These Pecan Pie Brownies are a delicious mix of fudgy brownies topped with sweet pecan pie goodness. The crunchy nuts add a nice texture that everyone loves!
Honestly, it’s hard to resist that rich chocolate paired with gooey caramel. I often serve these at get-togethers, and believe me, they disappear fast! 🤤
Making these is super easy too! Just whip up your brownie batter, layer on the pecan topping, and bake. You’ll be the star of any dessert table!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: A key ingredient for the rich flavor. If you’re out of unsalted, you can use salted butter; just reduce the extra salt in the recipe. I prefer unsalted for better control over flavor.
Granulated Sugar: This gives the brownies sweetness. You can substitute some with coconut sugar for a more caramel-like flavor, but keep in mind it may slightly alter the texture.
Pecans: The star of the topping! If you have nut allergies, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds can add a similar crunch, though the flavor will be different.
Light Corn Syrup: This adds the gooey texture to the topping. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try maple syrup or agave syrup, but the taste and consistency may vary a bit.
How Can I Ensure My Brownies Turn Out Perfectly Fudgy?
To achieve that perfect fudgy texture, focus on measuring your ingredients accurately and avoiding overmixing the batter. Here are some tips:
- Use room temperature ingredients, especially eggs, as they blend better.
- When mixing in the dry ingredients, fold gently—overmixing can make them tough.
- Underbake slightly; if a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs, that’s perfect.
This way, your brownies will remain soft and fudgy, especially when topped with the pecan layer!
Pecan Pie Brownies
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, divided
For the Pecan Topping:
- 1 cup pecan halves, divided
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for pecan topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, then around 50-55 minutes for baking (20-25 minutes for brownies and another 25-30 minutes for the pecan topping). So, set aside a total of about 1 hour and 10 minutes for deliciousness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, go ahead and grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan. This will help the brownies come out easily once they’re baked.
2. Make the Brownie Batter:
In a medium saucepan, melt 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter over low heat. Once melted, remove it from the heat and stir in 2 cups of granulated sugar until it’s all combined. Then, add 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, whisking until the mixture is nice and smooth.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, sift together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. This makes sure your brownies stay light and fluffy!
4. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure your brownies remain fudgy.
5. Bake the Brownies:
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
6. Prepare the Pecan Topping:
While the brownies are baking, let’s make the pecan topping! In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup of light corn syrup, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 3/4 cup of packed light brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Also, add in 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir this continuously for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
7. Add the Pecans:
Once the mixture is slightly thickened, remove it from the heat and stir in 1 cup of pecan halves. It’s going to smell amazing!
8. Add Topping to Brownies:
After the brownie layer is baked, take it out of the oven and pour the pecan topping evenly over the top. Spread it out gently to cover the brownies completely.
9. Final Bake:
Put the brownies back in the oven for another 25-30 minutes or until the pecan topping is set and golden brown.
10. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re done baking, let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cool, cut into squares and enjoy this luscious treat with family and friends!
These Pecan Pie Brownies are sure to impress with their combination of chewy brownies and sweet, crunchy pecans. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Different Nuts in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While pecans are traditional, you can substitute walnuts or almonds if you prefer. Just ensure the nuts are chopped for an even topping.
How Do I Store Leftover Pecan Pie Brownies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them for longer freshness, up to 1 week.
Can I Make These Brownies Gluten-Free?
Yes, to make these brownies gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure your other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Can I Freeze Pecan Pie Brownies?
Definitely! Once cooled, wrap the brownies tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight for best results.
