup of chopped pecans.
6. Add the Topping and Bake Again:
Evenly pour this pecan mixture over the slightly cooled brownies. Return them to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is set and golden brown. It should look delicious!
7. Cool and Slice:
Once baked, remove from the oven and let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once completely cooled, lift them out using the parchment paper and cut into squares. Serve and enjoy this gooey, crunchy goodness!
These Pecan Pie Brownies are sure to be a hit with everyone—rich, decadent, and absolutely delightful!
Can I Use a Different Nut Instead of Pecans?
Absolutely! While pecans are traditional, you can substitute them with walnuts or even almonds for a different flavor. Just chop them up and follow the same steps!
How Should I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them for about a week. To keep them fresh, you can place parchment paper between layers if stacking!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make gluten-free pecan pie brownies, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure the blend you use has xantham gum for better texture!
What Should I Do If the Brownies Are Overbaked?
If you accidentally overbake the brownies and they seem dry, try serving them warm with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream on top. The creaminess will help offset any dryness, making them enjoyable again!
