Pecan Pie Brownies

If you’re looking for a delightful twist on the classic Thanksgiving dessert, these Pecan Pie Brownies are just what you need! Combining the rich flavors of chocolate and the nutty goodness of pecans, this recipe brings a touch of indulgence to your holiday table. I love making these brownies for family gatherings or cozy nights in when I crave something sweet but want to keep it simple. Plus, they’re a hit with both kids and adults alike!

Whether you’re prepping for a festive celebration or just want an easy treat to enjoy during the week, these Pecan Pie Brownies are the perfect solution. They are quick to whip up and can even be made ahead of time, allowing you to spend more quality moments with your loved ones.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With just a boxed brownie mix as the base, these brownies come together in no time!
• Decadent flavor: The combination of fudgy chocolate and crunchy pecans is simply irresistible.
• Family-friendly: Kids will love them, and they make for a wonderful dessert after any meal.
• Make-ahead convenience: Bake them in advance and store them until you’re ready to serve.
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving or a regular weeknight, they fit right in!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Pecan Pie Brownies use simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely have on hand. No complicated techniques here—just good old-fashioned baking!

For the Brownie Base

• 1 boxed brownie mix, prepared according to the directions

For the Pecan Pie Topping

• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 3/4 cups roasted unsalted pecan pieces, roughly chopped

Variations

One of the best things about these brownies is their flexibility! Here are some fun ideas to mix things up:

• Add chocolate chips: Stir in some semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips into the brownie batter for extra chocolatey goodness.
• Try different nuts: Swap out pecans for walnuts or even almonds for a different texture and taste.
• Drizzle with caramel: Add a swirl of caramel sauce on top before baking for an extra layer of sweetness.
• Mix in spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can bring warmth and depth to the flavors.

How to Make Pecan Pie Brownies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures that your brownies bake evenly from the start. Also, line your 9 x 9-inch pan with parchment paper on all sides—this will help with easy removal later!

Step 2: Prepare the Brownie Mix

Prepare the boxed brownie mix according to the directions on the box. Once mixed, pour it into your prepared pan and spread it evenly using a rubber spatula. This creates a nice base for our delicious topping.

Step 3: Bake Partially

After 15 minutes in the oven, take out your brownies. They should be set enough to hold up the pecan pie layer but still raw. Let them cool slightly; this helps create that perfect gooey texture.

Step 4: Make the Pecan Pie Filling

While your brownies cool down, whisk together honey, brown sugar, egg, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt in a medium bowl. This mixture creates that luscious pecan pie topping we all love! Gently fold in those chopped pecans—this is where all that nutty flavor comes from.

Step 5: Combine Layers

Once the brownie base has cooled a bit, pour that rich pecan pie filling over it. Use your spatula to spread it out gently without pushing too far into the brownie layer; we want distinct layers here!

Step 6: Final Bake

Return everything back into the oven for another 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them! When a knife inserted into the middle comes out mostly clean, they’re done.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Let your brownies cool completely at room temperature before slicing them into 16 squares. This step is crucial as it allows everything to set perfectly. Enjoy each bite of these delightful Pecan Pie Brownies!

Pro Tips for Making Pecan Pie Brownies

Making pecan pie brownies is a delightful experience, and with these pro tips, you’ll elevate your baking game even further!

• Use room temperature ingredients: This ensures that everything combines smoothly, resulting in a more uniform texture for the brownies and topping.
• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the brownies as they bake. They should be set but still slightly fudgy in the middle to maintain that luscious texture.
• Chop pecans uniformly: By chopping your pecans into similar sizes, you ensure an even distribution throughout the brownie layer, keeping every bite deliciously nutty.
• Let them cool completely: Allowing the brownies to cool before slicing helps them to set properly, making it easier to cut clean pieces without crumbling.
• Experiment with toppings: Feel free to add a drizzle of dairy-free chocolate or a sprinkle of sea salt on top before serving for an extra indulgent touch!

How to Serve Pecan Pie Brownies

These pecan pie brownies are not only scrumptious but also visually appealing! Presenting them well can enhance the overall dessert experience for your family and friends.

Garnishes

• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a creamy, light contrast that complements the richness of the brownies beautifully.
• Chocolate drizzle: A simple drizzle of melted dairy-free chocolate over the top can elevate the look and taste, giving each brownie a gourmet touch.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla almond ice cream: The creamy sweetness of vanilla almond ice cream pairs perfectly with the chewy texture of the brownies, creating a delightful contrast.
• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing side of seasonal fruits balances out the richness of the pecan pie brownies and adds a burst of color to your dessert table.
• Pumpkin spice latte: For those chilly evenings, serving these brownies alongside a warm pumpkin spice latte creates a cozy dessert experience that’s perfect for fall gatherings.
• Coffee or tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea enhances the flavors of these brownies and provides a comforting finish to your meal.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your pecan pie brownies will not only taste amazing but also look fabulous on any holiday table! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Pecan Pie Brownies are perfect for meal prep, making them a great addition to your holiday baking lineup. You can whip them up in advance and enjoy them throughout the week or impress guests with a delicious homemade treat.

Storing Leftovers

• Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer a longer shelf life, refrigerate them for up to a week.
• To maintain freshness, place parchment paper between layers if stacking.

Freezing

• Allow the brownies to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Label the container with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating

• For best results, thaw frozen brownies in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• To warm them up, place brownies on a microwave-safe plate and heat in short intervals of 10-15 seconds until warmed through.
• Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making these delightful Pecan Pie Brownies.

Can I use a different nut instead of pecans in my Pecan Pie Brownies?

Absolutely! While pecans offer a unique flavor, walnuts or almonds can be great substitutes. Just be sure to chop them roughly and adjust the quantity as desired.

How do I know when my Pecan Pie Brownies are done baking?

Your brownies are ready when the edges look set and a knife inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. Remember that they will continue to firm up as they cool!

Can I make Pecan Pie Brownies without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute the egg with a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water) or unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup) for an egg-free version.

What is the best way to serve Pecan Pie Brownies?

These brownies are delicious on their own but can also be enhanced with whipped coconut cream or a scoop of dairy-free ice cream on top for an extra special dessert!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Pecan Pie Brownies as much as I do! They bring together the rich flavors of chocolate and pecan pie into one irresistible treat that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends during the holidays. Remember, no matter how they turn out, what matters most is the love you put into your baking. Happy cooking!