Brownies or pecan pie? Why not have both? My pecan pie brownies start with a fudgy homemade brownie base and are topped with a sweet, buttery pecan topping that bakes up beautifully golden and crisp around the edges.
These decadent brownies are perfect for holiday gatherings, bake sales, or anytime you're craving something extra special. Every bite is loaded with chocolate and crunchy pecans, making it impossible to resist.
If you love rich desserts like this, be sure to try my chocolate caramel cashew clusters, pecan pie bars, and banana cream cheese muffins topped with streusel.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, fudgy brownies topped with a gooey pecan layer
- Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients
- Perfect for holidays, potlucks, and family gatherings
- Great make-ahead dessert
- Loaded with chocolate and nutty flavor
- A delicious twist on classic pecan pie
Key Ingredients
The full list of ingredients and their exact measurements are in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Butter: Butter does double duty here, adding richness to both the fudgy brownies and the gooey pecan topping.
- Chocolate Chips & Cocoa Powder: These are what give the brownies their deep, chocolatey flavor and soft, chewy texture.
- Eggs: Help hold everything together and create that classic dense brownie texture while also helping the pecan topping set.
- Pecans: The star of the topping. They add crunch and that unmistakable nutty flavor that makes the dessert taste like pecan pie.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a caramel-like sweetness to the pecan topping and makes it extra rich and gooey.
- Vanilla: Brings warmth and rounds out all the chocolate and caramel flavors.
Variations
- Extra Chocolaty: Add a handful of dark chocolate chips to the brownie batter.
- Deeper Chocolate Flavor: Use dark chocolate chips and Dutch-processed dark cocoa powder.
- Bold Brownies: Add a pinch of instant coffee to the batter.
- German Chocolate Brownies: Use the frosting from my German chocolate cake recipe in place of the pecan topping.
- Swap the Nuts: Swap some or all of the pecans with walnuts, cashews, or any of your other favorites.
- Cinnamon Pecan Brownies: Stir a teaspoon of cinnamon into the topping for extra warmth.
- Semi-Homemade: Use your favorite brownie mix in place of homemade brownies.
How to Make Pecan Pie Brownies
Step 1: Melt the butter. Then, pour it over the chocolate chips and stir until smooth. Whisk in the cocoa powder and let the mixture cool slightly.
Step 2: Mix in the sugar and vanilla, followed by the eggs. Stir in the flour until just combined.
Step 3: Pour the batter into a prepared 9×9 baking dish and bake until the brownies are mostly baked. Set aside.
Step 4: Mix the wet pecan pie topping ingredients. Then, fold in the pecans.
Step 5: Spoon pecan mixture over the brownies and gently spread into an even layer.
Step 6: Bake again until the topping is set. Cool completely, slice, and enjoy!
Expert Tips
- Let the chocolate mixture cool slightly before adding the eggs.
- Don't overmix the batter once you add the flour.
- Use good-quality chocolate chips for the richest flavor.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely so the pecan topping has time to set.
- Line your baking pan with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
Pecan Pie Brownies FAQs
Pecan pie brownies combine two classic desserts in one pan: a rich, fudgy brownie base topped with a sweet, buttery pecan pie layer. The result is a decadent dessert with the perfect balance of chocolate and crunchy pecans.
No, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate them for up to a week.
Absolutely! These brownies are a great make-ahead dessert and often taste even better the next day after the flavors have had time to develop.
The topping should be lightly golden and mostly set, with only a slight jiggle in the center. It will continue to firm up as the brownies cool.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips create a rich, balanced flavor, but dark chocolate chips can be used for an even deeper chocolate taste.
Overbaking or overmixing the batter after adding the flour can lead to drier brownies. Bake just until the brownie layer is almost set before adding the pecan topping.
Make These Brownies for Dessert With:
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Pecan Pie Brownies
Ingredients
Brownies
- 1 cup butter
- 6 ounces semi sweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour
Pecan topping
- 3 cups pecans, chopped
- ¼ cup butter melted
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350° and grease a 9 x 9 pan or line with parchment paper. Set aside.
Brownies
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium low heat.
- In a large bowl add chocolate chips and melted butter and stir until smooth.
- Whisk in cocoa powder. Let cool slightly.
- Stir in sugar, brown sugar and vanilla.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each additional egg.
- Mix in flour until just combined.
- Bake in the oven for 22 minutes or until almost fully cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and top with pecan filling.
Pecan Pie Topping
- Mix melted butter, sugar, vanilla, salt, and eggs together until thoroughly combined.
- Mix in chopped pecans.
- Return to the oven for 15-17 or until pecan filling is set.
Notes
- Let the chocolate mixture cool slightly before adding the eggs.
- Don't overmix the batter once you add the flour.
- Use good-quality chocolate chips for the richest flavor.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely so the pecan topping has time to set.
- Line your baking pan with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
Nutrition
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