Pecan Pie Brownies

Get ready for the ultimate treat — Pecan Pie Brownies! These gooey, chocolatey squares combine rich fudgy brownies with buttery caramelized pecans for a dessert that screams Thanksgiving comfort. Sweet, nutty, and ready in under two hours, they’re perfect for family gatherings or late-night cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pecan Pie Brownies are the best of both worlds: the chewy chocolate base of classic brownies topped with that glossy, nutty pecan pie layer everyone loves. You’ll adore how quick this recipe is since it starts with a boxed brownie mix, saving you time without losing that homemade flavor. The sweet syrupy topping soaks into the brownie base, creating an irresistible texture combo that’s chewy, gooey, and crisp all at once. Plus, they store beautifully, so you can make them ahead for your Thanksgiving dessert table. Every bite feels like a hug — warm, rich, and just the right amount of indulgent.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Brownie Base

You’ll need one family-size box of brownie mix, plus whatever the package calls for (usually oil, eggs, and water). This ensures a soft, fudgy foundation that balances perfectly with the sweet topping.

For the Pecan Pie Topping

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1½ cups corn syrup
• 4 eggs
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups pecans (whole or chopped)

Whole pecans look beautiful on top, but chopped ones make every bite a bit crunchier. You can also swap corn syrup with maple syrup, agave, or honey for a more natural twist. Each sweetener gives a slightly different flavor — maple adds warmth, while honey brings floral notes.

How to Make Pecan Pie Brownies

Step 1 – Prepare the Brownie Layer

Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13 pan. Prepare the brownie mix according to package directions and pour it into the pan. Bake for about 20 minutes, just until it’s mostly cooked but still soft in the middle. This partial bake ensures the topping melds perfectly into the brownies later.

Step 2 – Make the Pecan Pie Topping

While the brownies bake, whisk together sugar, corn syrup, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Then stir in the pecans, making sure every nut gets coated in that sweet, glossy mixture. It should smell rich and buttery.

Step 3 – Combine and Bake Again

Carefully remove the pan from the oven. Pour the pecan mixture evenly over the warm brownie layer. Return it to the oven and bake for 25 to 35 minutes. The top should look shiny and mostly set, with just a slight jiggle in the center. That’s when you know it’s perfect.

Step 4 – Cool and Slice

Place the pan on a cooling rack and let it rest until completely cool — at least one hour. This step matters! Cutting too soon will cause the topping to slide off. Once cooled, slice into neat squares and admire the layers of chocolate and caramelized pecans.

Baking Tips for Perfect Pecan Pie Brownies

Pull the brownies from the oven about ten minutes early before adding the topping to avoid overbaking. Use a metal pan for even heat or glass if you prefer a softer edge. Let the brownies cool entirely for the best clean cuts. If you want extra crunch, lightly toast the pecans before adding them to the syrup mixture. For smaller batches, halve the recipe and bake in an 8×8 pan. And if you love a salt-sweet balance, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top after baking — it’s divine.

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

Corn syrup can easily be replaced with agave, maple syrup, or honey using the same measurements. Each creates a unique twist — honey brings depth, while agave keeps it light and smooth. You can also stir in chocolate chips, a splash of bourbon, or a pinch of cinnamon for added warmth. Try adding a drizzle of melted chocolate on top once cooled, or for a festive touch, pair these brownies with frosted Christmas brownies or salted maple pecan pie bars for a full holiday dessert spread.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Keep your Pecan Pie Brownies covered at room temperature for up to four days. They stay moist and chewy the whole time. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. You can also freeze them for three months. Just wrap each square tightly and store in a freezer-safe container. To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm slightly in the microwave — they’ll taste freshly baked.

FAQ

Related Recipes to try

• decadent brownie trifle dessert
• fudgy Oreo brownies for Halloween
• frosted Christmas brownies
• spooky eyeball fudge brownies
• salted maple pecan pie bars
• crumbl pecan pie cookies

Conclusion

There’s something magical about Pecan Pie Brownies — that rich, chocolatey base and sweet, nutty top create pure dessert harmony. They’re simple enough for busy bakers and special enough for Thanksgiving gatherings. Serve them warm with a scoop of ice cream or wrap them as gifts for loved ones. Once you try these, they’ll become a new holiday must-have. For more cozy dessert inspiration, follow along on Pinterest and keep baking joy into every season.

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