Pecan Pie Brownies

You can get two desserts in one with these pecan pie brownies and let’s face it – a plain pecan pie or basic batch of brownies is a little too obvious, right? Sure, they’re classic desserts that everyone will enjoy having a taste of, but it’s not like they’re going to write home about it.

Why You’ll Love This

• They’re unique yet classic. Pecan pie brownies are different! They’re just unique enough to not be replicated when you bring them for a gathering (I mean, can you imagine the look on your friends’ faces?), and they’re classic enough to be loved by all.
• Best of both worlds with texture. The crunchy, sweet, caramelized pecan topping is oh-so-satisfying. Along with the soft, fluffy, decadently chocolatey brownie beneath, my goodness. I think we can all agree on one thing – these pecan pie brownies are a repeat make!
• Easy to make. Both the pecan topping and the brownies are easy to make! If you’re in a pinch, you can even opt for boxed brownies.

Ingredients for Pecan Pie Brownies

For the brownie layer:

• Flour – all-purpose flour will do!
• Cocoa powder – you’ll want to use unsweetened cocoa powder. If you love a richer, darker brownie, you can use dark cocoa powder.
• Baking powder – this will help the brownies rise
• Salt – always add salt to baked goods to help enhance and balance flavors!
• Eggs – this will help bind your batter! Room temperature eggs are always best.
• Butter – I always use unsalted butter in baked goods.
• Granulated sugar – regular granulated will do.
• Light brown sugar – I like using light brown sugar in brownies since they’re already so rich but you can use dark brown sugar if that’s all you have.
• Vanilla extract – just a splash!
• Chocolate chips – who doesn’t love extra chocolate?!

For the pecan pie layer:

• Butter – again, unsalted butter.
• Eggs – this will help bind the pecans together with everything else.
• Dark brown sugar – I love the deep flavor of pecan pie so the dark brown sugar will help with that.
• Granulated sugar – regular white granulated sugar works.
• Corn syrup – this contributes to the sweetness that you’re used to with pecan pie!
• Vanilla extract – just a splash gives it a robust flavor.
• Heavy cream – you can use milk too but I like the fattiness from heavy cream.
• Chopped pecans – of course you need pecans for the pecan pie layer!

How to Make Pecan Pie Brownies

• Prepare. Set oven to 350 °F then line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
• Make the brownie layer. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients for the brownies. In another bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients. Carefully add the wet ingredients into the dry and mix together until no clumps remain. Stir in the chocolate chips.
• Bake the brownies. Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and bake for 20 minutes.
• Make the pecan pie topping. In the meantime, make the pecan pie layer by melting the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the eggs, brown sugar, white sugar, corn syrup and vanilla and whisk continuously over medium heat until it starts to thicken, about 15 minutes. Whisk in the heavy cream. Stir in the pecans and remove from heat.
• Assemble and bake again. Pour the pecan mixture over the brownies, spread into an even and smooth layer. Bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the center is only slightly jiggly. It will set up as it cools. Allow to cool for at least 1 hour before slicing and serving.

Tips and Tricks

• Making the brownies more fudgy. To make the brownies a bit more fudgy, reduce the cooking time by about 5 minutes. That should result in brownies that are still cooked, but are slightly more moist and fudgy.
• Making ahead of time. Unfortunately you won’t be able to make this ahead of time in separate parts and then combine them together. They need to bake together so if you’re going to commit to making them, you’ll have to make them together. However, in terms of making the whole recipe ahead of time, you can definitely do that! They’re best fresh but you can make them up to five days ahead of time and keep them in an airtight container.
• Keep the pecan pie tops from browning too much or burning. Sometimes with how much sugar content there is in pecan pie, the tops of pecan pie can burn or brown too much. If you notice this happening, put foil on top and continue baking.

Storing and Reheating Instructions

In an airtight container at room temperature, these sweet treats will stay fresh for about 5 days.

To reheat: Enjoy them as they are at room temp, or zap them in the microwave for just a few seconds and serve with ice cream for a warmer treat!