These Pecan Pie Brownies combine the rich, fudgy texture of brownies with the sweet, nutty flavor of pecan pie. Perfect for a dessert that impresses, these brownies are a delightful twist on two classic treats. Here’s how to make them from scratch, including both the brownie base and the pecan pie topping.
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup butter (2 sticks), melted – Provides a rich, buttery base for the brownies.
- 3 cups sugar – Sweetens the brownies and contributes to their fudgy texture.
- 4 eggs – Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract – Adds a warm, aromatic flavor.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – Forms the structure of the brownies.
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder – Gives the brownies their chocolate flavor.
- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt – Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1 cup chocolate chips – Adds extra chocolatey goodness.
- 1 teaspoon flour – For tossing with the chocolate chips to prevent them from sinking.
For the Pecan Pie Topping:
- 1/3 cup corn syrup – Adds sweetness and helps bind the pecans.
- 3/4 cup brown sugar – Sweetens and provides a rich flavor.
- 2 eggs – Helps thicken and set the topping.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor of the topping.
- 1/4 cup butter, melted – Adds richness and helps to bind the ingredients.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.
- 3 1/2 cups pecans – The star of the topping, providing a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Brownies:
- In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar. Stir until well blended.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Toss the chocolate chips with 1 teaspoon of flour, then fold them into the brownie batter.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Prepare the Pecan Pie Topping:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, melted butter, and salt until well combined.
- Stir in the pecans, making sure they are well coated with the syrup mixture.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the pecan pie topping evenly over the brownie batter in the baking dish. Spread it out gently with a spatula to ensure even distribution.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is set and the edges are golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares. This helps the topping set and makes it easier to cut.
Tips for Success
- Brownie Consistency: Make sure not to overmix the brownie batter to keep them fudgy.
- Pecan Topping: To avoid burning, keep an eye on the pecan topping during the last few minutes of baking.
- Cooling: Let the brownies cool completely before cutting to ensure the topping sets properly and does not fall apart.
Variations
- Nutty Mix: Add a mix of nuts like walnuts or almonds to the pecan topping for a different texture.
- Chocolate Swirl: Swirl in some melted chocolate before adding the pecan topping for an extra chocolatey touch.
- Salted Caramel: Drizzle a bit of salted caramel over the pecan topping for an additional layer of flavor.
Pecan Pie Brownies are a decadent dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate brownies with the sweet, nutty goodness of pecan pie. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as a special treat, these brownies are sure to impress. With a fudgy brownie base and a crunchy, caramelized pecan topping, they offer a delightful twist on two classic favorites. Enjoy
