Decadent Pecan Pie Brownies: The Ultimate Fudgy & Nutty Dessert Recipe

Prepare for an unparalleled dessert experience that unites two beloved classics: the deep, rich fudginess of a homemade brownie and the sweet, gooey, nutty perfection of a pecan pie. Our Pecan Pie Brownies recipe promises an incredibly decadent dessert that will capture hearts and satisfy every sweet craving. Forget the fuss of a traditional pie crust; this recipe seamlessly blends the best of both worlds into one harmonious, irresistible treat. I promise, once you try these, you’ll understand why they quickly become a cherished favorite!

This recipe takes my favorite homemade brownie recipe and marries it with a timeless pecan pie filling. The result is a dessert that offers all the familiar flavors and textures without the extra work of a pie crust. It’s truly the best of both worlds, offering an exciting twist on traditional holiday favorites or a standout treat for any special occasion.

What makes this combination truly magical? It’s the delightful contrast of textures: a dense, fudgy brownie base supporting a layer of sticky, crunchy, and aromatic pecan pie filling. As they bake together, something wonderful happens – the pecan topping seems to infuse even more moisture into the brownie layer, making it exceptionally fudgy. The subtle addition of cinnamon to the brownie batter introduces a warm, inviting spice that perfectly complements the nutty pecans, evoking the comforting fall flavors we all adore.

These incredible pecan pie brownies are practically begging to be the star of your next dinner party or holiday gathering! Their stunning appearance and complex flavors make them an impressive offering. Serve them simply, cut into elegant wedges, or elevate the experience with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. A drizzle of caramel sauce would also be a fantastic addition, adding another layer of sweetness and visual appeal.

Why You’ll Adore This Recipe

Beyond being simply delicious, these pecan pie brownies offer several reasons to make them your go-to dessert:

• Unforgettable Flavor Combination: The rich, deep chocolate of the brownie perfectly balances the sweet, caramelized notes of the pecan pie filling. It’s a symphony of tastes in every bite.
• Phenomenal Textures: Experience the ultimate textural delight with the dense, moist fudgy brownie, the gooey, buttery pecan filling, and the satisfying crunch of toasted pecans.
• Easier Than Traditional Pie: Skip the tricky pie crust preparation. This recipe simplifies the process while delivering all the classic pecan pie flavor.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: From casual family desserts to elegant holiday spreads, these brownies are versatile enough to impress in any setting. They travel well, making them ideal for potlucks.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: These brownies store wonderfully at room temperature or can be frozen, making them an excellent choice for planning ahead for events.

Essential Ingredients for Pecan Pie Brownies

To create these stunning pecan pie brownies, you’ll need a selection of quality ingredients for both the rich brownie base and the luscious pecan topping. Here’s everything required (a full, detailed recipe card can be found at the bottom of this article). Let’s gather our baking essentials and get started!

For the Fudgy Brownie Base:

• Unsalted Butter & Bittersweet Chocolate: The foundation of any great brownie. Using bittersweet chocolate ensures a deep, intense chocolate flavor that isn’t overly sweet, balancing the richness of the pecan layer. Good quality chocolate makes all the difference!
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and contributes to the signature chewy-fudgy texture of the brownie.
• Large Eggs: Act as a binder, add richness, and are crucial for that characteristic fudgy interior.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor and adds a warm, aromatic note.
• All-Purpose Flour: Just enough to provide structure without making the brownies cakey. Less flour means more fudginess!
• Ground Cinnamon: This secret ingredient adds a subtle warmth and depth that beautifully complements both the chocolate and the pecans, lending a cozy fall flavor.
• Salt: Essential for balancing the sweetness and intensifying the chocolate notes.

For the Gooey Pecan Pie Topping:

• Honey or Light Corn Syrup: Both work perfectly to create the classic sticky, sweet, and gooey texture of pecan pie filling. Corn syrup is traditional, but honey offers a lovely flavor alternative.
• Packed Light or Dark Brown Sugar: Adds a deeper, caramelized sweetness and moisture compared to granulated sugar, giving the filling its rich, molasses-like undertones.
• Large Eggs: Help to set the filling into a luscious, custardy consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: A must-have for aromatic depth and flavor.
• Melted Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and a silky mouthfeel to the pecan filling.
• Pecans: The star of the show! You can use pecan halves for a beautiful presentation or chopped pecans for easier slicing – both are equally delicious.

Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Pecan Pie Brownies

Creating these decadent pecan pie brownies is simpler than you might think! Follow these detailed steps to achieve perfect layers and an unforgettable flavor. Remember, the key is careful preparation and patience during cooling.

1. Prepare Brownie Batter: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9-inch round baking pan with greased foil or parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides – this will make lifting the cooled brownies out much easier. In a medium saucepan, gently melt the unsalted butter and chopped bittersweet chocolate over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until smooth and fully combined. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the granulated sugar until well incorporated. This helps the sugar dissolve into the warm mixture. Beat in the large eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed before adding the next, then stir in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the chocolate mixture, mixing gently just until no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix, which can lead to tough brownies. Spread the prepared brownie batter evenly into your lined baking pan.
2. Par-Bake Brownies: Place the pan with the brownie batter into the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. This crucial step allows the brownie layer to set up slightly before the pecan filling is added, preventing the heavy pecan mixture from sinking into the brownie base during the final bake. The brownies should appear mostly set around the edges but may still be a little soft in the center.

   

3. Prepare Pecan Pie Topping: While the brownies are par-baking, prepare your pecan pie filling. In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey (or light corn syrup), brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Slowly drizzle in the melted and slightly cooled unsalted butter, mixing until fully combined. Finally, fold in the pecans, ensuring they are all thoroughly coated with the sweet filling.
4. Add Pecan Topping and Final Bake: After 20 minutes, carefully remove the par-baked brownies from the oven. Gently and evenly spoon the pecan mixture over the top of the warm brownie layer. It’s important to spoon it on rather than dumping it, as this helps maintain distinct, beautiful layers. Return the pan to the oven and continue baking for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the center of the pecan pie filling appears puffed, set, and lightly golden. A slight jiggle in the very center is okay, as it will continue to set as it cools.

   

5. Cool Completely: This step is absolutely critical for the success of your pecan pie brownies. Once baked, place the pan on a wire rack and allow the brownies to cool at room temperature for at least 2 hours, or until completely set. The gooey pecan layer needs this time to firm up properly, ensuring clean slices. Rushing this step will result in a messy, unset dessert. For faster cooling, you can chill them in the refrigerator once they’ve cooled mostly to room temperature.
6. Slice and Serve: Once completely cool and set, use the parchment or foil overhang to carefully lift the brownies out of the pan. Place them on a cutting board. For the cleanest slices, use a sharp knife and wipe the blade clean with a damp cloth between each cut. Slice the brownies into wedges (if using a round pan) or squares, and serve as desired. They are fantastic on their own, but truly shine with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Enjoy your decadent treat!

Expert Tips for Perfect Pecan Pie Brownies

Achieving bakery-worthy pecan pie brownies is easy with a few insider tips. Pay attention to these details, and your dessert will be a guaranteed showstopper!

• Choosing Your Baking Pan:
  • I personally love baking these brownies in a 9-inch round pan because it allows them to be sliced into elegant wedges, much like a pie. This presentation is especially appealing for gatherings.
  • If you prefer classic squares, you can certainly bake this easy recipe in an 8-inch square pan. The brownies will be thicker and fudgier, and the baking time will be mostly the same, perhaps just a few minutes shorter for the final bake.
  • A 9-inch square pan can also be used, but keep in mind that the brownies will be thinner. If you opt for this size, you’ll need to decrease the baking time significantly: reduce the initial brownie par-bake to about 12 minutes, and the final bake after adding the pecan topping to 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is set. Always monitor for doneness.
• Pecan Preference: While pecan halves offer a more visually appealing topping, using chopped pecans can actually make the brownies much easier to slice through once cooled. Both options deliver the same great nutty flavor, so choose what works best for you!
• Syrup Substitutions: If you don’t have light corn syrup on hand, honey or pure maple syrup are excellent substitutes for the pecan pie filling. They will slightly alter the flavor profile, adding their own unique sweetness, but the texture will remain wonderfully gooey.
• Maintaining Distinct Layers: To ensure your brownie and pecan pie layers remain beautifully separate, remember to *spoon* the pecan pie topping gently and evenly over the par-baked brownies. Avoid pouring or dumping the mixture, as this can cause it to mix with the brownie layer below.
• Effortless Removal and Slicing: For the easiest removal and cleanest slices, always line your baking dish with parchment paper or foil, ensuring you leave a generous overhang on the sides. Once the brownies are completely cool, you can simply use this overhang to lift the entire slab out of the pan. Then, transfer to a cutting board for neat slicing.
• Cleanest Slices Every Time: To achieve perfectly neat edges, use a very sharp knife. For the best results, wipe the knife clean with a damp cloth after each slice. This prevents sticky residue from tearing subsequent cuts.
• Storage and Freezing: These homemade pecan pie brownies keep exceptionally well. Store them at room temperature in an airtight container for several days (up to 3-4 days). They also freeze beautifully, making them an ideal make-ahead holiday dessert. Wrap individual slices or the uncut slab tightly in a double layer of plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil, and store in the freezer for a month or even longer. Thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving.

Craving More Brownie Delights?

If you loved these pecan pie brownies, don’t miss out on these other fantastic brownie variations. Expand your baking repertoire with these favorites!

• Pumpkin Cheesecake Swirl Brownies
• Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies
• Nutella Brownies with Hazelnuts

Shop Essential Baking Tools for This Recipe

To make your baking experience even smoother, here are some recommended tools that will help you create these decadent brownies with ease:

This delightful recipe was originally published in November 2014 and continues to be a favorite!

5 from 3 reviews

Pecan Pie Brownies

Servings: 8 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes mins

Cook Time: 1 hour hr

Rest Time: 2 hours hrs

Total Time: 3 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Fudgy brownies and rich pecan pie filling bake together into one decadent dessert.

Print Recipe
Pin Recipe
Leave a Review

Ingredients

 

For the brownies:

• ▢ ¾ cup unsalted butter (170 grams)
• ▢ 7 ounces bittersweet chocolate , chopped or use chips (200 grams)
• ▢ 1 cup granulated sugar (200 grams)
• ▢ 3 large eggs
• ▢ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ▢ ¾ cup all-purpose flour (90 grams)
• ▢ ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ▢ ¼ teaspoon salt

For the pecan pie filling:

• ▢ ⅓ cup honey or light corn syrup (108 grams)
• ▢ ½ cup packed light or dark brown sugar (105 grams)
• ▢ 2 large eggs
• ▢ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ▢ ¼ cup unsalted butter , melted and cooled slightly (56 grams)
• ▢ 2 cups pecans (225 grams)
• ▢ Vanilla ice cream , for serving (optional)

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350° F (175°C). Line a deep 9-inch cake pan or round baking dish with greased foil or parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
• In a medium saucepan set over medium-low heat, melt the unsalted butter and bittersweet chocolate together, stirring frequently until the mixture is smooth and fully melted. Remove from heat and stir in the granulated sugar until well combined. Add the large eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract. In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the chocolate mixture, stirring just until no streaks of flour are visible. Be careful not to overmix.
• Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and bake for 20 minutes. This par-baking step is essential to allow the brownie layer to set before adding the pecan topping.
• While the brownies are par-baking, prepare the pecan pie filling. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the honey (or light corn syrup), brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Slowly add the melted butter (ensuring it’s slightly cooled) and mix until everything is combined. Fold in the pecans, ensuring they are all coated with the rich filling.
• After the initial 20 minutes, remove the brownies from the oven. Carefully and evenly spoon the pecan pie filling over the top of the par-baked brownies in a consistent layer (do not pour or dump the mixture directly on top, as this can disturb the brownie layer).
• Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes. The pecan pie filling should appear puffed and set, with a slight jiggle in the center when gently shaken. Remove from the oven and place on a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature, which will take at least 2 hours. This cooling time is crucial for the brownies to fully set. If desired, you can chill them in the fridge after they’ve cooled sufficiently at room temperature to speed up the setting process.
• Once completely cool and set, use a sharp knife to slice the brownies into wedges (or squares, depending on your pan choice). Serve with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or simply as they are. Enjoy your delightful pecan pie brownies!

Notes

Notes:

• This recipe can also be baked in an 8-inch square pan for thicker squares. Baking time may be reduced slightly, so keep an eye on them.
• A 9-inch square pan can be used, but the brownies will be thinner. In this case, decrease the initial brownie baking time to about 12 minutes, and the final bake after adding the pecan pie topping to 15-20 minutes. Always test for doneness by gently shaking the pan – the center should be mostly set.
• For easier slicing, consider using chopped pecans instead of halves in the filling.
• Ensure the brownies are completely cool before slicing to prevent the pecan pie layer from running and to achieve clean cuts.

Calories: 792kcal, Carbohydrates: 75g, Protein: 9g, Fat: 53g, Saturated Fat: 22g, Cholesterol: 165mg, Sodium: 131mg, Potassium: 316mg, Fiber: 5g, Sugar: 60g, Vitamin A: 884IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 70mg, Iron: 3mg

Cuisine: American

Course: Dessert

Author: Annalise Sandberg

Have you tried this recipe?I’d love to hear about it! Leave a rating and review below, or take a photo and tag it on Instagram @completelydelicious with #completelydelicious.