If you’ve ever found yourself wishing you could merge the lush, sticky magic of pecan pie with the deep, fudgy intensity of classic brownies, you’re in for a serious treat. Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies are what dessert dreams are made of—each bar boasts a thick brownie base, crowned with a buttery, caramelized pecan topping that has just the right amount of chew and crunch. They’re dramatic on a dessert platter, irresistible when served warm, and sure to become your go-to recipe for both holidays and anytime indulgence. Once you’ve tasted their luscious layers, you’ll understand why everyone falls head-over-heels for these bars!

Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how a handful of pantry staples transform into such an out-of-this-world dessert! Each ingredient has its own starring role, from the gooey, sticky topping to the fabulously fudgy base—these combined truly embody the magic of Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies.

Fudge brownie mix: The foundation that guarantees a reliably rich, chocolatey base—don’t forget to gather the oil, eggs, or water listed on your box!
Light corn syrup: This is what gives the topping its irresistible glossy finish and gooey texture, essential for that classic pecan pie vibe.
Brown sugar: Adds caramel depth and amplifies the chewiness in every bite.
Large eggs: Eggs bind the topping and keep it tender without being runny or dry.
Unsalted butter, melted: Rich and buttery, this rounds out all the flavors and helps the topping bake up glossy and decadent.
Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla brightens and balances all that sweet richness.
Salt: Just enough salt to cut the sweetness and elevate both brownie and pecan flavors.
Chopped pecans: The star of the show! Chopped pecans offer crunch and toasty, nutty flavor—the perfect complement to gooey chocolate.

How to Make Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and readying your 9×13-inch baking pan. For easy removal, line it with parchment paper—let the edges overhang so you can simply lift out your brownies when they’re cool. If you don’t have parchment, a generous greasing will do the trick. These little details matter and make serving a total breeze.

Step 2: Make the Brownie Base

Mix up your box of fudge brownie mix according to the package instructions, making sure you have eggs, oil, or water as needed. Pour the glossy batter into your prepared pan and spread evenly. Here’s the secret: you’ll bake the brownies first, but take them out about 5 minutes before the usual time—just when they’re almost set but still look a touch underdone in the center. This ensures they stay soft even after the extra baking with the pecan topping.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Gooey Pecan Pie Topping

While your brownies are in the oven, make the topping—the real showstopper of your Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies. In a bowl, vigorously whisk together the corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla, and salt until silky smooth. Fold in those gorgeous chopped pecans. The mixture should be thick, glossy, and loaded with pecan pieces. This is where all the pecan pie flavor comes in!

Step 4: Layer and Bake Again

When the brownies have had their partial bake, take them out of the oven (they’ll look slightly set with a little give in the middle—perfect). Gently spoon your pecan pie topping all over the surface, spreading it edge to edge as evenly as you can. Return the pan to the oven for another 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for the topping to puff slightly, turn golden, and mostly set with just a hint of jiggle at the center. The aroma at this moment is irresistible.

Step 5: Cool Completely and Slice

This is the hardest part—resist the urge to dive right in! Let your Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies cool fully in the pan so the topping sets and each piece holds together beautifully. For truly pristine squares, pop the cooled pan in the fridge for about an hour before slicing. Then, use a sharp knife (wiping it clean between cuts) for those bakery-worthy bars.

How to Serve Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies

Garnishes

Elevate every piece by adding a cloud of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream right on top. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a light dusting of powdered sugar is visually stunning and adds a touch of sophistication to your Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies.

Side Dishes

These brownies are rich on their own, but a fresh fruit salad—think berries, citrus, or just juicy orange segments—offers a lovely contrast to all that chocolatey, nutty goodness. For a special occasion, a coffee or digestif served alongside is a total crowd-pleaser.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting your Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies into mini squares for a party platter, or stack them on a tiered stand for a beautiful dessert table centerpiece. You can even drizzle warm caramel sauce on each bar just before serving for that extra wow factor—guests will rave about your presentation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any extras tightly wrapped or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The gooey topping actually helps these brownies stay moist, so you don’t need to worry about them drying out quickly. If it’s warm in your kitchen, store them in the fridge to keep the topping set and stable.

Freezing

Want to stash away some treats for later? Slice and freeze the brownies in a single layer until solid, then wrap each square in plastic and pop them in a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to two months, ready to grab whenever your craving for Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies strikes!

Reheating

If you love your brownies a little warm, microwave a square for about 10 seconds straight from the fridge, or up to 20 seconds if frozen. The pecan topping becomes silkier and melts just enough—pure bliss, especially with a scoop of cream or ice cream on top.

FAQs

Can I use homemade brownie batter instead of a boxed mix?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite from-scratch brownie recipe, feel free to use that as your base for Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies—just make enough to fill a 9×13-inch pan, and reduce your initial bake time accordingly.

Can I use dark corn syrup instead of light?

Yes, though your pecan topping will be a bit deeper in flavor and color. Light corn syrup lends a classic, clear caramel taste, while dark syrup will give your Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies richer undertones—either way is delicious!

How do I get really clean cuts when slicing?

Once completely cooled, refrigerate the brownies for an hour to firm up. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between slices for neat, photo-worthy squares—patience truly pays off with these gooey treats.

Can I make these gluten-free?

You sure can! Use your preferred gluten-free brownie mix, and double-check that all other ingredients are gluten-free. The magical topping is naturally gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy these brownies with a simple swap.

What’s the best way to tell when the topping is set?

Look for a golden, slightly puffed surface and just a gentle jiggle when you shake the pan—it shouldn’t wobble like liquid. The topping will continue to firm up as it cools, which makes for that coveted gooey-and-chewy bite.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for the showstopper your friends and family will ask for again and again, these Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies are it. The irresistible duo of fudge and caramelized pecans will capture hearts at every gathering—don’t be surprised if they disappear faster than you expect! Give them a try, and prepare for rave reviews from every lucky taste tester.

Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

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

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Description

Indulge in the decadent goodness of these Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies that combine the rich flavors of fudgy brownies with a luscious pecan pie topping.

Ingredients

Scale

Brownie Base:

1 box (18–19 oz) fudge brownie mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)

Pecan Pie Topping:

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

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease.
Prepare Brownie Base: Prepare and bake the brownie batter according to package directions, reducing baking time by 5 minutes.
Make Pecan Pie Topping: Whisk together corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Stir in chopped pecans.
Layer and Bake: Spoon pecan pie topping over partially baked brownies, spreading evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes until set.
Cool and Serve: Cool brownies in the pan before cutting into squares. For cleaner slices, refrigerate before serving. Enjoy with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.