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Pecan Pie Brownies Recipe: How to Make Pecan Pie Brownies

Written by MasterClass

Last updated: Jul 23, 2022 • 3 min read

Take chocolate brownies up a notch with a layer of gooey pecan pie filling on top. Classic pecan pie features the filling in a buttery homemade pie crust, but pecan pie brownies come together in a fraction of the prep and baking time.

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What Are Pecan Pie Brownies?

Pecan pie brownies are a twist on the classic fudgy, chocolatey dessert made with a layer of pecan pie filling on top. These fudgy brownies have a texture that’s a mixture of chocolate cake and fudge, and the pecan pie filling adds crunch. The pecan pie mixture typically features butter, cream, sugar, salt, light corn syrup, vanilla extract, and pecans.

How to Make Pecan Pie Brownies

Follow these simple steps to make the best fudgy pecan pie brownies:

  1. 1. Mix the wet ingredients. Whisk together the melted unsalted butter, sugar, and vanilla. Add the eggs, mixing until just barely combined. Introducing a lot of air into the brownie mixture creates cakey brownies as opposed to fudgy brownies. To avoid this, beat the eggs and sugar together just until they combine but before they become light and fluffy. This helps to produce a denser, fudgier brownie.
  2. 2. Finish the batter. Combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Stir in the flour mixture until the batter is just combined and uniformly brown.
  3. 3. Bake the brownies. Bake the brownies until a toothpick comes out mostly clean—a few moist crumbs are okay. Take care not to overbake the brownies so they have a chewy, gooey texture.
  4. 4. Make the pecan pie topping. While brownies are baking, make the pecan pie topping on the stovetop. Melt butter in a medium saucepan, and then whisk in cream, sugar, salt, maple syrup, and vanilla. Stir in half of the chopped pecans and set aside to thicken while the brownies finish cooking.
  5. 5. Finish and serve. Once the brownies are cooked, spread the pecan layer over the brownies evenly. Sprinkle with more toasted pecans.

3 Tips for Making Pecan Pie Brownies

When making pecan pie brownies, consider these baking tips and substitutions:

  1. 1. Experiment with invert sugars. Homemade pecan pie filling often relies on light corn syrup for a stable, smooth texture. However, you can use another inverted sugar or liquid sugar like honey or maple syrup.
  2. 2. Add some bourbon. Take things up a notch by adding a tablespoon or two of bourbon whiskey to the pecan pie filling before cooking to thicken.
  3. 3. Make gluten-free brownies. You can make this dessert gluten-free by simply using gluten-free flour—such as almond flour or rice flour—instead of the usual all-purpose flour.

Pecan Pie Brownies Recipe

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2 Ratings | Rate Now

makes

prep time

10 min

total time

40 min

cook time

30 min

Ingredients

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit with a rack in the center position.

  2. 2

    Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan (or use nonstick cooking spray to coat), and line with parchment paper.

  3. 3

    In a large bowl, whisk together the butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in the egg until well blended.

  4. 4

    In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.

  5. 5

    Stir in the chocolate chips and pecans until just combined.

  6. 6

    Using a rubber spatula, scrape the brownie base batter into the prepared pan and spread in an even layer.

  7. 7

    Bake brownies until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean, 25–30 minutes.

  8. 8

    While the brownies bake, make the pecan pie topping. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk in the cream, sugar, maple syrup, and salt. Simmer until slightly thickened, frequently whisking, about 5 minutes. Stir in the vanilla and half of the pecans. Set aside to cool until the brownies finish cooking.

  9. 9

    Carefully pour the pecan pie mixture over the brownie layer and spread in an even layer. Top with the remaining pecans.

  10. 10

    Set the baking dish on a wire rack to cool completely.

  11. 11

    Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, if desired.

  12. 12

    Store leftover brownies in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil for up to 3 days.

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