Gooey pecan pie brownies have completely won my heart, and I know you’ll feel the same after just one bite. Gooey pecan pie brownies bring me back to vibrant childhood family gatherings, where baking meant laughter, love, and delicious anticipation. The luscious chocolate brownie base paired with a sticky, rich pecan pie topping creates pure dessert magic, making each bite a nostalgic and irresistible treat. Searching for the dessert that will surprise your guests and add a spark of joy to your day? Gooey pecan pie brownies are your new obsession.
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What Is Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies?
Gooey pecan pie brownies are the most delicious dessert crossover you’ll ever taste. Imagine a thick, fudgy brownie, crowned with a glossy, caramel-laden pecan pie layer, truly a feast of textures and flavors in every bite. The classic richness of Southern pecan pie blends with the intense chocolate flavor of brownies, giving you double-layered, melt-in-your-mouth bars that scream comfort and celebration. Packed with roasted pecans, deep caramel notes, and that signature brownie gooey-ness, these brownies offer a true twist on Southern favorites. Once you try them, it’s hard to stop at just one.
Why You’ll Love This Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies Recipe
There’s so much to love about gooey pecan pie brownies! Each square balances a chewy, chocolatey base with a crunchy, buttery pecan topping. The gooey pecan layer never turns hard, staying sticky and irresistible. This recipe is truly accessible, no advanced skills needed, just basic ingredients found at any store. You can bake them up in under an hour and easily adjust the recipe for allergies or taste preferences, ensuring everyone at the table gets a slice of happiness. Plus, these brownies freeze beautifully and stay fresh for days, making them a reliable crowd-pleaser at every event.
If you enjoy mashup treats, you’ll love how these brownies offer that same unique experience as ube brownies and no-bake banana split dessert, combining classic favorites with creative flair.
How to Make Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies
Quick Overview
You’ll start by baking a simple, fudgy brownie layer, then pour a sweet, gooey pecan pie topping over the partially baked brownies and finish everything in the oven. The hardest part? Waiting for them to cool!
Ingredients Overview
- Unsalted Butter (melted): Creates a rich, fudgy brownie base.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps develop the brownie’s crackly top.
- Eggs: Bind the mixture and give both layers that signature gooey texture.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Boosts flavor and warmth.
- All-purpose Flour: For structure and chewiness.
- Cocoa Powder: Delivers deep chocolate flavor.
- Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips: Provide melty chocolate bursts in every bite.
- Salt: Balances out the sweetness.
- Pecans (whole or chopped): The crunchy, nutty stars of the pecan pie topping.
- Light Corn Syrup: Keeps the pecan topping gooey and smooth.
- Brown Sugar: Lends a caramel undertone and extra moisture.
- Optional Add-Ins: Try dark chocolate chunks, maple syrup, bourbon, or cinnamon for a unique twist.
Substitutions:
- Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
- Swap in coconut sugar or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
- Replace pecans with walnuts for a flavor change.
- Dairy-free butter and chocolate work for those avoiding dairy.
Fans of healthy twists should check out black bean brownies or chickpea brownies for alternative baking ideas that don’t sacrifice flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep Your Pan: Line a 9×13″ pan with parchment and spray with nonstick spray for clean removal.
- Make the Brownie Base: Whisk melted butter and sugar, beat in eggs and vanilla, then fold in flour, cocoa, salt, and chocolate chips.
- Bake the Brownies: Spread batter evenly and bake at 350°F for 18-20 minutes until just set.
- Mix the Pecan Pie Layer: Whisk eggs, brown sugar, corn syrup, and vanilla, then fold in the pecans.
- Layer and Finish: Carefully spoon pecan mixture over brownies and spread gently.
- Final Bake: Return to the oven for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden and set but still slightly wobbly.
- Cool and Slice: Allow to cool fully, then chill for at least 1 hour for perfect, clean bars.
Prefer brownies with a twist? Avocado brownies and ube mochi brownies are both must-tries for adventurous bakers.
Helpful Tips & Customizations
- Don’t overbake for maximum gooey-ness; pull out when the center is just a little jiggly.
- Use a metal baking pan for the best texture and crispy edges.
- Chill before slicing for neat, bakery-worthy bars every time.
- Add-ins like cinnamon, maple syrup, or bourbon personalize the flavor.
- Make it allergy-friendly with gluten-free flour, dairy-free chocolate, or even flax eggs for an eggless version.
Looking for more creative bakes? Try making birthday cake protein balls for fun, bite-sized snacks, or the show-stopping labubu cake design for your next party.
Serving Suggestions
Gooey pecan pie brownies shine on their own, but for an extra special touch, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a swirl of whipped cream dusted with cinnamon. Arrange them on a wooden platter with fresh berries for a rustic dessert spread, or pack in lunchboxes for a sweet afternoon treat. These brownies pair beautifully with coffee or a tall glass of milk, making them a winning choice for any gathering, big or small.
Hosting a party? A tray of 4th of July mini cheesecakes or red velvet cheesecake brownies will look perfect next to your pecan pie brownies.
FAQs About Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies
How do you keep brownies fudgy under the pecan topping?
Begin with a thick brownie batter and bake only until just set. Don’t overbake before adding the topping to keep the brownies moist and rich.
Can you use a store-bought brownie mix?
Definitely! Prepare as directed, underbake the first round, then top with homemade pecan pie filling before finishing the bake.
How do you keep the pecan topping from getting too hard?
Use enough eggs and corn syrup, and don’t overbake. The pecan layer should be set but still jiggly when it comes out of the oven.
What’s the secret for neat slices?
Chill in the fridge for an hour, then slice with a long knife dipped in hot water for sharp, clean edges.
Brownie lovers can also explore homemade cosmic brownies for a nostalgic throwback, or go for the beautiful strawberry cheesecake cookies for a fruity twist.
Conclusion
Gooey pecan pie brownies bring together everything that makes dessert joyful, fudgy chocolate, gooey caramel, and crisp pecans in every bite. This easy recipe transforms ordinary days and special celebrations alike into unforgettable moments. If you’re searching for new favorites, don’t miss matcha ube cookies or gluten-free low histamine dessert options for even more inspiration.
Ready to experience more decadent brownies? Find chocolate-packed recipes at Serious Eats and discover mouthwatering ideas on our Pinterest page.
Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies
Equipment
- 1 9×13-inch baking pan Lined with parchment and sprayed
- 1 Mixing bowls For brownie and pecan layers
- 1 Whisk For mixing batter and filling
- 1 Rubber spatula For spreading batter
- 1 Oven Preheated to 350°F
- 1 Sharp knife For clean slicing
Ingredients
- 1 cup Unsalted butter melted – For fudgy texture
- 2 cups Granulated sugar – For sweetness and glossy top
- 3 large Eggs – For structure and gooey texture
- 2 teaspoons Pure vanilla extract – Warmth and flavor
- 1 cup All-purpose flour – Structure for brownies
- 3/4 cup Cocoa powder – For deep chocolate flavor
- 1 cup Semi-sweet chocolate chips – Melty chocolate bites
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt – Balances flavor
- 2 cups Pecans whole or chopped – For topping
- 3/4 cup Light corn syrup – Gooey shiny pecan layer
- 1 cup Brown sugar – For caramel notes
- 2 large Eggs for topping – For binding pecan layer
- 1 teaspoon Pure vanilla extract for topping – Flavor
- 1/2 cup Optional add-ins – Dark chocolate chunks maple syrup, bourbon, cinnamon
Instructions
- Prep your pan by lining a 9×13″ baking pan with parchment paper and spraying lightly with nonstick spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk melted butter and granulated sugar until glossy and combined.
- Beat in eggs and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Sift in flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Stir until just combined, then fold in chocolate chips.
- Spread the brownie batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 18-20 minutes, until just set but still soft in the center.
- While brownies bake, whisk together eggs, brown sugar, corn syrup, and vanilla for the pecan layer. Gently fold in pecans.
- Carefully spoon pecan mixture over the par-baked brownie base, spreading evenly.
- Return to oven and bake another 30-35 minutes, until the top is golden and mostly set but still gooey.
- Cool brownies completely in the pan, then chill for at least 1 hour before slicing for clean bars.
