If you’re looking for the perfect holiday dessert, these Pecan Pie Brownies are a must-try! A delicious fusion of rich, fudgy brownies and gooey caramelized pecan pie topping, this recipe is ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive gathering. Whether you love brownie Thanksgiving desserts, pecan Christmas desserts, or just want an easy, quick Thanksgiving dessert, this Pecan Pie Brownies Recipe is sure to impress.
These brownies combine deep chocolate flavor, crunchy pecans, and a buttery caramel topping, creating a decadent, show-stopping dessert that’s easier to make than a traditional pecan pie. Plus, they can be made ahead of time, making them a perfect stress-free holiday treat.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions, expert baking tips, and serving ideas to help you make the best pecan pie brownies ever!
Table of Contents
What Are Pecan Pie Brownies?
A Delicious Fusion of Pecan Pie and Brownies
These Pecan Pie Brownies combine the best parts of two beloved desserts:
✔️ Fudgy chocolate brownies – Rich, chocolate-packed, and ultra-moist.
✔️ Caramelized pecan pie topping – Buttery, nutty, and slightly gooey.
The result? A layered dessert with a perfect balance of textures and flavors—crispy, chewy, gooey, and chocolatey all at once!
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Thanksgiving & Christmas
✔️ Combines two classic holiday desserts in one.
✔️ Easier than making a traditional pecan pie.
✔️ A crowd-pleaser for both chocolate lovers and pecan pie fans.
If you’re looking for the best pecan desserts for Thanksgiving or Christmas, these pecan pie brownies are a guaranteed hit!
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
A Decadent Twist on Classic Brownie Thanksgiving Desserts
These pecan brownies are rich, gooey, and full of holiday flavor, making them one of the top Thanksgiving desserts this season.
The Perfect Balance of Fudgy, Gooey, and Nutty Flavors
✔️ Deep chocolate flavor from the brownie base.
✔️ Crunchy, caramelized pecan topping.
✔️ Sweet, buttery filling that melts in your mouth.
An Easy Quick Thanksgiving Dessert with Minimal Effort
✔️ Simple to make – No complicated steps.
✔️ Uses pantry-friendly ingredients.
✔️ Can be made in advance for holiday meal prep.
Ingredients for Pecan Pie Brownies
Essential Ingredients for the Best Pecan Desserts
For the Brownie Layer:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- ¾ cup (150g) brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup (65g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
For the Pecan Pie Topping:
- 1 ½ cups (180g) pecan halves
- ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
- ¼ cup (60ml) maple syrup or honey
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
Substitutions & Variations for Different Tastes
- Use a brownie mix – If short on time, swap the homemade brownie base for a boxed mix.
- Add chocolate chips – For extra chocolatey goodness.
- Use walnuts instead of pecans – A different nutty twist.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
✔️ 9×13-inch baking dish
✔️ Mixing bowls
✔️ Whisk and spatula
✔️ Parchment paper
✔️ Cooling rack
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Layer
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until fully combined.
- Sift in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder, mixing until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
Step 2: Bake the Brownie Base
- Bake for 20 minutes, until the edges are set but the center is slightly soft.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly while preparing the pecan topping.
Step 3: Make the Pecan Pie Topping
- In a medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar, maple syrup, melted butter, vanilla extract, salt, and eggs.
- Stir in the pecan halves, coating them well in the mixture.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake to Perfection
- Pour the pecan pie filling evenly over the partially baked brownies.
- Return to the oven and bake for 20-25 more minutes, until the topping is set and slightly bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let the brownies cool completely before slicing.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
- Cut into squares and serve as-is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Expert Tips for the Best Pecan Pie Brownies
✔️ Don’t overbake – The brownies should be fudgy, not dry.
✔️ Let them cool before slicing – This helps the layers set properly.
✔️ Use real maple syrup or honey – Adds a deep caramel flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Overbaking the brownies – They should be slightly soft in the center.
❌ Not letting them cool before cutting – Slicing too soon makes them fall apart.
❌ Using too many pecans – A balanced ratio keeps the texture perfect.
Serving and Pairing Ideas
The Best Ways to Serve These Pecan Christmas Desserts
🍨 With ice cream – Vanilla, caramel, or butter pecan.
☕ With coffee or hot chocolate – A perfect holiday pairing.
🍷 With warm spiced cider – A cozy treat for fall and winter.
How to Store and Freeze Leftovers
Keeping Brownies Fresh for Longer
✔️ Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
✔️ Refrigerate for up to a week for a firmer texture.
Freezing and Reheating Tips for Holiday Meal Prep
✔️ Freeze for up to 3 months in a sealed container.
✔️ Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes before serving.
FAQs About Pecan Pie Brownies
Can I Make These Brownies Ahead of Time?
Yes! They taste even better the next day.
What’s the Best Way to Make Them Extra Gooey?
✔️ Use extra butter and maple syrup in the topping.
✔️ Slightly underbake the brownies for a fudgier texture.
Can I Use a Brownie Mix Instead of Homemade?
Absolutely! Just follow the box instructions and add the pecan topping.
Conclusion – Try These Easy Good Thanksgiving Desserts Today!
These Pecan Pie Brownies are the ultimate holiday dessert, combining the richness of brownies with the sweet, nutty flavor of pecan pie. Whether you’re making them for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a special occasion, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
PrintPecan Pie Brownies : The Ultimate Dessert
If you’re looking for the perfect holiday dessert, these Pecan Pie Brownies are a must-try!
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 45
- Total Time: 60
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Brownie Layer:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- ¾ cup (150g) brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup (65g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
For the Pecan Pie Topping:
- 1 ½ cups (180g) pecan halves
- ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
- ¼ cup (60ml) maple syrup or honey
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Layer
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until fully combined.
- Sift in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder, mixing until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
Step 2: Bake the Brownie Base
- Bake for 20 minutes, until the edges are set but the center is slightly soft.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly while preparing the pecan topping.
Step 3: Make the Pecan Pie Topping
- In a medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar, maple syrup, melted butter, vanilla extract, salt, and eggs.
- Stir in the pecan halves, coating them well in the mixture.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake to Perfection
- Pour the pecan pie filling evenly over the partially baked brownies.
- Return to the oven and bake for 20-25 more minutes, until the topping is set and slightly bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let the brownies cool completely before slicing.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
- Cut into squares and serve as-is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
✔️ Don’t overbake – The brownies should be fudgy, not dry.
✔️ Let them cool before slicing – This helps the layers set properly.
✔️ Use real maple syrup or honey – Adds a deep caramel flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
Keywords: Pecan Pie Brownies The Kitchen