Pecan Pie Brownies Recipe

Active Time:

20 mins

Total Time:

1 hr 20 mins

Yield:

12 brownies

Pecan pie brownies are an unique dessert that's the perfection combination for people who love chocolate and pecan pie and could never decide between the two. Made by baking a sheet of thick chocolatey brownies and then adding a rich layer of pecan pie filling on top, these brownies pack a lot of flavor into each bite.

A combination of melted dark chocolate and unsweetened cocoa powder team up for a one-two punch of deep chocolate flavor. Crunchy pecans and rich brown sugar become part of a bourbon-infused pecan pie topping that pairs perfectly with the brownie base. It's impossible to walk away from this dessert without indulging.

Learn how to make pecan pie brownies and bring them to your next holiday gathering. They'll disappear in minutes.

Pecan Pie Brownies - Southern Living — Molly Bolton

Ingredients for Pecan Pie Brownies

You're making two parts for these pecan pie brownies: first, the brownies; then, the pecan pie topping. Here's what you'll need for the bottom layer of brownies:

Unsalted butter: For a fudgy richness.
Chocolate chips: Use dark or bittersweet chocolate chips for a rich, chocolatey flavor, or substitute with chopped, high-quality chocolate bars.
Brown sugar: For additional flavor and a brownie with a chewy texture. Can use light or dark brown sugar.
Granulated sugar: To sweeten the brownies.
Large eggs: Binds and lifts the brownie batter.
Vanilla extract and kosher salt: Enhances the flavor.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Deepens the chocolatey flavor.
All-purpose flour: Helps thicken and set the brownie batter.

For the pecan pie topping, you'll need:

Brown sugar: For a richer, more caramel-like flavor.
Large eggs: Helps make a rich and silky filling.
Vanilla extract: An essential baking ingredient that elevates all the flavors of the other dishes.
Kosher salt: A bit of salt elevates the sweetness.
Butter: For richness.
Chopped pecans: You can use other nuts, but pecans are classic for this pecan pie flavor.
Bourbon: Adds complex flavor that complements the toasty pecans.

pecan pie ingredients for Pecan Pie Brownies — Molly Bolton

How To Make Pecan Pie Brownies

Bakers will delight in the creativity of this recipe. It's also fairly straightforward to make. Here's a brief outline of the recipe. Full instructions are further below.

Step 1. Make brownie batter: The brownie batter itself is made by melting chocolate chips in warm butter before whisking in sugar, eggs, vanilla, and salt. Equal parts of cocoa and flour are then added to this liquid mixture to make a brownie batter that's amazingly rich in chocolate flavor. Bake until set.
Step 2. Make pecan pie topping: While the brownies are in the oven, whisk together brown sugar, eggs, vanilla, melted butter, and bourbon to simulate the flavor of a pecan pie. Instead of an actual pecan pie filling that requires a long time to set in the oven, this filling is an amalgamation of ingredients modified to bake into a sliceable layer in just 25 minutes. Stir pecans into the liquid filling, and pour it over the brownie base.
Step 3. Finish baking: Then, bake it until the two distinct layers have melded into one sheet of decadent pecan pie brownies.

Variations for Pecan Pie Brownies

When a dessert is this over-the-top, you might as well gild the lily.

Add nuts or chocolate chunks to the brownie batter before baking for additional texture.
Top the brownies with flaky sea salt for an additional hint of salt to contrast the sweetness of the bars.
Drizzle the tops with melted dark chocolate for a sophisticated presentation.
Swap the chopped pecans for pecan halves to change up the look of the bars.
Cut into bite-sized squares for a perfectly poppable dessert.

Can I Use Brownie Mix for Pecan Pie Brownies?

It's hard to beat homemade brownies, but we know that sometimes brownie mix can be a great way to whip up dessert fast.

If you're looking for a shortcut method, brownie mix can be used in the place of the scratch brownie portion of this recipe. Just prepare and bake the mix as directed, topping with the pecan topping when called for. With that gorgeous layer of pecan pie topping in the way, no one will notice that you didn't make the brownie batter from scratch.

How To Store Pecan Pie Brownies

While leftovers of these pecan pie brownies are unlikely, they can be made ahead. Bake and store the cooled brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, refrigerate for up to five days, or freeze for up to three months. Serve warmed or at room temperature.

More Decadent Brownie Recipes You'll Love

Is there anything more indulgent than soft, fudgy brownies? From frosted to skillet varieties, these recipes will give you the chocolate fix you've been searching for:

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.

Ingredients

Brownie Batter:

1/2 cup unsalted butter
2 cups chocolate chips
3/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup all-purpose flour

Pecan Pie Topping:

1 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 cup melted butter
1/2 tsp. bourbon (optional)
3 cups chopped pecans

Directions

Prepare oven and baking pan:

Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease a 9- x- 13-inch metal baking pan with cooking spray and line the bottom with parchment paper; set aside.

Molly Bolton/Southern Living
Make chocolate mixture:

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-high. When butter begins to boil, remove from heat and add chocolate chips, stirring once to coat. Allow to sit for 5 minutes before whisking together until fully combined.

Molly Bolton
Make brownie batter:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla, and salt. Add chocolate mixture and whisk to combine. Sift cocoa powder and flour into wet ingredients and gently stir until fully incorporated.

Molly Bolton/Southern Living
Bake brownies:

Pour batter into prepared pan and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 35 minutes.
Make Pecan Pie Topping:

While brownies are baking, whisk together brown sugar, eggs, vanilla, salt, and melted butter until everything is well combined and the sugar is dissolved. Stir in pecans and set aside.

Molly Bolton/Southern Living
Add pecan pie mixture to brownies:

Once the brownies are baked through, pour the pecan mixture overtop the brownies, and spread evenly with a spoon.

Molly Bolton
Finish baking:

Return to the oven until the Pecan Pie Topping is set, about 25 minutes. Allow to cool completely before slicing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when pecan pie brownies are ready?

When it comes to fudgy brownies, it's tough to know when they're fully baked. For these brownies, the pecan topping should be set, and a wooden pick inserted should yield a few fudgy chocolatey bits.
Can I swap the pecans in these brownies with other nuts?

You can use any nut you prefer for these brownies, but it's hard to go wrong with pecans.
Why add melted chocolate to brownie batter?

Adding melted chocolate to brownie batter ensures a rich, fudgy brownie full of chocolate flavor. Once you've tried this version, you won't go back to cocoa-based brownies!
How can I cut the cleanest brownies?

Chill the brownies before cutting and use a knife dipped into hot water for the cleanest cuts.