Name: Pecan Pie Brownies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 2 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Brownies:; 1 box brownie mix; 3 tablespoons water; ½ cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; For the Pecan Pie Topping:; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1½ cups light corn syrup; 4 large eggs; ¼ cup unsalted butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3 cups whole pecans (roughly chopped if desired)

These Pecan Pie Brownies combine two iconic desserts into one irresistible treat. A fudgy brownie base is topped with a gooey, caramelized pecan pie layer, creating the perfect balance of chocolaty richness and nutty sweetness. This dessert is ideal for holidays, potlucks, or anytime you want to impress with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Combines two beloved desserts—brownies and pecan pie—into one spectacular treat
Uses convenient boxed brownie mix as a shortcut while maintaining a homemade taste
Creates impressive results with relatively simple steps
Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or whenever you need a show-stopping dessert
The contrast between the fudgy brownie and the gooey pecan topping creates incredible texture
Can be prepared ahead of time, making it ideal for entertaining
Easily customizable with mix-ins or variations to suit your preferences

Ingredients

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

Brownie mix provides the perfect chocolaty base for this dessert. Using a boxed mix simplifies the process while still delivering fantastic flavor and texture. Feel free to use your favorite brand—whether you prefer fudgy or more cake-like brownies.

Water helps to thin the brownie batter to the right consistency. The small amount required keeps the brownies dense and rich rather than cakey.

Vegetable oil adds moisture and richness to the brownie layer. You can substitute with canola oil or even melted butter if you prefer a more buttery undertone.

Eggs bind the brownie batter together and add structure. Room temperature eggs incorporate more easily into the batter than cold ones.

Granulated sugar forms the sweet foundation of the pecan pie layer. It caramelizes slightly during cooking, creating that classic pecan pie flavor.

Light corn syrup is essential for achieving the signature gooey texture of pecan pie filling. It prevents crystallization and helps create that glossy, sticky consistency we all love.

Unsalted butter adds richness and a smooth mouthfeel to the pecan topping. Using unsalted allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dessert.

Vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors in the pecan layer. Pure vanilla extract offers the best flavor, but imitation works in a pinch.

Pecans are the star of the topping, providing nutty flavor and wonderful texture. Using whole pecans creates a dramatic presentation, but chopping them makes the bars easier to cut and eat.

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
In a large bowl, prepare the brownie batter according to the box instructions using water, oil, and eggs. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20 minutes. The brownies should be partially baked but not fully set.
While the brownies are baking, make the pecan pie topping. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the sugar, corn syrup, eggs, butter, and vanilla extract.
Cook the mixture, stirring constantly for 10–15 minutes, until it thickens slightly and becomes jelly-like in consistency. The mixture will bubble up before settling.
Remove from heat and stir in the pecans.
After the brownies have partially baked, carefully pour the pecan pie mixture over the top and spread it evenly.
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25–30 minutes, until the pecan topping is set and small bubbles form around the edges.
Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing for neat squares.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 15 generous brownies, perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying over several days. The prep time is approximately 10 minutes, with 1 hour of cooking time split between the brownie base and the pecan topping. Add an additional hour for chilling, bringing the total time to about 2 hours and 10 minutes. Each brownie contains approximately 480 calories.

Variations

Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie Brownies: Add 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the pecan topping for extra chocolate flavor.

Sea Salt Pecan Pie Brownies: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top before baking for a sweet-salty contrast.

Chocolate Drizzle: Once cooled, drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra decadent finish.

Caramel Pecan Pie Brownies: Add 1/4 cup of caramel sauce to the pecan mixture for an even more gooey texture and flavor.

Spiced Pecan Pie Brownies: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the pecan mixture for a warm, spiced version.

Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free brownie mix to make this dessert accessible for those with gluten sensitivities.

Storage/Reheating

Room Temperature: Pecan Pie Brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep the brownies in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cold temperature will also firm up the pecan topping, making for cleaner slices.

Freezer: These brownies freeze exceptionally well. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Reheating: If you prefer warm brownies, microwave an individual piece for 15-20 seconds. For a more decadent treat, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Make Ahead: These brownies actually improve with a day of rest, allowing the flavors to meld, making them perfect for preparing ahead of special occasions.

FAQs

Why are my brownies too gooey in the center?

Brownies with pecan pie topping are naturally gooey, but if they’re too underdone, they likely needed more baking time. The toothpick test may not work perfectly with this recipe due to the gooey topping. Look for set edges and a slight jiggle in the center when done.

Can I use homemade brownie batter instead of a box mix?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute your favorite homemade brownie recipe for the box mix. Just prepare enough batter for a 9×13-inch pan and follow the partial baking instructions as directed.

Why did my pecan pie topping crystallize?

Crystallization usually happens when the sugar mixture isn’t cooked properly or is stirred too vigorously. Make sure to whisk constantly but gently, and cook over medium heat until just thickened.

Can I reduce the amount of sugar in this recipe?

The sugar in the pecan pie topping is necessary for both sweetness and texture. Reducing it significantly may affect how the topping sets. However, you could choose a less sweet brownie base to balance the overall sweetness.

My pecan topping sank into the brownie layer. What went wrong?

If your brownie layer wasn’t baked enough during the initial baking, the topping might sink in. Make sure the brownies are partially set (about 20 minutes of baking) before adding the pecan mixture.

Do I have to use corn syrup?

Corn syrup creates the classic texture of pecan pie filling. While there’s no perfect substitute, you could try honey or maple syrup, though the flavor and texture will be different. Golden syrup is the closest alternative.

Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?

Yes! Walnuts make an excellent substitute for pecans. You could also try a mixture of your favorite nuts like almonds, hazelnuts, or macadamias for a unique twist.

Why do I need to refrigerate the brownies before cutting?

Refrigeration helps firm up both the brownie layer and the pecan pie topping, allowing for cleaner cuts and more defined layers. If cut while warm, the brownies will be messier (though still delicious!).

Can I make these brownies in advance for a party?

Definitely! These brownies actually benefit from being made 1-2 days in advance. The flavors meld together and the texture improves, making them perfect for preparing ahead for special events.

How do I know when the pecan pie topping is cooked enough?

The pecan pie filling should thicken to a jelly-like consistency, similar to maple syrup. It will bubble up during cooking before settling down. It will still be somewhat fluid when hot but will set more firmly as it cools.

Conclusion

Pecan Pie Brownies represent the best of both worlds—a fudgy chocolate base crowned with the sweet, nutty goodness of pecan pie. This hybrid dessert offers an impressive presentation with relatively simple preparation, making it perfect for holidays, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for something special.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can keep it simple with the basic recipe or get creative with variations to suit your taste preferences or the season. The contrasting textures—dense, chocolaty brownie with gooey, nutty topping—create a memorable dessert experience that’s sure to become a requested favorite.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for a crowd-pleasing treat, these Pecan Pie Brownies deliver exceptional results with manageable effort. They’re sure to become a treasured recipe in your dessert collection, bringing smiles to everyone who enjoys them.

Pecan Pie Brownies