Pecan Pie Brownies are a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate brownies with the sweet, nutty goodness of pecan pie. This indulgent treat is perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings or any festive occasion, making it a versatile addition to your dessert menu. With their fudgy texture and caramel-like pecan topping, these brownies are sure to impress your family and friends all year long!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe uses a boxed brownie mix, making preparation simple and quick.
- Rich Flavor: Combining chocolate and pecans creates a decadent dessert that satisfies any sweet tooth.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving, a birthday party, or just a regular day, these brownies are always a hit.
- Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: With 20 servings, they’re great for sharing at gatherings or potlucks.
- Deliciously Unique Twist: Elevate traditional brownies with the beloved flavors of pecan pie.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delightful recipe, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
- 13×9 inch baking pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients thoroughly without mess.
- Small saucepan: Perfect for heating the filling mixture evenly while mixing.
- Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth mixture by eliminating lumps in the filling.
Ingredients
To create these delicious Pecan Pie Brownies, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Brownies:
- 1 box Brownie mix (must have instructions for making in 13×9 pan + ingredients listed on the package)
- 1 cup Sugar
- 1 1/2 cups Light Corn syrup
- 4 Eggs
- 1/4 cup Unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 2 cups Pecans (roughly chopped)
How to Make Pecan Pie Brownies
Creating the perfect Pecan Pie Brownies is easy when you follow these simple steps.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven according to the instructions on the brownie package. This ensures even baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- In a small saucepan, whisk together sugar, corn syrup, eggs, butter, and vanilla extract.
- Place over medium-high heat and cook while stirring continuously until well combined.
Step 3: Mix the Brownie Batter
Prepare the brownie mix according to package instructions in a mixing bowl.
Step 4: Bake the Brownies
- Pour the brownie batter into a greased 13×9 inch pan.
- Bake in preheated oven for about 20 minutes.
Step 5: Prepare the Pecan Filling
While brownies bake:
1. Allow your filling mixture to thicken until it coats your spoon (about 15 minutes).
2. Stir in chopped pecans and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until it resembles runny oatmeal.
Step 6: Combine Brownies and Filling
After pre-baking:
1. Remove brownies from oven.
2. Pour pecan pie filling over them evenly to cover completely.
Step 7: Final Baking
Return to oven and bake for another 25-30 minutes, or until only slightly jiggly in the center.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Let cool to room temperature before cutting into squares. Enjoy your homemade Pecan Pie Brownies!
How to Serve Pecan Pie Brownies
Pecan Pie Brownies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want to impress guests or simply savor them at home, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience.
A La Mode
- Serve warm pecan pie brownies topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combination. The creamy ice cream complements the rich chocolate and nutty flavors perfectly.
With Whipped Cream
- Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top of each brownie square. This light addition cuts through the sweetness and adds a lovely texture.
Drizzled with Caramel Sauce
- Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the brownies before serving. The sweet, buttery flavor of caramel pairs beautifully with the pecans and chocolate.
Accompanied by Fresh Fruit
- Serve alongside sliced strawberries or raspberries. The tartness of the fruit balances the richness of the brownies, making for a refreshing contrast.
As Part of a Dessert Platter
- Cut brownies into smaller squares and arrange them on a dessert platter with other treats like cookies and bars. This makes for an inviting presentation at gatherings.
How to Perfect Pecan Pie Brownies
Perfecting Pecan Pie Brownies can take your baking skills to the next level. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out delicious every time.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh eggs and quality nuts for the best flavor and texture in your brownies.
- Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on baking times as ovens can vary. Underbaking slightly can result in fudgy brownies, while overbaking will make them dry.
- Cool Before Cutting: Allow brownies to cool completely before cutting into squares. This helps maintain their shape and prevents them from falling apart.
- Experiment with Nuts: While pecans are traditional, feel free to mix in walnuts or even chocolate chips for added flavor and texture.
- Store Properly: Keep leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Pecan Pie Brownies
Pairing side dishes with Pecan Pie Brownies can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options that complement these rich treats well.
Vanilla Ice Cream
A classic pairing that adds creaminess and balances the sweetness of the brownies.Fresh Berries
Mixed berries add a refreshing tartness that contrasts nicely with the rich flavors of the brownies.Chocolate Mousse
A light, airy mousse provides another layer of chocolate goodness without being overly heavy.Coffee or Espresso
Serving coffee or espresso alongside enhances the flavors of chocolate while providing a delightful bitter contrast.Fruit Salad
A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness to your dessert table.Nutella Dip
For those who love extra indulgence, serve Nutella as a dip on the side for an extra layer of chocolate goodness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Pecan Pie Brownies, avoiding common pitfalls can make a big difference in your dessert’s success. Here are some mistakes to look out for:
- Ignoring the baking time: Baking for too long or too short can ruin the texture. Always check for doneness by looking for a slight jiggle in the filling.
- Not greasing the pan properly: A well-greased pan ensures easy removal of the brownies. Make sure to use non-stick spray or butter before pouring in the batter.
- Overmixing the brownie batter: Mixing too much can lead to tough brownies. Stir until just combined for a fudgy texture.
- Using stale pecans: Fresh pecans enhance flavor and texture. Always use fresh nuts for that perfect crunch.
- Skipping cooling time: Cutting into hot brownies can lead to messy squares. Allow them to cool at room temperature before slicing.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Pecan Pie Brownies in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Pecan Pie Brownies
- Wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Pecan Pie Brownies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm brownies on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat one brownie at a time on high for 15-20 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place brownies in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Pecan Pie Brownies?
Pecan Pie Brownies combine rich, fudgy chocolate brownies with a sweet pecan pie topping, creating a delightful dessert perfect for any occasion.
How do I know when my Pecan Pie Brownies are done?
Look for a slight jiggle in the center of the filling; it should not be liquid but should move slightly when you shake the pan.
Can I customize my Pecan Pie Brownies?
Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, swap pecans for walnuts or almonds, or even incorporate caramel sauce for added flavor.
How should I store leftover Pecan Pie Brownies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for extended freshness.
Final Thoughts
Pecan Pie Brownies are an irresistible treat that blends two beloved desserts into one delicious dish. Their rich flavors and chewy textures make them ideal for any gathering or simply as an indulgent snack. Feel free to customize with your favorite nuts or toppings to make this recipe your own!
Pecan Pie Brownies
Indulge in the rich and fudgy delight of Pecan Pie Brownies, a perfect fusion of decadent chocolate brownies topped with a sweet, caramel-like pecan filling. This irresistible dessert is not only easy to prepare but also versatile for any occasion, whether it’s a festive gathering or a simple family treat. With a texture that’s both chewy and gooey, these brownies are sure to become your go-to indulgence. Impress your guests with this unique twist on classic flavors that captures the essence of both brownies and pecan pie in every bite.
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 box brownie mix (for 13x9 pan)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 cups light corn syrup
- 4 eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups pecans (roughly chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat oven as per brownie mix instructions.
- In a small saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, eggs, butter, and vanilla extract. Cook over medium-high heat until well mixed.
- Prepare brownie mix according to package instructions in a mixing bowl.
- Pour brownie batter into a greased 13×9 inch pan and bake for about 20 minutes.
- Thicken the filling mixture until it coats the spoon; stir in chopped pecans and cook for an additional few minutes.
- After pre-baking, pour the pecan filling over the brownies evenly.
- Return to oven and bake for another 25-30 minutes until slightly jiggly in the center.
- Allow cooling before slicing into squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (60g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg