Pecan pie is a classic dessert that embodies the essence of comfort and tradition. With its rich, buttery filling and crunchy, toasted pecans, this Southern staple offers a perfect balance of sweetness and nutty flavor. Traditionally served during holidays and special gatherings, pecan pie is cherished for its warm, nostalgic taste that brings people together. The gooey, caramel-like filling paired with a crisp, flaky crust makes each slice irresistible, capturing the heart and soul of home-baked goodness. Brownies are the ultimate chocolate indulgence, loved for their rich, fudgy texture and intense chocolate flavor. Whether you prefer them chewy, gooey, or with a crackly top, brownies are a versatile treat that can be enjoyed in countless ways. They’re perfect on their own, served with a glass of milk, or dressed up with ice cream or whipped cream. Easy to make and even easier to devour, brownies are a timeless dessert that satisfies chocolate cravings and brings joy to any occasion. Imagine the best of both worlds: your favorite rich, fudgy brownies topped with the gooey, caramelized goodness of pecan pie. Pecan pie brownies are the ultimate dessert mashup, combining the decadent chocolate base of brownies with the sweet, nutty crunch of a pecan pie topping. Each bite delivers an explosion of flavors and textures, from the soft, chocolatey brownie to the buttery, toasted pecans. Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or any time you want to treat yourself, pecan pie brownies are a delightful twist on two beloved desserts.
Why is this the best recipe?
Perfect Balance of Flavors: The rich, fudgy brownies are perfectly complemented by the sweet and nutty pecan pie topping. This combination creates a harmony of flavors that’s both indulgent and satisfying. Ideal Texture Combination: The contrast between the soft, gooey brownie base and the crunchy, caramelized pecan topping provides an exceptional textural experience in every bite. Simple, Quality Ingredients: This recipe uses straightforward, high-quality ingredients that are easy to find. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the flavors to shine without unnecessary complexity. Customizable Variations: With options to add chocolate chips, bourbon, or salted caramel, this recipe offers versatility and can be tailored to suit different tastes or special occasions, making it a go-to dessert for any event.
Ingredients and substitutes
Chocolate – I love using dark or semi-sweet chocolate in my brownies but any chocolate you like to eat would be great. Please do not use baking or compound chocolate. The taste of your brownies primarily depends on the quality of your chocolate. Butter – I always use unsalted butter but if salted butter is all you have, go ahead and use it and omit salt in the recipe. You can use margarine or coconut oil for a different flavor profile. All-purpose flour -Gives the brownies structure. A gluten-free flour blend can be used for gluten-free brownies. Alternatively, you can also omit the flour and use 2 tbsp of cornstarch instead. Sugar—provides sweetness and structure to the brownies. You can try brown sugar for a deeper, more molasses-like flavor. Eggs – Bind the ingredients together and add richness. For an egg-free version, you use flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg), which can be used as a vegan option. Corn Syrup: Provides the gooey texture in the pecan pie topping. Maple syrup, honey, or agave syrup can be used for a different flavor. Pecans – Pecans: 2 cups, chopped. Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. Walnuts or almonds can be used, or a mix of nuts.
Step-by-step: How to make Pecan Pie Brownies
Brownie
Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Grease the parchment paper lightly with butter or cooking spray.
Make the Brownie Batter: Whisk the melted butter and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl until combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Sift the flour, salt, and baking powder in a separate bowl. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the brownies tough. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake the Brownies: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly while you prepare the pecan pie topping.
Make the Pecan Pie Topping: Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Stir in the brown sugar and corn syrup until the sugar is dissolved. Then whisk in the eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and well combined. Stir in the chopped pecans until they are evenly coated. Assemble and Bake: Pour the pecan pie topping over the partially baked brownies, spreading it evenly. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the pecan topping is set and the edges are golden brown. Remove from the oven and let the brownies cool completely in the pan. Serve: Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the brownies out of the pan. Cut into squares or bars and serve. These brownies are rich, so smaller squares are often enough. Enjoy as they are, or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
Tips for Success
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that eggs, butter, and other ingredients are at room temperature before you begin. This helps everything mix together smoothly, resulting in a more even texture. Don’t Overmix the Batter: When making the brownie batter, mix just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough brownies instead of the desired fudgy texture. Line Your Baking Pan: Use parchment paper to line your baking pan, leaving some overhang on the sides. This makes it easier to lift the brownies out of the pan without sticking or breaking, giving you perfect squares. Let the Brownies Cool Completely: Allow the brownies to cool fully in the pan before slicing. This gives the pecan pie topping time to set, making it easier to cut and serve neat squares without the topping sliding off. Choose Fresh Pecans: Use fresh, high-quality pecans for the best flavor. Stale or old pecans can have a rancid taste that could ruin the dessert. Monitor the Baking Time: Keep an eye on the brownies as they bake, especially during the final minutes. You want the brownies to be set but still slightly gooey in the center for the perfect texture. Test the Pecan Pie Topping: The pecan pie topping should be slightly jiggly but not runny when you pull the brownies out of the oven. This ensures it has the right consistency when cooled. Store Properly: Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge. If you refrigerate them, let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
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