How to Make Pecan Pie Brownies for the Ultimate Last-Minute Thanksgiving Dessert
Updated: Nov. 21, 2023
This mash-up of chocolaty brownies and a gooey pecan topping is irresistible!
For many chocolate lovers, there’s no better dessert than a batch of homemade brownies. But this twist on the classic might just change minds! This recipe dresses up chewy brownies with an unexpected topping: gooey pecans.
This recipe for pecan pie brownies starts with chocolaty brownies as the base and has a sweet, gooey pecan pie topping. It’s everything you love about pecan pie paired with the ultimate base layer. Try a batch for Thanksgiving or a holiday dessert exchange. Everyone in the group is guaranteed to ask for seconds.
Ingredients for Pecan Pie Brownies
Cocoa powder: Cocoa powder gives these brownies great flavor. Choose natural, unsweetened cocoa such as Hershey’s Cocoa Powder or Nestle Cocoa Powder.
Light corn syrup: This recipe uses corn syrup in both the brownie base and the topping. It adds chewiness to the brownies while helping make the ideal gooey pecan topping.
Pecans: Pecans are the star of the show for this decadent dessert. You can choose to buy whole pecans and roughly chop them yourself or purchase a package of chopped pecans.
How to Make Pecan Pie Brownies
This recipe makes 12 or 16 brownies.
Ingredients
Brownies:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 1 tablespoon corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup hot water
Pecan topping:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 4 tbsp light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 cups chopped pecans
Directions
Step 1: Mix the dry ingredients
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a square baking pan with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt.
Step 2: Add the wet ingredients
Mix the oil, eggs, corn syrup and vanilla extract into the dry ingredients. Stir in the hot water. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan.
Step 3: Bake the brownie layer
Bake the brownie layer for 20 minutes.
Step 4: Prep the pecan pie topping
While the brownie layer is baking, mix together the brown sugar, corn syrup, vanilla extract, melted butter and eggs. Mix in the chopped pecans. After the brownie layer has baked for 20 minutes, remove it from the oven and spread the pecan pie layer on top. Bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes until the pecan pie filling has set.
Step 5: Cool and cut the brownies
Once the brownies are baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the brownies to fully cool and set, at least one hour, before cutting them into squares. For best results, transfer them to the fridge once cooled to chill for one hour before cutting.
How to Store Pecan Pie Brownies
Pecan pie brownies should be stored in an airtight container or zip-top plastic bag. Store at room temperature for up to three days or in the fridge for up to five days.
Pecan Pie Brownie Tips
Can you use boxed brownie mix in a pinch?
No time to bake a batch of brownies from scratch? No problem! Use brownie mix instead. Prepare the brownie mix according to the instructions on the package. Just before they’re finished baking, remove the pan of brownies from the oven, add the pecan topping and put the pan back in the oven to finish baking. If you’d prefer to use your go-to brownie recipe, you can easily make that swap as well.
What can you use if you don’t have corn syrup?
Corn syrup gives the pecan pie layer its gooey texture. In a pinch, replace it with honey, cane syrup or brown rice syrup.
