Decadent Pecan Pie Brownies Recipe Perfect for Holidays

Introduction

The smell of rich, chocolatey brownies mingling with the warm caramel aroma of pecan pie—let me tell you, it’s magic. The first time I made these decadent pecan pie brownies, I was trying to impress my family during the holidays. I wanted something that felt indulgent but also gave a nod to our Southern roots, and combining two classics seemed like the obvious choice. After the first bite, we were hooked—the kind of hooked where you immediately grab another piece before someone else beats you to it.

My kids couldn’t stop stealing slices off the cooling rack, and my partner kept saying, “These are dangerous, you know that, right?” Honestly, they’re the perfect blend of gooey pecan pie filling, fudgy chocolate brownies, and a buttery crust. They’re the kind of dessert that makes people stop mid-bite and say, “Wow.” Perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings, holiday potlucks, or just because you want to treat yourself, these pecan pie brownies are destined to be a staple in your dessert rotation.

After testing (and tasting!) this recipe more times than I care to admit, I can promise you it’s foolproof, satisfying, and downright irresistible. If you’re looking to wow your guests or bring something unique to the dessert table, you’re going to want to bookmark this one.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Two Desserts in One: It’s the ultimate mash-up of two beloved classics—brownies and pecan pie.
• Perfect for Holidays: This recipe screams festive, making it ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion.
• Rich and Indulgent: The gooey pecan pie topping pairs perfectly with the fudgy brownie base for a decadent treat.
• Simple Ingredients: No fancy or hard-to-find items—everything is pantry-friendly.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Kids, adults, and everyone in between will go crazy for these.
• Customizable: You can tweak the sweetness, add chocolate chips, or make them gluten-free with simple swaps.
• Foolproof: Tested multiple times to ensure consistent, delicious results every time.

What sets this recipe apart is the perfect balance of textures. The brownie layer is soft and dense, while the pecan pie topping is gooey, nutty, and slightly chewy. Together, they create a dessert that feels like pure holiday joy in every bite.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to deliver bold flavor and satisfying texture without the fuss. Here’s what you’ll need:

• For the Brownie Base:
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• For the Pecan Pie Topping:
• 3/4 cup (150g) brown sugar
• 1/4 cup (60ml) light corn syrup
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups (150g) pecans, roughly chopped
• Pinch of salt

If you want to make these gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For a dairy-free option, use plant-based butter and swap the corn syrup for maple syrup if desired.

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls (at least 2)
• Whisk and spatula
• 9×9 inch square baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Microwave or stovetop for melting butter

If you don’t have a square baking pan, you can use a rectangular pan, but the layers may be thinner. Make sure to line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup—trust me, it’s worth it!

Preparation Method

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Brownie Base:
1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until combined.
2. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until the mixture is smooth and slightly glossy.
3. Stir in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing it out evenly. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Pecan Pie Topping:
1. In another bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
2. Fold in the chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly coated.
3. Carefully pour the pecan pie mixture over the brownie batter, spreading it out evenly.
4. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are set and the middle has a slight jiggle. The pecan topping will firm up as it cools.
5. Cool the brownies in the pan for at least 1 hour before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang. Slice into squares and enjoy!

If the topping starts to brown too quickly, cover the pan loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

• Room temperature eggs blend more smoothly into the batter, so don’t skip this step!
• Use good-quality cocoa powder for the brownie layer—it makes a huge difference in flavor.
• For perfectly gooey brownies, don’t overbake. Remember, they’ll continue to set as they cool.
• Chop pecans roughly for texture, but avoid leaving large pieces that might make slicing difficult.
• If you notice the pecan topping bubbling over, reduce the oven temperature slightly and extend the baking time.
• Let the brownies cool completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts and defined layers.

Variations & Adaptations

• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
• Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and swap corn syrup for maple syrup.
• Extra Chocolate: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the brownie batter for an even more indulgent treat.
• Seasonal Twist: Use candied pecans or add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the pecan topping.
• Nut-Free Option: Replace pecans with sunflower seeds or omit the topping altogether for classic brownies.

One variation I’ve tried and loved is adding a hint of bourbon to the pecan pie filling—it adds a warm, smoky flavor that’s perfect for the holidays.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these pecan pie brownies slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. They’re also delicious with a hot cup of coffee or tea.

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm individual pieces in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or let them come to room temperature naturally.

The flavors deepen as they sit, so they’re just as delicious (if not more!) on day two.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

While these brownies are definitely a treat, the pecans add a boost of healthy fats, fiber, and protein. Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (based on 12 servings):

• Calories: 320
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Protein: 4g
• Sugar: 28g

Pecans are rich in antioxidants and heart-healthy fats, so you can enjoy this treat knowing you’re also sneaking in some good-for-you nutrients. However, if you’re watching sugar intake, feel free to experiment with natural sweeteners like coconut sugar or stevia.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a dessert that combines nostalgia with indulgence, these decadent pecan pie brownies are the answer. They’re rich, gooey, and perfect for the holidays—or any day, really. I love how they bring together the best of two worlds in one bite, making every occasion feel special.

Customize the recipe to suit your needs, whether you’re gluten-free, dairy-free, or just craving extra chocolate. And if you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear about it! Drop a comment, share it with friends, or tag me on social media to show off your creation.

Happy baking, and remember—don’t skimp on grabbing that second slice!

FAQs

Can I make these brownies ahead of time?

Absolutely! These brownies store well and taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just keep them in an airtight container.

Can I use a boxed brownie mix for the base?

Yes, you can! If you’re short on time, a boxed brownie mix works great as the base. Follow the package instructions and add the pecan topping before baking.

What’s the best way to chop pecans?

A rough chop works best—use a sharp knife and cut them into bite-sized pieces, but don’t overdo it. You want some texture!

Can I use dark corn syrup instead of light corn syrup?

Yes, dark corn syrup will add a deeper, molasses-like flavor to the topping. It’s a great choice if you like a richer taste!

How do I prevent the pecan topping from bubbling over?

If the topping is bubbling too much, lower the oven temperature slightly or tent the pan with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Print