Pecan Pie Brownies Recipe

Pecan Pie Brownies: A Decadent Fusion of Two Classic Desserts

Combining the rich, fudgy goodness of brownies with the sweet, nutty decadence of pecan pie, Pecan Pie Brownies are a dessert lover’s dream come true. This delightful treat marries the best of both worlds, resulting in a layered confection that is sure to impress family and friends at any gathering. Whether you’re looking for a standout dessert for the holidays or a special treat for a weekend indulgence, this recipe will not disappoint.

The Magic of Pecan Pie Brownies

Pecan Pie Brownies are a testament to the creative possibilities in the kitchen. By starting with a simple brownie base and adding a luscious pecan pie topping, you create a dessert that has multiple textures and flavors in every bite. The gooey, caramel-like pecan topping contrasts beautifully with the dense, chocolatey brownies, creating a harmony that is both satisfying and luxurious.

Ingredients Breakdown

Before diving into the recipe, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make this dessert so special:

• Brownie Mix: Using a family-sized box of brownie mix makes this recipe both convenient and foolproof. The mix ensures that your brownies will be consistently delicious with minimal effort. Be sure to check the package for additional ingredients required, such as eggs, oil, and water.
• Pecans: The star of the topping, pecans add a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the rich chocolate of the brownies. Coarsely chopping the pecans helps them distribute evenly across the top.
• Butter: Unsalted butter provides the base for the caramel-like topping, adding richness and depth to the flavor.
• Light Brown Sugar and Light Corn Syrup: These sweeteners create the gooey, caramel-like consistency of the pecan pie topping. Brown sugar adds a subtle molasses flavor, while corn syrup ensures a smooth texture.
• Heavy Cream: Adding heavy cream to the topping creates a creamy, luscious texture that sets perfectly atop the brownies.
• Vanilla Extract and Kosher Salt: These ingredients enhance the flavors, adding a touch of warmth from the vanilla and balancing the sweetness with a hint of salt.
• Flaky Salt: Optional but recommended, a sprinkle of flaky salt on top of the brownies before serving adds a delightful contrast to the sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor experience.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Brownie Base

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F. Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven to ensure even baking.
2. Prepare the Baking Pan: Generously coat a 9-inch square baking pan with cooking spray. Line the bottom and sides of the pan with two pieces of overlapping parchment paper, arranging them perpendicular to each other so that the paper extends over all four edges by a few inches. This will make it easy to lift the brownies out of the pan once they are baked.
3. Mix the Brownie Batter: Prepare the batter from one 18-ounce box of family-sized boxed brownie mix according to the package directions. This typically involves adding eggs, oil, and water to the mix.
4. Bake the Brownies: Transfer the brownie batter to the prepared baking dish and smooth out the top. Bake until the top is dry and smooth, and a tester inserted into the center comes out clean, about 30 minutes.

Preparing the Pecan Pie Topping

5. Chop the Pecans: While the brownies are baking, coarsely chop two cups of pecans. This will ensure they are evenly distributed in the topping.
6. Make the Caramel Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine four tablespoons of unsalted butter, 1/3 cup of packed light brown sugar, 1/3 cup of light corn syrup, two tablespoons of heavy cream, 3/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once it reaches a boil, simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
7. Add the Pecans: Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the chopped pecans. Stir to combine, ensuring that the pecans are evenly coated with the caramel sauce.

Combining and Baking

8. Add the Topping: Once the brownies are done baking, remove the pan from the oven and increase the oven temperature to 350ºF. Evenly spoon the pecan pie topping over the brownies.
9. Bake Again: Return the pan to the oven and bake until the pecan pie topping is bubbling all over, particularly in the center of the pan, which should take about 25 to 30 minutes.

Cooling and Serving

10. Cool the Brownies: Place the pan on a wire rack and let the brownies cool to room temperature, about 1 1/2 hours. This cooling period is crucial as it allows the pecan pie topping to set properly.
11. Lift and Cut: Grasp the excess parchment paper to lift the brownie slab out of the pan and place it on a cutting board. For an extra touch, sprinkle with flaky salt before cutting if desired.
12. Serve and Enjoy: Cut the brownies into 16 squares and serve. These brownies can be enjoyed on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Storage Tips

To make the most of your Pecan Pie Brownies, proper storage is key:

• Room Temperature: The brownies can be tightly wrapped and stored at room temperature for up to three days. This is ideal if you plan to enjoy them within a few days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, the brownies can be frozen for up to one month. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to eat, let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours.

Tips for Success

• Use Quality Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients, especially the chocolate in the brownie mix and the pecans, will greatly affect the final product.
• Monitor the Topping: When baking the pecan pie topping, watch it closely to ensure it doesn’t burn. The bubbling is a good indicator that it’s done, but the edges shouldn’t get too dark.
• Let Them Set: Allowing the brownies to cool completely before cutting is essential for clean slices and the perfect texture.

Conclusion

Pecan Pie Brownies are a delightful twist on two classic desserts, bringing together the best of both worlds in one indulgent treat. Whether you’re making these for a holiday celebration or a simple family gathering, they are sure to be a hit. The combination of fudgy brownies and sweet, nutty pecan pie topping is irresistible, and with the convenience of using a brownie mix, they are easy enough for bakers of all levels. Enjoy these decadent brownies with a sprinkle of flaky salt, a scoop of ice cream, or simply on their own, and savor the delicious fusion of flavors and textures.