Fudgy Pecan Pie Brownies: The Ultimate Holiday Dessert Mashup

Introduction

Get ready to meet your new favorite holiday dessert: pecan pie brownies! This delightful treat perfectly marries the rich, fudgy goodness of brownies with the sweet, nutty flavors of classic Texas chocolate pecan pie. Easy to make and even easier to devour, these pecan pie brownies offer a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that will impress family and friends.

Why You’ll Love These Pecan Pie Brownies

• Two desserts in one: Enjoy the best of both worlds with this creative combination.
• Fudgy and nutty: The brownie base offers a satisfying chew, perfectly complemented by the crunchy pecan topping.
• Simple to make: A boxed brownie mix keeps things quick and easy, allowing you to focus on the delicious pecan pie layer.
• Gourmet appeal: Elevate your holiday baking with this impressive dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a bakery.
• Unique twist: Surprise everyone with a chocolatey take on classic pecan pie that’s sure to become a new tradition.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to create these irresistible pecan pie brownies:

• 1 boxed brownie mix, plus ingredients called for on the box
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 3/4 cups roasted unsalted pecan pieces, roughly chopped

Notes & Substitutions

• Choose a fudgy brownie mix for the best texture; cakey mixes may not provide the desired density.
• Light brown sugar adds a subtle caramel flavor; dark brown sugar will create a deeper molasses taste.
• Substitute walnuts or any other nut you like, or omit for a nut-free version.
• A room-temperature egg emulsifies more easily into the topping, creating a smoother texture.
• Don’t skip the vanilla and salt – they enhance all the other flavors and add depth.

Equipment

To make these delightful treats, you’ll need:

• 9×9 inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Large and medium mixing bowls
• Whisk or fork
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

How To Make Pecan Pie Brownies

Let’s bake some amazing pecan pie brownies! Follow these simple steps for a perfect dessert:

• Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. Grease the parchment paper lightly.

• Step 2: Prepare the brownie batter according to the package instructions. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a rubber spatula.

• Step 3: Bake the brownie layer for 15 minutes. It should be partially set but still slightly soft. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly while you prepare the pecan topping.

• Step 4: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, light brown sugar, egg, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined and smooth.

• Step 5: Gently fold in the chopped pecans to the honey mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the topping.

• Step 6: Carefully pour the pecan topping over the partially baked brownie layer. Use a spatula to gently spread the topping evenly, being careful not to press down too hard and disturb the brownie layer.

• Step 7: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the pecan topping is set and golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.

• Step 8: Remove the pecan pie brownies from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the texture to set properly.

Pro Tips for Perfect Pecan Pie Brownies

• Avoid overbaking the initial brownie layer to keep it fudgy and moist.
• Let the brownies cool slightly before adding the pecan topping to prevent it from sinking.
• Spread the pecan topping gently to avoid mixing it into the soft brownie layer.
• Ensure the topping is evenly distributed for a consistent texture in every bite.
• Use room-temperature ingredients to create a smooth and emulsified pecan pie topping.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Underbaking or overbaking can lead to a soggy or dry result; watch the brownies closely.
• Rushing the cooling time can make slicing difficult and result in a messy presentation.
• Pressing the pecan topping into the soft brownie layer will create a dense, uneven texture.
• Using cold ingredients for the topping can hinder proper emulsification and create a grainy texture.

Serving, Storage, and Variations

Serve these delicious pecan pie brownies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They are also delicious at room temperature for a firmer slice.

Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week, but bring them to room temperature before serving. You can also freeze individual slices for up to 3 months.

Variations

• Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips or toffee bits to the pecan topping for extra sweetness and texture.
• Infuse the pecan topping with a teaspoon of maple extract for a richer flavor.
• Use your favorite homemade brownie recipe as the base for a truly decadent treat.
• Drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce after baking for an extra touch of indulgence.

Nutrition Information

Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate and varies based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.

A typical serving of these pecan pie brownies contains approximately 350-450 calories, with macronutrient breakdowns varying based on the specific ingredients used.

According to the WEBMD, pecans are rich in healthy fats and various nutrients, making them a nutritious addition to this dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

These pecan pie brownies are the perfect solution when you can’t decide between two classic desserts. With their fudgy brownie base, sweet and nutty pecan topping, and simple preparation, they’re sure to become a new favorite. Bake up a batch today and treat yourself, your family, and your friends to this delightful combination!

Fudgy Pecan Pie Brownies: The Ultimate Holiday Dessert Mashup

This recipe combines fudgy brownies with a classic pecan pie topping for a decadent holiday dessert. It’s a perfect treat for those who can’t decide between two beloved sweets.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 16 brownies

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• 9 x 9-inch pan
• Parchment Paper
• Rubber spatula
• Medium bowl
• Whisk
• Knife

Ingredients

  

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Main Ingredients

• 1 boxed brownie mix prepared according to the directions
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 large egg at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter melted
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 3/4 cups roasted unsalted pecan pieces roughly chopped

Instructions

 

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9 x 9-inch pan with parchment paper.
• Prepare the brownie mix as directed and pour evenly into the prepared pan.
• Bake the brownies for 15 minutes, then remove from oven and let cool slightly.
• While cooling, whisk together honey, brown sugar, egg, melted butter, vanilla, and salt in a bowl, then fold in chopped pecans to make the topping.
• Gently pour the pecan pie filling over the slightly cooled brownie layer, spreading it evenly.
• Return the brownies to the oven and bake for another 20 minutes, or until a knife inserted comes out mostly clean.
• Allow the brownies to cool completely at room temperature before slicing into 16 pieces.

Notes

For the best results and clean slices, ensure the brownies are completely cooled before cutting.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 4gFat: 20gSodium: 180mgFiber: 2gSugar: 30g

Keyword Fudgy Pecan Pie Brownies, Holiday Dessert Recipe, Pecan Pie Brownies, Pecan Pie Brownies Recipe

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