If you are searching for a dessert that combines rich, fudgy chocolate with the classic, nutty goodness of pecan pie, look no further than this Buttery Pecan Pie Brownies Recipe. It’s that perfect blend of a dense, chocolatey brownie base topped with a luscious, caramel-like pecan pie layer that practically melts in your mouth. Every bite delivers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors, from the deep cocoa notes to the sweet, buttery crunch of toasted pecans. This recipe is one of my absolute favorites to share at gatherings because it feels indulgent yet surprisingly simple to make, inviting everyone to enjoy a piece of homemade magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Buttery Pecan Pie Brownies Recipe depends on simple, quality ingredients that come together harmoniously to create an irresistible treat. Each item plays a key role in building layers of taste, texture, and that signature buttery finish.
- Brownie mix or homemade brownie ingredients: Provides the rich, chocolate base packed with fudgy texture that’s the foundation of this dessert.
- Unsalted butter (for both layers): Ensures a smooth, creamy consistency and gorgeous buttery flavor in the brownies and pecan topping.
- Granulated and light brown sugar: Offer sweetness with depth; the brown sugar adds caramel notes essential for the topping.
- Light corn syrup or maple syrup: Creates that sticky, glossy texture in the pecan pie layer that holds everything together.
- Heavy cream: Adds richness and moisture to the topping for a perfectly gooey finish.
- Eggs: Bind both the brownie and topping layers, contributing to structure and silkiness.
- Chopped pecans: Star ingredient that brings a toasty crunch and characteristic nutty flavor.
- Vanilla extract and pinch of salt: Boost and balance the sweet, buttery pie topping, enhancing every bite.
How to Make Buttery Pecan Pie Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or a light coating of butter. Whether you choose the convenience of a boxed brownie mix or the charm of homemade batter, pour it into the pan and bake for 20 minutes. The key here is to get a set top that isn’t fully cooked through because the pecan layer will finish the job later, creating a perfect moist center.
Step 2: Make the Pecan Pie Topping
While the brownie layer rests, melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, corn syrup, and heavy cream until everything is smooth, then simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes. This mixture is where the magic begins to form that sticky, caramel glaze that pecan pie lovers adore.
Step 3: Combine and Add Pecans
Remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool just slightly before whisking in the beaten eggs, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir in the chopped pecans until they’re evenly coated and distributed. At this stage, the decadence of the Buttery Pecan Pie Brownies Recipe really shines through.
Step 4: Bake the Layered Brownies
Pour the pecan pie topping evenly over the partially baked brownie base. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 25 to 30 minutes. You want the topping to be golden and just set, with a slight jiggle in the center to keep that luscious chewiness. Once done, let the brownies cool completely in the pan—a crucial step for clean slicing and firm layers.
How to Serve Buttery Pecan Pie Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
These brownies are stunning on their own, but you can elevate their beauty with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce for extra indulgence. A few whole toasted pecans on top add a rustic, inviting look that hints at the flavors inside.
Side Dishes
Serve a warm square of this Buttery Pecan Pie Brownies Recipe alongside vanilla bean ice cream or a scoop of whipped cream for a classic dessert duo. Fresh berries also provide a tangy contrast that balances the richness of the brownies beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or special occasion, cut the brownies into bite-sized squares and thread them onto skewers alternating with marshmallows and strawberries. Or arrange the brownies on a rustic wooden board with assorted nuts and chocolate pieces for a charming dessert spread that invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Buttery Pecan Pie Brownies Recipe covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keeping them airtight ensures they maintain their moist, chewy texture without drying out.
Freezing
These brownies freeze beautifully. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They keep well for up to 2 months, making them perfect for prepping ahead of time.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy frozen brownies, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Warm them up briefly in the microwave or a low oven for a few minutes to bring back that freshly baked softness and gooey topping texture.
FAQs
Can I use pecan halves instead of chopped pecans?
Absolutely! Pecan halves give a different texture and look, which can be quite elegant. Just be sure to distribute them evenly so every mouthful has some crunch.
Is there a vegan version of this Buttery Pecan Pie Brownies Recipe?
While the traditional recipe relies on butter and eggs, you can experiment with vegan butter substitutes and flax eggs to achieve a similar texture and flavor, though the topping may be slightly less rich.
Can I make the brownie base from scratch instead of using a boxed mix?
Definitely! Using the homemade brownie recipe included in this article delivers a wonderfully fudgy and fresh brownie layer. It’s well worth the extra effort if you want total control over your ingredients.
What’s the best way to toast pecans for this recipe?
Spread your pecans on a baking sheet and toast them in a 350°F oven for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring once. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn—this step enhances flavor and adds a lovely crunch.
Can I prepare this dessert in advance for a party?
Yes! The Buttery Pecan Pie Brownies Recipe tastes fantastic when made a day ahead. Just keep them covered at room temperature or refrigerated, and bring them to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Buttery Pecan Pie Brownies Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to desserts when I want to impress friends or enjoy a cozy treat at home. Its effortless combination of chocolate and pecan pie flavors offers something truly special and crave-worthy. I can’t encourage you enough to give it a try—you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again because it’s just that good and comforting, every bite filled with buttery, nutty happiness.
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Buttery Pecan Pie Brownies combine a rich, fudgy brownie base with a luscious pecan pie topping. Perfectly gooey and nutty, this American dessert offers the best of both worlds and is a great treat for holidays or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Brownie Layer:
- 1 box brownie mix (for a 9×13 pan), plus ingredients called for on the box (usually eggs, oil, water) —or—
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
For the Pecan Pie Topping:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Make the Brownie Base: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it. Prepare your brownie batter either using the boxed mix according to package directions or the homemade version by mixing the melted butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20 minutes — just until the top is set but not fully cooked. Remove from the oven and set aside, as it will finish baking with the topping.
- Make the Pecan Pie Topping: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar, corn syrup (or maple syrup), and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, then remove from heat. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before whisking in the beaten eggs, vanilla extract, salt, and chopped pecans until fully combined.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the pecan pie topping evenly over the partially baked brownie base. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes, or until the pecan topping is golden and just set in the center.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 16 squares. This cooling step ensures clean slices and fully set topping.
Notes
- For extra texture and flavor, toast the pecans lightly before chopping and adding to the topping mixture.
- These brownies are rich and decadent; cutting into smaller squares makes for perfect party servings.
- Store the brownies covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate to extend their shelf life.
