Imagine taking the most luscious, chewy brownie and marrying it with the nostalgic, sweetly sticky filling of your favorite pecan pie. That’s exactly what happens in Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies, a dessert bar that’s layered with rich chocolate and topped with a glistening, caramelized pecan topping. Each bite is pure decadence—like the holidays in handheld form—making this the treat you’ll want to bake for gatherings, potlucks, or any time you crave the ultimate fusion of classic sweets.

Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies are all about simple ingredients coming together in the most magical way. Every item on this list plays a vital role in delivering that dreamy, rich flavor and show-stopping texture, so don’t skip a thing.

Brownie mix or homemade brownies: The fudgy, chocolatey base that holds the whole masterpiece together—choose your favorite mix or homemade for an extra-personal touch.
Eggs (for brownies and topping): Vital for richness and structure, making both the brownies and the gooey topping perfectly set yet tender.
Oil and water (for brownies): They keep the brownie base moist and luscious.
Light corn syrup: The secret to that classic pecan pie ooey-gooey magic—don’t substitute here!
Brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes that complement both the chocolate and the pecans beautifully.
Unsalted butter (melted): Makes the topping smooth, glossy, and totally irresistible.
Vanilla extract: A little splash brings warmth and rounds out all the flavors.
Salt: Just a pinch heightens all the sweetness, balancing the dessert perfectly.
Chopped pecans: Crunchy, toasty, and the signature star of the topping—be generous!

How to Make Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies

Step 1: Line and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, which might seem like a tiny step but ensures you can lift out those beautiful bars with ease—and makes for seamless slicing later on!

Step 2: Prepare the Brownie Batter

Whip up your brownie batter following the instructions for your box mix, or make your favorite homemade version. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top out delicately so the base layer bakes up beautifully even. This chocolatey foundation is what makes Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies so irresistible.

Step 3: Par-Bake the Brownies

Slide your pan into the oven and bake for about 20 minutes. You’re looking for the top to be just set, but don’t let it cook all the way through—we want a soft base so the topping melts in seamlessly.

Step 4: Mix Up the Pecan Pie Topping

While your brownies are baking, use a bowl to whisk together the corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla, and salt. Once smooth, fold in the chopped pecans. You should end up with a glossy, nutty mixture that’s practically begging to be poured over chocolate.

Step 5: Top and Finish Baking

Carefully pour your pecan pie topping across the hot, partially baked brownie base. Gently spread it all the way to the edges with a spatula, making sure every inch is covered in sticky, pecan-packed goodness. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 25 to 30 minutes, until the topping is golden, bubbly, and the center is set.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Patience is essential here! Let your Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies cool completely in the pan. For the cleanest slices, pop the whole pan into the fridge for a bit. Once chilled, lift them out using the parchment and cut into squares—small pieces are best, as each one is rich and packed with flavor.

How to Serve Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies

Garnishes

These brownies already have a show-stopper topping, but a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce, or even a dollop of whipped cream right before serving takes them truly over the top. A few extra toasted pecan halves scattered across the plate look gorgeous and give a delightful extra crunch.

Side Dishes

If you’re serving Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies at a party or special occasion, coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes a perfect pairing—the creaminess balances the richness of each square. For grown-ups, a tiny splash of bourbon or a glass of cold milk is absolute perfection on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dessert platter, cut the brownies into bite-sized cubes and arrange alongside fresh berries. Or, for something extra indulgent, serve warm squares in individual bowls topped with a scoop of ice cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a “deconstructed” pecan pie sundae. They even work stacked on a tiered cake stand for a stunning holiday centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies store beautifully, just in case you have any leftovers! Pop them into an airtight container and keep them chilled in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The topping keeps its signature gooey texture and the brownie base doesn’t dry out, so every bite feels fresh even on day five.

Freezing

You’ll be happy to know these bars freeze very well. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months and can be thawed overnight in the fridge—perfect for last-minute dessert cravings or unexpected guests.

Reheating

For that just-baked warmth, reheat a brownie square in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, or until just gooey again. They’re equally delicious chilled, but a little heat brings back that fresh-from-the-oven flavor and gives the topping an extra melt-in-your-mouth quality.

FAQs

Can I use a homemade brownie recipe instead of a mix?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade brownie recipe, go ahead and use it for the base. Just make sure it fits a 9×9-inch pan and yields brownies that are thick enough to support the pecan pie topping without getting soggy.

Why does the topping need corn syrup?

Corn syrup is a must for that classic gooey consistency in the pecan topping! It helps everything set up without becoming grainy or crystallized, and keeps the topping lusciously sticky—just like in a true pecan pie.

Can I substitute other nuts for pecans?

While pecans are traditional and give the iconic flavor to Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies, you can try chopped walnuts or even a blend. The result will be delicious, though you’ll lose a bit of that classic pecan pie vibe.

Do Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies need to be refrigerated?

Yes, because of the moist, egg-rich topping, it’s best to store these brownies in the fridge. They keep well and are scrumptious cold but can also be brought to room temperature before serving if you like them softer.

How do I get clean, neat slices?

The trick is to chill your Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies thoroughly—cold bars are much easier to cut. Use a sharp knife, and clean it off between cuts for those picture-perfect edges.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to wow your friends and family, Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies are your ticket to instant dessert bliss. This recipe always brings smiles and second helpings, and I promise, it’s easier than it looks! Don’t wait for the holidays—whip up a batch and taste the magic for yourself.

Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies Recipe

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4.5 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 16 brownies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the decadent fusion of pecan pie and brownies with these Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies. A luscious brownie base topped with a sweet pecan pie layer creates a delightful treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the brownie base:

1 box brownie mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as directed) or 1 batch homemade brownies

For the pecan pie topping:

1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Prepare brownie base: Prepare the brownie batter according to the box or your preferred recipe and pour it into the prepared pan. Bake for 20 minutes.
Make pecan pie topping: Whisk together corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla, and salt. Stir in chopped pecans.
Layer and bake: Pour pecan pie topping over partially baked brownies. Bake for 25–30 minutes until set.
Cool and serve: Cool completely before slicing. Chill for cleaner cuts if desired.