If you’re craving a dessert that combines gooey chocolate brownies with the sweet, sticky comfort of pecan pie, you’ve landed on your new go-to recipe. These pecan pie brownies are the ultimate holiday indulgence—rich, fudgy chocolate on the bottom and a buttery, caramelized pecan topping that crackles on top.
This isn’t your average brownie recipe. It’s a dessert bar that blends two American favorites into one epic bite. Whether you’re making a treat for Thanksgiving, a potluck, or just a weekend splurge, these brownies are guaranteed to steal the show.
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Want more creative twists on classic comfort desserts? Don’t miss this Pineapple Juice Cake Recipe—it’s tropical, glazed, and just as irresistible.
Ingredients
For the Brownie Base:
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1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
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8 oz semi-sweet chocolate (chopped or chips)
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1½ cups granulated sugar
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½ cup brown sugar
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4 large eggs
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
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½ tsp salt
For the Pecan Pie Topping:
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1 cup light corn syrup
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½ cup brown sugar
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4 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
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2 large eggs
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1½ tsp vanilla extract
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¼ tsp salt
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2 cups chopped pecans
How to Make the Best Pecan Pie Brownies
This pecan pie brownie recipe is broken down into two easy layers: a fudgy brownie base and a gooey pecan pie topping.
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Step 1: Make the Brownie Layer
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper and grease lightly.
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Melt the butter and chocolate together over low heat (or in the microwave). Stir until smooth and let cool slightly.
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In a large bowl, whisk the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
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Stir in the melted chocolate-butter mixture.
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Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Stir just until combined—do not overmix.
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Pour into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
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Bake for 20–25 minutes, just until mostly set (not fully baked). Remove from oven.
Step 2: Make the Pecan Pie Topping
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In a medium bowl, whisk together corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
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Stir in chopped pecans.
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Gently pour the topping over the par-baked brownie layer. Use a spatula to spread evenly.
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Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden, slightly crackled, and set.
Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. For clean slices, refrigerate for 1 hour before cutting.
Why These Pecan Pie Brownies Are Next-Level
These aren’t just brownies—they’re holiday dessert bars that deliver multiple textures and flavors in each bite. You get:
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A fudgy, chocolate base that’s rich and chewy
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A gooey pecan layer that’s sweet, nutty, and slightly crisp on top
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The wow-factor of a pecan pie in brownie form
For another comfort-style dessert with major flavor, check out this Blueberry Sour Cream Pound Cake—a great make-ahead option for gatherings.
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Tips & Variations
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Chocolate lovers: Add chocolate chips to the brownie batter for extra indulgence.
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Nut mix: Swap in half walnuts or hazelnuts for a different crunch.
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Salted twist: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top of the warm brownies.
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Bourbon pecan: Add 1 tablespoon of bourbon to the topping for depth.
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Make it mini: Use a mini muffin tin for bite-sized brownie pies.
Storage
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Room Temp: Store in an airtight container up to 3 days
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Refrigerator: Keeps for up to 6 days
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Freezer: Freeze in layers with parchment paper between for up to 2 months
To serve again, bring to room temperature or warm in the microwave for 10 seconds for maximum gooeyness.
Time & Yield
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Prep Time: 25 minutes
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Cook Time: 50 minutes
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Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
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Yield: 24 bars (9×13-inch pan)
Tools Used
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Mixing bowls
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Whisk
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Rubber spatula
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9×13-inch baking pan
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Parchment paper
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Saucepan (or microwave-safe bowl)
Final Thoughts
Pecan pie brownies are everything you want in a dessert: gooey, rich, chewy, and sweet—with the crunch of roasted pecans and the depth of real chocolate. They’re a conversation-starter, a crowd-pleaser, and most importantly, a bite of indulgent joy.
Whether you’re making them for Thanksgiving, a holiday cookie exchange, or just because you’re craving something sweet and bold, these brownies deliver on every level.
Still hungry for more gooey inspiration? Delish has their own take with creative topping twists that are worth exploring.
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Pecan Pie Brownies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Make the Brownie Layer:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch pan with parchment paper and grease lightly.
- Melt butter and chocolate together over low heat or in the microwave. Stir until smooth and set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, whisk sugars, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Stir in melted chocolate mixture.
- Sift in flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Mix just until combined.
- Spread brownie batter evenly in prepared pan.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, just until mostly set. Remove from oven.
- Make the Pecan Topping:
- In a bowl, whisk corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and salt.
- Stir in chopped pecans.
- Gently pour topping over the partially baked brownie layer and spread evenly.
- Return pan to oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until topping is set and golden.
- Let cool completely in pan before slicing. Chill for clean cuts.
Notes
- You can substitute walnuts for pecans if desired.
- Store in the fridge for up to 6 days or freeze for 2 months.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
