Pecan Pie Brownies

Pecan Pie Brownies: A Decadent Twist on Two Classics

If you’re a fan of rich chocolate brownies and the gooey, nutty sweetness of pecan pie, this Pecan Pie Brownies recipe is the best of both worlds! These pecan pie brownies combine the fudgy base of a brownie with the caramel-like pecan topping of a classic pecan pie, making them perfect for holiday baking, game days, or any time you’re craving something indulgent. The best part? We’re using a boxed brownie mix so that you can make a homemade dessert without all the work leaving you with plenty of time to enjoy the festivities.

Important Tip

One important tip when preparing the pecan pie topping is to whisk the mixture after each minute in the microwave to ensure it’s well-combined and smooth. This helps prevent any lumps and ensures an even, glossy texture for your pecan topping. I love using the Flisk whisk for this part. It’s a game-changer in my kitchen because it folds flat for easy cleaning and storage. Just twist the end, and the whisk folds down perfectly, so you can pop it into a drawer without hassle. You can check it out here and add it to your holiday baking tools!

Why Pecan Pie Brownies are Perfect for the Holidays

When it comes to holiday baking recipes, desserts that are both easy and impressive are always a win. These Pecan Pie Brownies hit the mark, making them an ideal treat for Thanksgiving brownies, Christmas brownies, and even Mother’s Day gatherings. The fusion of flavors feels festive, and the ease of preparation ensures you can whip up something special without being tied to the kitchen all day.

Brownies are already a crowd favorite, and adding a pecan pie topping turns them into a showstopper. The crunchy pecans paired with the rich, fudgy brownie create a combination that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re serving these up at your holiday parties, family gatherings, or bringing them to a potluck, these brownies will disappear in no time!

Elevate Boxed Brownies with a Homemade Touch

Let’s be real: boxed brownie mixes are a lifesaver when you need something quick and reliable. They’re an easy way to make homemade desserts with a shortcut. But by adding a homemade pecan pie filling on top, you can elevate boxed brownies into something that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Using boxed brownie mix doesn’t mean sacrificing quality or flavor. In fact, it’s a brilliant way to save time while still making a dessert that feels from-scratch. This recipe makes it possible to enjoy the rich, dense brownie base without the hassle of measuring and mixing every single ingredient. With the addition of the pecan pie topping, these brownies feel special and indulgent, making them perfect for holiday baking.

Ingredients for Pecan Pie Brownies

Let’s dive into how to make this pecan pie brownies recipe easy and stress-free.

For the brownies:

• 1 box of brownie mix (and the ingredients listed on the package, typically eggs, oil, and water)

For the pecan pie topping:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• 3 eggs
• 1 ¼ cups light corn syrup
• ½ cup dark brown sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups pecan halves

Step-by-Step Instructions for Pecan Pie Brownies

*printable recipe card is available at the bottom of this page

Step One: Preheat oven

Set the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step Two: Prepare the brownies

Mix the boxed brownie mix according to the package instructions. Line a 9×13-inch glass pan with greased parchment paper. (Pro Tip: Crumble the parchment paper before lining the pan. This helps the paper mold to the shape of the dish.) Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and bake as directed.

Step Three: Make the pecan filling

While the brownies are baking, melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Add the eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. Whisk until fully combined. Microwave on high for 5 minutes, whisking the mixture after each minute.  Stir in the pecans.

Step Four: Add the pecan filling

Once the brownies are done, remove them from the oven. Pour the pecan mixture evenly over the brownie layer, spreading it out gently to cover the entire surface.

Step Five: Bake again

Place the pan back into the oven and bake for another 20 minutes.  Then, Turn off the oven but do not open the door. Let the brownies sit in the warm oven for 15 minutes to allow the topping to set.

Step Six: Serve and enjoy!

These brownies are delicious warm or at room temperature, making them perfect for serving at parties or family gatherings.  Allow the brownies to cool completely if you plan to cut them into bars. 

Perfect for Every Occasion

These Pecan Pie Brownies are not only great for Thanksgiving and Christmas, but also for Easter and other celebrations. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply want to enjoy a delicious dessert after a weeknight dinner, these brownies are a sure hit.

• For Thanksgiving, pair them with other pecan pie desserts for a Southern-inspired dessert table.
• As Christmas brownies, these are the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any holiday party.
• For game day, they’re the perfect dessert to round out your spread of appetizers and snacks. Trust me, they’ll be gone before halftime!

Make-Ahead Tips for Busy Holiday Schedules

One of the best things about these Pecan Pie Brownies is that they’re a great make-ahead dessert. You can bake them a day or two in advance, which is perfect if you’re juggling multiple dishes for a holiday dinner. Once they’ve cooled, store them in an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to three days at room temperature, so they’re perfect for those days when you need to get ahead of your holiday baking.

If you want to make them feel extra special, drizzle a little chocolate sauce or caramel over each brownie square before serving. It adds a decadent touch and takes these pecan pie desserts to the next level.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s easy! The boxed brownie mix makes it simple to create an impressive dessert without too much effort.
• It’s a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making these for a holiday party, game day, or just a casual family gathering, everyone will rave about the combination of flavors.
• It’s versatile. These brownies work for everything from holiday baking to a cozy weekend treat. They’re delicious any time of year!