Pecan Pie Brownies – The Best of Both Worlds

Imagine the rich, fudgy goodness of a brownie colliding with the gooey, caramel-kissed crunch of a classic Southern pecan pie. That’s exactly what you get with these Pecan Pie Brownies—a luxurious layered dessert that’s as indulgent as it is irresistible.

This isn’t your average brownie recipe. Instead, it’s a masterpiece of textures and flavors, perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy nights in, or any occasion when you want to impress. The base is a dense, chocolaty brownie. Sitting on top is a sweet, sticky pecan pie filling baked until golden and gooey.

I first created these for Thanksgiving after debating whether to bring brownies or pecan pie. I couldn’t choose—so I didn’t. The result was so popular, it became a staple at every fall and winter gathering. Even during summer barbecues, these bars steal the spotlight. After all, who could say no to brownies?

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Why You’ll Love These Pecan Pie Brownies

✨ Two desserts in one – Fudgy brownies and pecan pie in a single bite.
🛒 Simple ingredients – Pantry staples and easy-to-find components.
🌰 Incredible texture – Chewy, gooey, crunchy, and fudgy all at once.
🎄 Holiday favorite – A showstopper for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any celebration.
📆 Make-ahead friendly – They taste even better the next day!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Brownie Layer:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Optional: ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips for extra gooeyness

Pecan Pie Topping:

• 1 cup light corn syrup
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1½ cups pecan halves or pieces

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Tools You’ll Need

• 8x8 or 9x9-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk and rubber spatula
• Medium saucepan (optional)
• Cooling rack

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How to Make Pecan Pie Brownies

Step 1: Bake the Brownie Base

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until smooth.
3. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, then beat until the mixture is glossy.
4. Stir in the cocoa powder, flour, and salt just until combined.
5. Fold in the chocolate chips if using.
6. Spread the batter evenly in the pan and bake for 20 minutes—just long enough to set the surface.

Step 2: Mix the Pecan Pie Topping

1. In a clean bowl, whisk together corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla, and salt.
2. Fold in the pecans until fully coated.

Step 3: Finish Baking

1. Pour the pecan topping gently over the partially baked brownie base.
2. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center has set.
3. Allow to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
4. For the cleanest slices, chill the brownies in the fridge for at least 1 hour before cutting.

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Tips for Perfect Pecan Pie Brownies

• Don’t overbake the base – The first bake is only to set the brownies slightly.
• Use parchment paper – It makes removing and slicing the bars so much easier.
• Cool thoroughly – The cooler they are, the cleaner your slices will be.
• Toast the pecans – Bake them at 350°F for 5–8 minutes to boost their flavor before adding to the mix.

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Flavor Variations

🥃 Bourbon Pecan Pie Brownies – Add 1 tablespoon of bourbon to the pecan mixture for a Southern twist.
🍫 Double Chocolate Version – Stir mini chocolate chips into the pecan layer.
🍁 Maple Pecan Pie Brownies – Substitute corn syrup with maple syrup for a deeper, natural sweetness.
🧂 Salted Caramel Finish – Drizzle salted caramel over the bars after baking for an ultra-decadent treat.

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What to Serve with Pecan Pie Brownies

These brownies are rich, so pairing them with something light or creamy balances beautifully:

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream
• A drizzle of warm chocolate or caramel sauce
• Fresh whipped cream
• A mug of coffee, bourbon cocktail, or glass of milk

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How to Store and Freeze

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to 5 days—just bring to room temperature before serving.
• Freezer: Wrap each bar in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw in the fridge overnight.

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Why This Recipe Works

These brownies are the perfect balance of sweet and salty, soft and crunchy, indulgent and comforting. The brownie base is dense and rich, while the pecan pie topping is sticky and nutty, creating a contrast that keeps every bite exciting. It’s a fusion that combines the best of American comfort desserts in one perfect bar.

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Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~340
• Fat: 19g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Sugar: 28g
• Protein: 4g

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FAQs

Can I use a boxed brownie mix?
Yes! Just bake the mix for about 15–20 minutes before adding the pecan layer.

How do I make it gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

Are these too sweet?
They are sweet, as expected, but the dark cocoa and toasted pecans offer a nice balance.

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Final Thoughts

Whether you’re baking for a special dinner, holiday celebration, or just a cozy weekend at home, these Pecan Pie Brownies are guaranteed to impress. They deliver everything you love about brownies and pecan pie—without making you choose between them.

Make a batch, cut yourself a generous square, and enjoy the best of both worlds in every bite. And hey—don’t forget to save a corner piece for yourself!