Pecan Pie Brownies – A Decadent Southern Classic Reimagined 🍫🥧
There’s something magical that happens when the rich, gooey flavors of Southern pecan pie meet the deep, fudgy goodness of homemade brownies. Pecan Pie Brownies are exactly that: a dessert hybrid born from pure indulgence. This recipe takes two legendary desserts—pecan pie and brownies—and fuses them into a single, jaw-dropping, soul-satisfying treat. The bottom layer is a dark, moist brownie, while the top is a caramelized, nutty pecan pie filling that bubbles up golden and sticky. Perfect for family gatherings, holiday trays, or just a night where you need comfort by the forkful.
🥣 Ingredients:
🔸 For the Brownie Base:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate (chopped or chips)
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ tsp salt
🔸 For the Pecan Pie Topping:
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 cups pecan halves or pieces
🧁 Instructions:
🔹 Step 1: Make the Brownie Base
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and semi-sweet chocolate together over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Whisk in the granulated sugar and brown sugar until combined.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Sift in flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gently fold until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
🔹 Step 2: Prepare the Pecan Pie Layer
- In a large bowl, whisk together corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
- Stir in the pecans until well-coated.
- Gently pour the pecan mixture over the brownie layer. Spread evenly.
🔹 Step 3: Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45–55 minutes, or until the center is set and no longer jiggles.
- If the top begins to brown too quickly, loosely tent with foil for the remaining bake time.
- Cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.
🏛 History & Formation:
The brownie originated in the United States in the early 20th century, loved for its chewy, chocolatey bite. Meanwhile, the pecan pie has roots deep in Southern tradition, becoming popular in the early 1900s as corn syrup became widely available. Merging these two classics wasn’t just a stroke of culinary brilliance—it was inevitable. The dense chocolate and the gooey pecan caramel were destined to meet.
💬 Lovers of This Recipe Say:
“These are my two favorite desserts in one. It’s like the holidays and chocolate heaven had a baby!” – Jillian M.
“Brought them to a potluck, and people were fighting over the last piece. I had to hide one in my purse!” – Tamara W.
“Rich. Nutty. Fudgy. Sweet. CRUNCHY. This is what dessert dreams are made of.” – Carlos D.
💡 Methods & Tips:
- For neat slices, refrigerate the cooled brownies for 30 minutes before cutting.
- Substitute dark corn syrup for a deeper molasses flavor.
- Want to amp it up? Add a splash of bourbon to the pecan layer.
🎬 Conclusion:
Pecan Pie Brownies are more than a dessert—they’re a culinary love story. A mashup made in sweet, sweet heaven. Whether you’re a chocolate lover, a pecan pie purist, or a dessert rebel, this recipe will steal your heart (and your taste buds). So, preheat your oven, grab that pan, and let your kitchen become the meeting ground of Southern charm and chocolate bliss. 💖
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