When you don't want to give up chocolate, even for the holidays, these yummy pecan pie brownies are the answer! It's like having both a traditional pecan pie and homemade brownies that are ready in just half of the time. The best part is, this pecan pie topping can be used with your favorite boxed brownie mix to take things to the next level in the easiest way!
This amazingly easy dessert puts gooey pecan pie filling on top of rich chocolate brownies. It's the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving menu. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert your whole family is going to love!
If you're a fan of easy Thanksgiving desserts, you should also try my gluten free pecan pie bars or this 5-star gluten free apple crumble.
Ingredient Notes
These decadent brownies require just six simple ingredients that can be found in any grocery store.
Since it's paired with your favorite homemade brownies or box brownie mix, it can be gluten free, dairy free, vegan or made with a traditional brownie base if you don't have dietary restrictions.
- Light Corn Syrup - Corn syrup helps the pecan pie topping to become chewy and crisp. If you don't like to use corn syrup, you can swap it for an equal measure of maple syrup. The flavor will be amazing, but the topping will be a little more gooey.
- Vegan Butter - I used Country Crock plant butter in this recipe, but any stick type vegan butter will work fine. If you're not dairy free or vegan, use unsalted butter in the same measure.
- Chopped Pecans - I buy whole pecans and chop them myself. It works the best if you chop them into small pieces, otherwise it is harder to slice the brownies after baking. If you're following a gluten-free diet, make sure to buy pecans that are marked gluten free since nuts can be contaminated with gluten during processing. I always use Georgia Pecan Co nuts.
- Brownies - I've tested this recipe with my gluten free brownies recipe as well as with a store-bought brownie mix (I used King Arthur's brand). Both turned out amazing. You can use your favorite brownie base!
See recipe card for full ingredient list and quantities.
Substitutions & Variations
- Not Dairy Free - use unsalted butter in place of the vegan butter.
- Make it Vegan - Simply use your favorite vegan brownie recipe as the base. The pecan topping does not contain any animal derived ingredients.
- Make Bourbon Pecan Pie Brownies - Add 1 Tablespoon of your favorite bourbon to the pecan pie topping during cooking. I tried it with one of my test batches and it was delicious!
How to Make Pecan Pie Brownies
Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. Then prepare your brownie batter according to the package instructions or according to your recipe instructions. You will partially bake the brownies for 25 minutes before adding the pecan filling on top.
While the brownies are baking, prepare the topping on the stove.
STEP 1: Combine the brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, vanilla extract and salt in a saucepan over medium heat.
STEP 2: Cook until it's bubbling rapidly and allow to bubble for about 2 minutes.
STEP 3: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the pecans with a rubber spatula. Set the pecan mixture aside until the brownies are ready.
STEP 4: Remove the partially baked brownies from the oven and dollop the top of the brownies with the pecan pie topping. It's okay if you don't cover every spot because it will melt and spread out during baking. Don't try to spread the filling because it will smash the uncooked brownie layer.
Return the pan of brownies to the oven for another 25-30 minutes.
Expert Tip
To check your brownies are done baking, test with a toothpick inserted near the center of the pan. You should have some moist crumbs on the toothpick if you want fudgy brownies. The pecan pie layer will be set and look like the top of a pecan pie.
Storage
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. These is no need to refrigerate this dessert.
More pecan recipes to try:
If you try this recipe, please leave a 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 star rating and let me know how you liked it in the comments below.
Recipe
Pecan Pie Brownies
Equipment
- 9x9 Baking Pan
Ingredients
- 1 batch Gluten Free Brownies or prepared box brownie mix
- ¾ Cup Light Brown Sugar
- 6 Tablespoons Corn Syrup
- ¼ Cup Vegan Butter or unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 2 ¼ Cups Pecans roughly chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 °F (177 °C). Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- Prepare the brownies as directed and pour the brownie batter into the baking pan.1 batch Gluten Free Brownies
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, they will not be completely baked.
- While the brownies are baking, prepare the pecan topping.
- Add the brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, vanilla and salt to a saucepan over medium heat. Stir together and cook until bubbling rapidly. Allow it to bubble for 2 minutes.¾ Cup Light Brown Sugar, 6 Tablespoons Corn Syrup, ¼ Cup Vegan Butter, 1 teaspoon Vanilla, ½ teaspoon Salt
- Remove the pan from heat and stir in the pecan pieces. Allow the mixture to sit until the brownies are ready.2 ¼ Cups Pecans
- After the 25 minutes has elapsed, remove the brownies from the oven and dollop the top with the pecan mixture. You won't be able to spread it, but it's okay if there are some gaps because it will melt and join together during baking.
- Return the brownie pan to the oven and bake from another 25-30 minutes until the pecan topping is set (and looks like pecan pie) and the brownies give a few moist crumbs when checked at the center with a toothpick.
- Remove from the oven and cool in the pan at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
Tiffany is the recipe developer, stylist and food photographer behind Well Fed Baker. As a lifelong baker who had to go gluten free and dairy free in 2016, Tiffany strives to share allergen friendly recipes that never feel like they are free from anything.
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