If you adore the rich, fudgy texture of brownies combined with the nutty, caramelized sweetness of pecan pie, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies Recipe. It’s everything you want in a dessert—decadently chewy on the bottom and irresistibly gooey on top, studded with crunchy pecans that add the perfect contrast. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or indulging in a cozy night in, this recipe brings together two classic favorites into one unforgettable treat that truly celebrates rich flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of gooey custard and fudgy brownie beneath. From the velvety cocoa powder to the toasty pecans, each component adds a layer of deliciousness you’ll savor in every bite.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, 115g): Provides richness and a smooth, tender brownie base.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup, 200g): Adds sweetness and helps create a chewy texture in the brownie layer.
- Large eggs (2 for brownie, 2 for topping): Bind ingredients together while lending moisture and lift.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances flavor complexity and brings warmth to both layers.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/3 cup, 30g): Delivers deep chocolate flavor with a slight bitterness to balance sweetness.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup, 65g): Gives structure to the brownie without making it cakey.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Amplifies sweetness and chocolate notes.
- Baking powder (1/4 teaspoon): Helps the brownie rise just enough to stay moist and tender.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup, 100g): Sweetens and adds a lovely caramel note to the pecan pie topping.
- Light corn syrup or maple syrup (1/4 cup, 60ml): Ensures that luscious, gooey texture in the topping.
- Unsalted butter, melted (1/4 cup, 60g): Makes the pecan pie topping delectably rich and smooth.
- Pecan halves or chopped pecans (1 1/2 cups, 150g): Adds a toasty crunch and distinctive nutty flavor that balances the sweetness.
How to Make Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing the edges to hang over the sides for easy brownie removal later. This simple step ensures a clean lift and perfect slices, making your life much easier when serving.
Step 2: Make the Brownie Layer
Melt the butter gently over low heat in a medium saucepan, then stir in granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Next, whisk in the eggs one at a time to create a silky batter. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, salt, and baking powder to avoid lumps, then fold this dry mix carefully into the wet ingredients. Spread this rich brownie batter evenly in your prepared pan—a thick and fudgy foundation for your pecan pie topping.
Step 3: Prepare the Pecan Pie Topping
Whisk together brown sugar, light corn syrup or maple syrup, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to form a sweet, custard-like mixture. Stir in the pecans until every nut is coated and ready to add crunch and flavor. This topping will ooze decadently over your brownies during baking, sealing in that signature gooey magic.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Gently pour your pecan pie topping over the brownie base, spreading it evenly but carefully so you don’t disturb the layers. Bake everything for 40 to 45 minutes, checking occasionally. If the pecans start to brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking to keep them perfectly toasted without burning. You’ll know it’s done when the topping is set but still slightly puffed—pure perfection!
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Once out of the oven, be patient and let your Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies cool completely right in the pan. When cool, use the parchment overhang to lift the entire block out, then slice into 16 hearty squares. This cooling step is key for clean cuts and the best texture.
How to Serve Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, consider a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of each brownie. Sprinkle a few chopped pecans or a light dusting of powdered sugar to add contrast and elegance. These simple garnishes elevate your Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies Recipe into an irresistible presentation that guests will adore.
Side Dishes
Pair these brownies with fresh berries or a tangy fruit compote to cut through the sweetness and add a refreshing bite. A warm coffee or a rich latte works beautifully alongside these rich brownies, bringing out the chocolate and pecan flavors even more.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving these brownies on a rustic wooden board with a scattering of nuts and chocolate shavings around them for a cozy, inviting vibe. For parties, cut into bite-sized squares and serve on decorative toothpicks or mini dessert plates with a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce. Elevate your Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies Recipe experience by making every serving a little event of its own.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The pecan pie topping stays wonderfully gooey, while the brownie base remains tender. If your kitchen is warm, refrigeration can extend freshness but might firm up the topping slightly.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully—wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bring to room temperature before serving to bring back that lovely gooey texture.
Reheating
Warm your brownies gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a low oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. This revives the gooey texture and softens the pecans, making each bite taste like it was freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use chopped pecans instead of halves?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans distribute more evenly throughout the topping, giving you bites full of that nutty crunch. The texture remains just as delightful whether you prefer halves or chopped.
What if I don’t have corn syrup? Can I substitute it?
Yes, maple syrup or honey works well as a substitute for light corn syrup in the pecan pie topping. They both help maintain that signature gooey texture and add subtle layers of flavor.
How do I know when the brownies are done without overbaking?
Look for the pecan pie topping to be set and slightly puffed but not jiggly. If the pecans brown too quickly, tent the pan with foil. The brownie layer underneath should remain fudgy, so a toothpick test in the center might show a few moist crumbs—that’s perfect!
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just be sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to keep the texture just right.
What’s the best way to cut these gooey brownies neatly?
Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the brownies out of the pan and cool completely before slicing. A sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts helps create clean edges and prevents sticking.
Final Thoughts
This Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies Recipe is truly one of those luscious desserts that you’ll want to bake again and again—not just because it’s delicious, but because it brings such joy with every bite. From the fudgy chocolate base to the warm, sweet pecan topping, this recipe is a celebration of textures and flavors that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas. You’re about to make a new favorite dessert that’s guaranteed to impress and satisfy every time.
Print
Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies combine the rich, fudgy texture of classic brownies with the sweet, sticky topping of a pecan pie. With a decadent chocolate base and a luscious pecan pie layer on top, these brownies offer a perfect balance of chocolatey goodness and nutty sweetness, making them an irresistible treat for dessert lovers.
Ingredients
Brownie Layer
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup (30g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Pecan Pie Topping
- 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup (60ml) light corn syrup or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups (150g) pecan halves or chopped pecans
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan and Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal of the brownies once baked.
- Make the Brownie Layer: In a medium saucepan, melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter over low heat. Stir in the granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Incorporate Eggs: Whisk in the 2 large eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed in before adding the next, creating a smooth batter.
- Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Fold this dry mixture gently into the wet brownie batter until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
- Spread Brownie Batter: Evenly spread the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
- Prepare Pecan Pie Topping: In a bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, corn syrup (or maple syrup), melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add Pecans: Stir the pecan halves or chopped pecans into the topping mixture until they are evenly coated.
- Assemble Layers: Carefully pour the pecan pie topping over the brownie batter in the pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the pecan topping is set and slightly puffed. If the pecans brown too quickly, cover the pan loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the brownies cool completely in the pan. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the brownies out, slice into 16 squares, and serve.
Notes
- Using parchment paper with an overhang makes it easy to lift the brownies out of the pan cleanly.
- Light corn syrup can be substituted with maple syrup for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to keep the brownies tender.
- Covering the brownies with foil near the end of baking prevents the pecans from burning.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely for the best texture and cleaner slicing.
