Pecan Pie Brownies Recipe

Pecan Pie Brownies are a divine fusion of two classic desserts, combining the rich, chocolatey goodness of brownies with the sweet, nutty flavor of pecan pie. This dessert offers a delightful contrast in textures, from the dense, fudgy base to the crunchy, caramelized pecan topping. Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or just because, this recipe is sure to impress anyone who tries it. Whether you opt for a boxed brownie mix for convenience or make your brownies from scratch, the pecan pie topping will transform them into a decadent treat.

Ingredients

For the Brownies:

• 1 cup butter (2 sticks), melted
• 3 cups sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1-½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1-¼ teaspoons salt
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon flour (for tossing chocolate chips)

For the Pecan Pie Topping:

• ⅓ cup corn syrup
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¼ cup butter, melted
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3-½ cups pecans

Preparation

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that the oven is ready for baking once your batter and topping are prepared.

Brownies (If Not Using a Boxed Mix):

1. Sift the Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, sift together 1-½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1-¼ teaspoons salt. Setting these aside ensures they're ready to be incorporated smoothly into the wet mixture.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the melted butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and eggs (adding them one at a time). Mix these ingredients together until well combined.
3. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the sifted flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until the batter is well combined and smooth.
4. Prepare Chocolate Chips: Toss 1 cup of chocolate chips with a teaspoon of flour. This prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the batter. Fold the chocolate chips into the brownie batter.
5. Bake the Brownie Base: Pour the brownie batter into a greased 9" x 13" casserole dish. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside. The brownie base should be partially baked to support the pecan pie topping.

Pecan Pie Topping:

1. Mix Topping Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, melted butter, and salt. Mix these together until smooth.
2. Add Pecans: Stir in the pecans, making sure they are fully coated with the mixture.
3. Combine with Brownie Base: Carefully pour the pecan pie topping over the partially baked brownies, spreading it out gently to cover the surface.
4. Bake Again: Return the casserole dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the pecan pie topping is fully set and caramelized.

Serving Suggestions

Allow the Pecan Pie Brownies to cool completely in the dish before cutting into squares. These decadent treats are best served at room temperature or slightly warmed. Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special dessert experience.

Tips

• For a more intense chocolate flavor, consider using dark chocolate chips in the brownie batter.
• Ensure that the pecan pie topping is evenly spread over the brownie layer to achieve a consistent layer of nuts and caramelization.
• To easily remove the brownies from the pan, line the baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to lift out the brownies once cooled.

Pecan Pie Brownies offer a sumptuous combination of textures and flavors that make this dessert an instant favorite. Whether you're an experienced baker or new to the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward and yields impressive results. Enjoy the process of creating these indulgent treats, and watch them disappear as quickly as you serve them!