Pecan Pie Brownies are a delicious mix of fudgy brownies and sweet pecan pie. With a crunchy topping of roasted pecans and a gooey center, they are a treat that brings joy with every bite!
If you’re like me, you’ll love how these brownies are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s dessert time or a cozy gathering with friends. Just try not to eat them all at once! 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This adds richness to your brownies. If you’re out of butter, you can substitute it with equal parts vegetable oil or coconut oil. For a dairy-free option, use margarine or a non-dairy butter substitute.
Pecans: These nuts provide crunch and flavor in the topping. If you have nut allergies, try using sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar texture. They won’t taste the same but still add some crunch!
Corn Syrup: This gives the pecan topping its gooey characteristic. If you don’t have it, try using maple syrup or honey, but the consistency may change a bit. Just note that honey has a stronger flavor.
Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar works well, but brown sugar lends moisture and chewiness. If you’re aiming for a healthier option, coconut sugar can be a great alternative.
How Do I Get My Brownies to Stay Fudgy Without Overbaking?
Getting that perfect fudgy texture in brownies can be tricky. The key is to pay close attention to the baking time.
- Start by underbaking the brownie layer slightly. It should look set at the edges but soft in the middle. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes.
- When you add the pie topping, keep an eye on the baking. You want the topping bubbly but not overdone; generally, 25-30 minutes should do it.
- Let the brownies cool completely before cutting them into squares. This helps them firm up and makes it easier to get clean slices!
Remember, every oven is a bit different, so keep testing for doneness to find what works best for you!
How to Make Pecan Pie Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownie Layer:
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
For the Pecan Pie Topping:
- 1 cup (120g) pecan halves, toasted
- 3/4 cup (150g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup (120ml) light corn syrup (or golden syrup)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus around 50-55 minutes total baking time. Then, you’ll want to let the brownies cool for about 30 minutes before cutting them into squares. In total, you can expect about 1 hour 40 minutes from start to finish, including cooling time. It’s worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). You can either grease a 9×9 inch (23×23 cm) baking pan or line it with parchment paper. If using parchment, make sure to leave some overhang on two sides—it makes lifting the brownies out easier later on!
2. Make the Brownie Batter:
In a medium saucepan over low heat (or in the microwave), melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, take it off the heat and stir in the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
In a separate bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Then, pour this rich brownie batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly.
3. Bake the Brownie Base:
Place the brownie pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. The edges should be set while the center remains slightly soft—this creates the perfect fudgy texture! After baking, take them out and set them aside for a few moments.
4. Prepare the Pecan Pie Topping:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the packed light brown sugar, light corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until everything is nicely combined. Next, fold in the toasted pecan halves.
5. Assemble and Bake Again:
Carefully pour the pecan topping over the brownie base you just baked. Make sure to spread it evenly across. Pop the pan back into the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the topping is bubbly and set, and everything looks deliciously golden!
6. Cool and Serve:
Once you take the brownies out of the oven, let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is important to help them firm up. After about 30 minutes, use the parchment overhang to lift the brownies out of the pan. Cut into squares, and enjoy these rich, fudgy treats!
These Pecan Pie Brownies are truly a delightful combination of a chocolaty brownie base and a crunchy, gooey pecan topping. They are perfect for any dessert lover! Enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use Different Nuts for the Topping?
Absolutely! If you prefer a different nut, walnuts or macadamia nuts can be great substitutes. Just make sure they are chopped to similar sizes for even distribution. You could also omit the nuts altogether if you desire a nut-free version!
What Should I Do If My Brownies Are Too Gooey?
If your brownies are too gooey, it might be because they were underbaked. Make sure to bake both layers until set. Let them cool completely as they will firm up a bit more once they reach room temperature. If you prefer a firmer texture, consider increasing the baking time in small increments next time.
How to Store Leftover Pecan Pie Brownies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just be sure to let them come back to room temperature before enjoying, as that enhances their fudgy texture!
Can I Make These Brownies Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. This usually works well without changing the taste or texture significantly, making it a perfect option for those with dietary restrictions!
