Decadent Pecan Pie Brownies: Gooey Chocolate Meets Caramelized Pecans

These Pecan Pie Brownies are a brownie lover’s dream — a delicious mashup of two favorite desserts. If you enjoy brownies with pecans, this rich, chocolatey treat is sure to become a new favorite.

pecan pie brownies cut into squares and stacked on a plate

These bars combine a fudgy brownie base made from a family-size boxed mix with a sweet, gooey pecan pie topping. The result is an indulgent, crowd-pleasing dessert that works well for holiday gatherings or any time you want something special.

cut up pecan pie brownies in a glass baking dish with 4 removed

The complete recipe with step-by-step instructions is included below.

Ingredients to make brownies with pecans

  • 1 box family size brownie mix plus the ingredients called for on the box
  • eggs
  • pure maple syrup
  • brown sugar
  • heavy cream
  • all purpose flour
  • vanilla extract
  • salt
  • chopped pecans
ingredients needed to make pecan pie brownies

How to make pecan pie brownies

Step 1: Prepare the brownie layer. Use a family-size box mix and follow the directions on the package for a 9 x 13 pan. My mix called for oil (I used olive oil), eggs, and water.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix the brownie mix with the required eggs, oil, and water until just combined. Spread the batter into a greased 9 x 13 baking dish.

cake mix, oil, and eggs in a bowl
brownie batter mixed together

Baking the brownie layer

Bake the brownie layer for about 10–20 minutes, depending on your mix. You’re aiming for the top to be set enough to hold the pecan filling without it sinking through — not fully baked through. If the top is still very jiggly, add a few more minutes.

Recipe Tip

Look for the brownie surface to be formed but not completely set. If you underbake it, the pecan filling can seep into the brownie layer and you won’t get distinct layers.

The first time I tested this I removed the brownies too soon and the filling sank through. Adding an extra five minutes fixed it and preserved the layered look.

brownie mix spread out in a 9 by 13 baking dish

Making the pecan pie layer

Step 2: While the brownies bake, prepare the pecan pie filling. In a bowl whisk together the eggs, pure maple syrup, brown sugar, heavy cream, all-purpose flour, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir in the chopped pecans until evenly combined.

ingredients to make the pecan pie layer

This version uses real maple syrup instead of corn syrup for a cleaner, richer flavor.

mixed together pecan pie filling

Step 3: When the brownie layer is set on top but still slightly underbaked, remove it from the oven. Gently pour the pecan filling over the brownie base and spread it into an even layer.

underbaked brownies and pecan pie filling

Step 4: Return the pan to the oven and bake an additional 25–35 minutes at 350°F, until the pecan layer is mostly set and no longer very jiggly.

pecan pie layer poured over the brownies

Let the brownies cool completely before cutting so the layers have time to firm up. This can be tempting to rush, but cooling makes clean slices easier.

These pecan pie brownies are decadently rich and irresistibly good — one definitely won’t be enough for most people.

pecan pie brownies cut into squares

Serve them plain or topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra-special touch. They make a wonderful addition to holiday dessert tables and are likely to become a repeat favorite.

pecan pie brownies cut into squares

Give these a try for your next celebration — that gooey pecan topping over a fudgy brownie base is pure comfort in every bite.

pecan pie brownies cut into squares and stacked on a plate

Storing

Store leftover pecan pie brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4–5 days.

pecan pie brownies cut into squares and stacked on a plate

More Holiday Desserts

  • Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball
  • Pecan Cream Pie
  • Pecan Pie Balls
  • Ritz Cracker Toffee
  • Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bars
  • Cake Mix Brownies
  • Christmas Cookie Bars
  • Peanut Clusters
  • Christmas Crack
  • Puppy Chow (Muddy Buddies)
pecan pie brownies stacked between pieces of parchment paper
pecan pie brownies stacked between pieces of parchment paper
4.36 from 31 votes

Pecan Pie Brownies

By: Joy Shull
A fudgy brownie base topped with a maple-sweet pecan pie layer makes a decadent bar perfect for holidays and gatherings.
Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 50 mins
Total: 1 hr 5 mins
Servings: 24
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Ingredients

For the brownie layer

  • 1 box family size brownie mix
  • ingredients listed on the back of the brownie mix

For the pecan pie layer

  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups chopped pecans

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  • Prepare the brownie batter according to the package directions.
  • Pour the brownie batter into a greased 9 x 13 baking dish.
  • Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the top is formed but the brownies are not fully set. This will vary by mix; you want the surface solid enough to support the pecan layer.
  • While the brownies bake, make the pecan pie layer.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, maple syrup, brown sugar, heavy cream, flour, vanilla extract, salt, and chopped pecans until combined.
  • When the brownie layer is semi-solid, remove the pan from the oven. Gently pour the pecan filling over the brownies and spread into an even layer.
  • Bake at 350°F for an additional 25–35 minutes, until the pecan layer is set.
  • Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting.

Notes

Choose a brownie mix labeled family size with instructions for a 9 x 13 pan.

Nutrition

Calories: 137kcal, Carbohydrates: 17g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 8g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g, Cholesterol: 17mg, Sodium: 60mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 12g

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