Pecan Pie Brownies are the kind of dessert that feels like a hug on a chilly fall day. Imagine a fudgy brownie bar with a rich chocolate base, topped with a gooey layer of pecan pie filling that crackles slightly when you bite into it. It’s everything you love about pecan pie and fudgy brownies rolled into one irresistible bite. Perfect for holiday gatherings, they’re easy to prepare and guaranteed to be the star of your dessert table.
This dessert fits beautifully into the season of fall treats. Whether you’re serving a tray of dessert bars at a Thanksgiving dinner, a Friendsgiving potluck, or even a Christmas cookie swap, pecan pie brownies bring something different—familiar yet exciting. They fall right into that sweet spot of easy holiday desserts that feel indulgent but don’t require days of preparation.
Gooey Pecan Pie Brownie Bars
Ingredients
- 1 box (18.25 oz) brownie mix use your favorite boxed mix
- eggs, oil, and water as required by the brownie mix instructions
- 1 cup chopped pecans lightly toasted if desired
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
- Prepare the brownie batter according to the package instructions.
- Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the chopped pecans, brown sugar, flour, melted butter, and vanilla extract until combined and sticky.
- Spread the pecan mixture evenly over the brownie layer in the pan.
- Spoon the remaining brownie batter over the top in dollops. Use a knife to gently swirl the layers together for a marbled effect.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter).
- Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing to help the layers set properly.
Notes
Nutrition
Why You’ll Love Pecan Pie Brownies
The Best of Both Worlds
Pie lovers and brownie lovers often stand in separate camps, but this dessert makes peace at last. You get the gooey, nutty topping of pecan pie sitting on top of a chewy, chocolatey brownie bar.
Easy but Impressive
No one has to know you started with a box of brownie mix. That shortcut makes this recipe so approachable, but the topping adds a “from-scratch” feel that’s elegant enough to serve at a holiday gathering.
A True Fall Favorite
When pumpkin and apple pies usually take center stage, pecan pie brownies bring something different. They’re the kind of fall treat that stands out on a dessert table crowded with pies and cookies.
Great for Sharing
Slice them into bars, and you’ve got a perfect hand-held dessert. That makes them ideal for potlucks, bake sales, or as a sweet bite after a big holiday meal.
Ingredient Breakdown and Substitutions
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Brownie Mix (18.25 oz) – Use your favorite boxed mix, whether it’s a classic fudge or dark chocolate variety. Want to go homemade? Try using your own brownie base recipe for a more artisanal touch.
- Eggs, Oil, and Water – These are the typical ingredients called for on the box. Stick with what’s listed to get the right texture.
- Chopped Pecans (1 cup) – Fresh pecans add crunch and nuttiness. Walnuts work as a substitution, but pecans give that signature pie flavor.
- Light Brown Sugar (½ cup) – Adds sweetness and depth. Dark brown sugar gives an even richer molasses flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour (¼ cup) – Helps bind the topping.
- Unsalted Butter (¼ cup, melted) – Gives the topping that gooey, sticky texture.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon) – Rounds out the flavors with a warm note.
💡 Pro Tip: Lightly toast the pecans before mixing for extra crunch and flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Heat to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan, or line with parchment for easy removal. - Prepare the Brownie Batter
Mix according to the package instructions. Pour half into the pan, spreading evenly. - Make the Pecan Pie Topping
In a separate bowl, stir together pecans, brown sugar, flour, melted butter, and vanilla. Mix until sticky. - Assemble the Layers
Spread the pecan topping over the brownie batter. Then spoon the remaining brownie batter in dollops across the top. Swirl gently with a knife for a marbled effect. - Bake to Gooey Perfection
Bake for 30–35 minutes. The toothpick test should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. - Cool and Slice
Let the brownies cool fully before slicing. This helps the pecan topping set and keeps the layers intact.
Variations and Serving Ideas
- Chocolate Lovers’ Dream: Stir chocolate chips into the brownie batter for extra richness.
- Maple Pecan Twist: Swap vanilla extract for maple syrup to create a flavor reminiscent of Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars see recipe here.
- Mini Versions: Bake in muffin tins for individual brownie cups, perfect for parties.
- Serve A La Mode: Warm a brownie and top it with vanilla ice cream and caramel drizzle—dessert heaven!
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Store for up to a week. Let them come to room temp before serving.
- Freezer: Wrap individually and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I make pecan pie brownies ahead of time?
Yes! Bake them a day or two before your event. They actually taste even better after sitting overnight, as the flavors meld together.
2. How do I keep the topping from getting too hard?
Don’t overbake. Remove them when the center is slightly soft. Cooling fully before slicing also prevents a tough topping.
3. Can I use homemade brownie batter instead of a box mix?
Absolutely. Use any rich, fudgy brownie recipe you love—it just makes the base extra special.
4. What’s the best way to cut clean slices?
Cool the bars completely, then use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry before each cut. This keeps edges neat.
More Dessert Inspiration
Love these pecan pie brownies? Try Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars, Brownie Caramel Cheesecake, Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes, or Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars.
Stay connected and discover more fall baking inspiration on Pinterest and Facebook.