Easy Pecan Pie Brownies

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Rich, chewy, and unapologetically indulgent, these Easy Pecan Pie Brownies are what dessert dreams are made of. Picture this: a thick, fudgy brownie base layered with a gooey, caramel-like pecan pie topping. It’s the best of both worlds, marrying the bold decadence of brownies with the sweet, nutty crunch of classic pecan pie.

Perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or anytime you’re craving something sweet and special, these bars require no complicated prep yet deliver bakery-level results. If you’ve ever stood at a dessert table wondering whether to go for the brownie or the pie, this recipe eliminates the need to choose.

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What Kind of Brownie Base Works Best?

For this recipe, a dense, fudgy brownie works beautifully. Whether you use your favorite homemade mix or a quality boxed version, opt for one that leans rich and chewy over cakey. The goal is to have a brownie layer sturdy enough to support the molten pecan topping while still remaining soft and moist underneath.

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Ingredients for the Easy Pecan Pie Brownies

Brownie Layer:

• Brownie mix: Acts as the chocolatey, chewy foundation.
• Eggs, oil, and water: Follow the box directions or your own base recipe to create the brownie batter.

Pecan Pie Topping:

• Light corn syrup: Delivers that signature glossy, gooey texture you expect from pecan pie.
• Brown sugar: Adds depth and a hint of molasses to the sweetness.
• Butter: For richness and a smooth caramelized finish.
• Eggs: Help the topping set while keeping it luscious.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor and rounds out the sweetness.
• Chopped pecans: The star of the show—toasty, crunchy, and nutty.
• Whole pecans (optional): For garnishing the top and adding visual appeal.

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How To Make the Easy Pecan Pie Brownies

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper. Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on your brownie mix box or recipe.

Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter

Prepare the brownie mix according to package instructions (or your own recipe), then pour it into the prepared pan. Spread it evenly.

Step 3: Bake the Brownie Base

Bake the brownies for about 20 minutes, or until the top is set but the center is still slightly underdone. You don’t want them fully baked yet.

Step 4: Mix the Pecan Pie Topping

While the brownies are baking, whisk together corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in the chopped pecans.

Step 5: Add the Topping

Remove the brownies from the oven and carefully pour the pecan topping over them. Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly. If you’re using whole pecans for garnish, press them gently on top now.

Step 6: Bake Again

Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 25–30 minutes, or until the topping is golden, bubbling, and mostly set. A little jiggle is fine—it will firm up as it cools.

Step 7: Cool Completely

Let the brownies cool in the pan. Once they reach room temperature, refrigerate them for at least 1–2 hours to make slicing easier and cleaner.

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Serving and Storing Pecan Pie Brownies

These brownies are best served slightly chilled or at room temperature. The texture becomes even more indulgent after a few hours, with the topping settling into a perfect, chewy finish.

To store, place leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them—just wrap each bar in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for about an hour.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a homemade brownie base?

Absolutely! If you have a go-to fudgy brownie recipe, use it. Just make sure it yields enough batter for a 9×13-inch pan.

Can I make these in advance?

Yes, and they might be even better the next day! Make them the night before and chill overnight for clean cuts and deeper flavor.

What if I don’t have corn syrup?

You can substitute maple syrup or honey in a pinch, though the texture will be slightly less gooey and more cake-like.

Can I add chocolate chips to the pecan layer?

Definitely. A handful of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips stirred into the topping adds even more decadence.

How do I keep the topping from sinking?

Make sure the brownie base is partially baked before adding the pecan layer. This helps hold the topping above the brownie instead of letting it sink in.

Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?

You can! Walnuts offer a similar crunch and buttery taste, though the flavor will be a bit more bitter than pecans.

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Want More Dessert Bar Ideas?

If you loved these Easy Pecan Pie Brownies, you’ll want to check out these other delicious bar-style treats:

• Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding for a fruity, creamy twist.
• Triple Chocolate Banana Bread for deep chocolate richness.
• Cotton Candy Cookies for fun, nostalgic flavor.
• Oreo-Stuffed Cinnamon Rolls if you love surprise fillings.
• Pistachio Pudding Sugar Cookie Bars for something uniquely soft and nutty.

And if you’re always looking for sweet inspiration, follow along on Pinterest at Life with Nina where I share my daily recipe finds and favorites.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go extra on the pecans? Swap in maple syrup? Try a different nut altogether?

I love seeing how you make these recipes your own. Feel free to share your tips, tweaks, or any questions—let’s bake smarter together!

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