1. Introduction to the Recipe
Pecan Pie Brownies are the perfect dessert hybrid—half rich, fudgy brownie and half gooey, nutty pecan pie. If you can’t choose between chocolate and pecan pie, now you don’t have to. This recipe combines the deep cocoa flavor of boxed brownies with a buttery pecan topping that’s sweet, salty, and full of texture.
Ideal for holidays, bake sales, or any time you want to impress with minimal effort, this recipe starts with a store-bought brownie mix. That gives you a reliable chocolate base without the fuss. The pecan pie topping is made from pantry staples like butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and honey—and it gets poured over the brownies during baking to fuse into a caramel-like layer.
Flaky sea salt and an optional caramel drizzle take these over the top.
Want more ways to level up your brownies? Try these brownie baking tips or pecan pie tricks.
Let’s bake up something unforgettable.
2. Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions
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Pecan Pie Brownies – Fudgy, Nutty & Irresistible
Description
These Pecan Pie Brownies combine rich, fudgy chocolate and sweet, buttery pecan pie topping for the ultimate dessert mashup.
Ingredients
Brownie Base
- 1 (18.2 oz) box of brownie mix, plus ingredients listed on the box (usually oil, eggs, and water)
Pecan Pie Topping
- 2 cups pecan halves, roughly chopped
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (3/4 stick)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons corn syrup
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Garnish
- Flaky sea salt
- 1/2 cup store-bought caramel sauce, for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment or lightly grease it.
- Prepare brownie base: Make brownie batter according to the instructions on the box. Pour into prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Partially bake: Bake brownies for 20 minutes (they should be mostly set but not fully cooked).
- Make pecan pie topping: While brownies are baking, mix melted butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, honey, heavy cream, and salt in a medium bowl. Stir in chopped pecans.
- Add topping: Carefully pour the pecan topping over the partially baked brownies, spreading it evenly.
- Finish baking: Return to oven and bake an additional 20–25 minutes, or until topping is bubbly and set and brownies are fully cooked.
- Cool and garnish: Let cool completely. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and drizzle with caramel sauce, if using. Slice and serve.
Notes
Don’t overbake—look for slightly gooey centers for best texture.
Use a serrated knife to cut once fully cooled for clean slices.
You can toast the pecans first for extra depth of flavor.
3. Advanced Techniques
Use Homemade Brownie Batter
Instead of boxed mix, use your favorite scratch brownie recipe with dark cocoa powder and melted chocolate for extra richness. Just make sure the batter isn’t too thin to support the topping.
Toast the Pecans First
For a deeper nutty flavor, toast pecans in a dry skillet or 350°F oven for 7–8 minutes until fragrant. Let cool slightly before mixing into the topping.
Add Bourbon for a Southern Twist
Add 1–2 teaspoons of bourbon to the pecan topping for a classic Southern flavor that pairs beautifully with both chocolate and pecans.
Use a Springform Pan for Presentation
For a more elegant serving style, bake in a springform pan. It makes for easy removal and cleaner edges.
Double the Topping for Extra Gooeyness
Love the pecan pie texture? Double the topping portion and bake in a slightly larger pan (10×15) or increase bake time by 5–7 minutes.
4. Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips
Refrigeration
Store brownies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Bring to room temp or gently warm before serving for gooier texture.
Freezing Instructions
Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight or microwave gently to serve.
Make-Ahead Tips
Bake brownies 1–2 days in advance. Keep tightly covered and add caramel drizzle just before serving.
Prevent Soggy Bottoms
Cool completely before covering or storing. Warm brownies covered too soon will create steam and sogginess.
Refresh in Oven
For that just-baked taste, warm brownies in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes before serving. This reactivates the caramel and chocolate layers.
5. Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions
Gluten-Free Option
Use a gluten-free brownie mix. Most toppings are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check your caramel sauce and corn syrup.
Dairy-Free Version
Substitute butter with plant-based butter and use dairy-free heavy cream (like coconut cream or oat cream). Choose a dairy-free brownie mix.
Nut-Free Alternative
For a nut-free version, try using sunflower seeds or omit the topping entirely and drizzle with caramel for a simpler treat.
Low-Sugar Version
Use a sugar-free brownie mix and replace brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or another sugar substitute. Use sugar-free caramel drizzle.
Egg-Free Brownies
Choose an eggless brownie mix or substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flax + 3 tbsp water per egg) if baking from scratch.
6. FAQs About the Recipe
Can I use homemade caramel instead of store-bought?
Absolutely. Homemade caramel adds an extra layer of richness. Just make sure it’s thick enough to drizzle and not too runny.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
The topping should be bubbling and golden, and a toothpick inserted into the brownie layer should come out with a few moist crumbs but not raw batter.
Can I make this in a smaller pan?
Yes, but reduce the recipe amounts slightly and adjust the bake time. An 8×8-inch pan works well for thicker brownies.
Can I make this without corn syrup?
Yes. You can replace corn syrup with maple syrup or golden syrup. Just note that it may change the flavor and slightly affect texture.
What’s the best way to slice these brownies?
Use a sharp serrated knife and wipe it clean between slices. Chilling the brownies first makes cutting easier.
7. Conclusion & Final Thoughts
Pecan Pie Brownies are the perfect indulgent dessert for when you want something rich, chewy, gooey, and crunchy all at once. They combine the best parts of two beloved treats—deep, chocolatey brownies and sweet, nutty pecan pie—in one layered masterpiece.
Whether you’re baking for Thanksgiving, a potluck, or just to satisfy a serious sweet tooth, this recipe delivers. It’s easy to customize, stores well, and disappears fast. From the buttery pecan topping to the dense brownie base, every bite is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
So next time you’re torn between baking a pie or brownies—don’t. Bake both. These Pecan Pie Brownies make sure you get the best of both worlds.