Pecan Pie Brownies

Pecan Pie Brownies bring together two classic desserts, in one easy to make bar. Fudgy chocolate brownies are topped with pecan pie filling for an irresistible treat. A fantastic combination of flavors and textures, it’s a brownie unlike any other. You’ll be met with wide eyes and big smiles when these decadent brownies are on the dessert menu.

Pecan Pie Brownies Recipe

Both pecan pie and brownies are great on their own, but there is a special synergy that is created when you combine them.

Sometimes pecan pie can be cloyingly sweet, thus I’ve always felt that chocolate can help balance that. My favorite Easy Pecan Pie has dark chocolate chips mixed in, and my Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie Bars are always a favorite. Chocolate, especially a semi-sweet or dark chocolate, is an amazing compliment to pecan pie filling.

How To Make These Brownies

These brownies are quick and easy to make. While for this recipe I took a shortcut and used my favorite boxed brownie mix, you can totally make your brownies from scratch if you prefer. This is my favorite homemade brownie recipe and would make a great choice.

Below I will discuss the ingredients used, possible substitutions and the steps to take when making these brownies so that they are every bit as delicious in your kitchen as they are in mine. If you just want the printable recipe, as always, just scroll to the bottom.

Ingredients

• 9×9 inch pan size box brownie mix AND required ingredients – Whichever box brownie mix you prefer, you can use that one. I personally am a fan of this one. Make sure you also have the ingredients called for on the box, as the remaining ingredients are for the pecan pie topping.
• Salted butter – If all you have on hand is unsalted, just add a pinch of salt to the recipe.
• Corn syrup – Corn syrup is a go to for that traditional pecan pie flavor. I recommend using light corn syrup, but dark will also work.
• Brown sugar – Light or dark will work.
• Vanilla – As always, pure vanilla extract is best.
• Salt – Diamond Kosher Salt is a favorite of mine, but table salt will work fine.
• Eggs – If possible I prefer to bring the eggs to room temperature before using.
• Pecans – If you like things salty, go with roasted and salted pecans.

Steps To Take

This pecan pie brownie recipe is super simple to make. To start, make your box or homemade brownie mix according to directions on the box or recipe. Stir by hand, don’t use an electric mixer with this one, you want to get it so the ingredients are just combined.

Bake the brownies for HALF of the time recommended on the box or recipe, plus five minutes. So if a recipe called for an hour, you’d bake for 35 minutes (half is 30, plus 5). If the box stated bake for 30 minutes, you’d bake for 20 (half is 15, plus 5).

While the brownies are baking prepare the pecan pie mixture. This will be quick and easy as you simply combine the ingredients and give them a stir.

When your brownies are done with their baking time of “half the recommended, plus five” pull them out. If they still look wet and completely uncooked, return them to the oven for 3-5 minutes, then check again. While they won’t be fully cooked, the top should be starting to set up. You can see this in the photo below.

Pour the pecan pie mixture evenly over the brownies. Be careful and remember the pan they are in is hot. Return the brownies to the oven to bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes. Make sure the topping is set, and you can’t easily jiggle it, to know that it is done.

Remove from the oven and place the pan onto a cooling rack and allow to cool completely prior to slicing. If you try to cut these brownies while they are still hot, you are likely to have a mess on your hands. To assure neat and clean slicing, cool to room temperature, then chill in the fridge for at least two hours.

Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.)

Do I have to use corn syrup? While corn syrup really is a classic part of pecan pie, you could also use a pure maple syrup, honey or agave syrup. Agave syrup is my top choice.

Can I use white sugar instead of brown? Yes, you can. Brown sugar adds to the caramel like flavor that pecan pie is known for, but granulated sugar will work if you are out of brown.

Can other nuts be used? While pecans are the classic, walnuts are really the best choice for a substitute.

Can this be made nut free? While it is PECAN pie, I’m a nut allergy mom, so I get the challenge. While I have not tried it yet, many people have had success replacing the pecans in their pecan pie with old fashioned rolled oats. I can’t speak to the results, but if you want to try, that would be my recommendation.

Can I use an 8×8 inch pan? Yes, but your baking time likely will need to increase slightly.

Can I use a 9×13 inch brownie mix? Yes, go ahead and make it in a 9×13 inch pan as instructed, then double the pecan pie topping to make sure you have enough.