Picture this: It’s the holidays, and my kitchen smells like a mix of chocolate and toasted pecans—pure magic. That’s when I knew I had to share my Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies: Easy Holiday Dessert Bars. Honestly, what’s better than combining the fudgy richness of brownies with the sweet, nutty crunch of pecan pie? Not much, I tell you! These bars are my go-to for potlucks and cookie swaps because they come together in no time, disappear even faster, and make everyone think you slaved away for hours. The best part? You probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry already. Trust me, one bite and these will become your new holiday tradition.
Why You’ll Love These Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies
Let me tell you why these Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies will become your new obsession:
- Double the deliciousness – You get the best of both worlds: fudgy brownie base meets caramelized pecan pie topping in every bite
- Holiday magic made easy – No fancy techniques here! Just simple mixing and baking – perfect for when you’re juggling a million holiday tasks
- Crowd-pleaser guaranteed – I’ve brought these to every holiday party since 2015, and I always get asked for the recipe
- Texture heaven – That contrast between the chewy brownie and crunchy pecans? *Chef’s kiss*
- Pantry-friendly ingredients – No special trips to the store needed (though I won’t judge if you want to add vanilla ice cream on top!)
Seriously, these bars solve the eternal “brownies or pie?” dessert dilemma. And that gooey pecan topping bubbling up through the cracks? Pure holiday joy in every square.
Ingredients for Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies
Now let’s get to the good stuff – what makes these brownies so irresistible! I’ve learned through many batches (some disasters, let’s be honest) that using the right ingredients makes all the difference. Here’s everything you’ll need, split between the fudgy brownie base and that heavenly pecan pie topping.
For the Brownie Batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – Spoon and level it, don’t scoop!
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted – Use the real deal, not margarine
- 1 cup granulated sugar – This creates that perfect crackly top
- 2 large eggs – Room temperature blends better
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract – The good stuff makes a difference
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder – Natural unsweetened works best
- 1/2 tsp salt – Balances all that sweetness
For the Pecan Pie Topping
- 1 cup chopped pecans – Toast them first for extra flavor
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup – Creates that signature gooeyness
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar – Pack it tight in your measuring cup
- 1 tsp cinnamon – My secret holiday spice addition
See? Nothing too fancy – just honest ingredients that work together beautifully. Now let’s turn them into magic!
Equipment You’ll Need
Before we dive in, let’s grab our tools – nothing fancy, just the basics that make these Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies a breeze:
- 9×9-inch baking pan – My trusty square pan never lets me down
- Parchment paper – For easy lifting and clean slices
- 2 mixing bowls – One for dry, one for wet ingredients
- Whisk – To blend that brownie batter smooth
- Spatula – For scraping every last bit of goodness into the pan
- Measuring cups/spoons – Precision matters with baking!
That’s it! Now let’s get baking – the smell alone will make your kitchen feel like holiday central.
How to Make Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies
Alright, let’s make some magic happen! These Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies come together faster than you can wrap presents. Follow these steps closely – I’ve learned through trial and error (mostly error) how to get them just right.
Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Batter
First things first – preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C). Trust me, starting with a hot oven makes all the difference.
Grab your bigger mixing bowl and whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. I like to sift them through my fingers to break up any cocoa lumps – it’s oddly satisfying!
In your second bowl, mix the melted butter and granulated sugar until they look like wet sand. Crack in those room-temperature eggs one at a time, whisking well after each. Now pour in that glorious vanilla – take a whiff, it’s heavenly!
Slowly add your dry ingredients to the wet, stirring just until combined. Overmixing makes tough brownies, and nobody wants that. The batter should be thick and shiny – perfect!
Step 2: Make the Pecan Pie Topping
While your oven heats up, let’s make that irresistible pecan layer. Grab your chopped pecans – bonus points if you toasted them first!
In a small bowl, stir together the corn syrup, packed brown sugar, and cinnamon until it looks like liquid gold. Fold in those pecans until they’re completely coated. The smell alone will make your mouth water!
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Line your baking pan with parchment paper (leave some hanging over the edges – you’ll thank me later!). Spread that luscious brownie batter evenly across the bottom.
Now the fun part – dollop spoonfuls of your pecan mixture across the top. Don’t worry about perfect coverage – the oven will work its magic!
Bake for about 30 minutes, until the edges pull away slightly and the center jiggles just a tiny bit when shaken. A toothpick inserted near (but not through) a pecan cluster should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Here’s the hardest part – let them cool COMPLETELY before cutting! I know, torture. But slicing warm brownies creates a sticky mess. While you wait, the pecan topping will set into that perfect gooey texture.
Pro tip: For cleaner slices, chill the pan for 15 minutes first, then use a sharp knife dipped in hot water between cuts.
Tips for Perfect Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies
After making these Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies more times than I can count, here are my can’t-miss tips:
- Room temp eggs are key – Cold eggs make the batter seize up. I leave mine out for 30 minutes or warm them in a bowl of tap water for 5 minutes in a pinch
- Toast those pecans! Just 5 minutes in a 350°F oven enhances their flavor like crazy
- Watch the bake time – Ovens vary, so start checking at 25 minutes. The center should barely jiggle when shaken
- Cool completely – I know it’s hard, but waiting ensures clean slices and lets the gooey topping set perfectly
- Chill for cleaner cuts – 15 minutes in the fridge makes slicing through that pecan layer a breeze
Follow these, and you’ll get perfect bars every time – promise!
Serving Suggestions for Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies
Oh, let me tell you how I love to serve these Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies – they’re practically begging for accompaniments! A scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the warm bars creates the ultimate holiday dessert. For parties, I arrange small squares on a festive platter with dollops of whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Around Christmas, I’ll sometimes sprinkle edible gold dust over the pecans for extra sparkle. These bars shine brightest when shared with good company and maybe a cup of hot cocoa!
Storage and Reheating
Here’s the scoop on keeping these Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies tasting fresh: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days (if they last that long!). For longer storage, freeze them wrapped tightly for a month. To reheat, pop individual squares in the microwave for 10 seconds – just enough to bring back that ooey-gooey magic!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the skinny on these indulgent Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies (because we should know what we’re enjoying!): Each bar contains about 280 calories, with 14g fat (6g saturated), 36g carbs, and 3g protein. Remember – actual values may vary slightly based on ingredient brands and exact portion sizes. But honestly? Some treats are worth every delicious bite!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Different Nut?
Absolutely! While pecans give that classic pecan pie vibe, I’ve had great success with walnuts too – they add a lovely earthy flavor. For nut allergies, try toasted sunflower seeds or just skip nuts altogether (the gooey topping’s still amazing on its own). Just keep the same 1 cup measurement whatever you use.
How Do I Prevent Dry Brownies?
Oh honey, dry brownies are the worst! My foolproof trick? Don’t overbake – pull them when the center just barely jiggles. Also, measure your flour correctly (spoon and level, don’t scoop!). And that corn syrup in the topping? It’s not just for flavor – it keeps everything deliciously moist for days.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
You bet! These Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies actually taste even better the next day as flavors meld. Bake them up to 2 days before serving – just store at room temp in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze the whole pan (uncut) for up to a month. Thaw overnight before slicing and serving.
Print
Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies: Easy Holiday Dessert Bars
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Gooey pecan pie brownies combine the rich taste of chocolate brownies with the sweet crunch of pecan pie. Perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan.
- Mix flour, cocoa powder, and salt in a bowl.
- In another bowl, whisk melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients to form brownie batter.
- Spread batter evenly in the pan.
- Mix pecans, corn syrup, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the topping.
- Sprinkle pecan mixture over the brownie batter.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until set. Cool before slicing.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Use parchment paper for easy removal.
- Serve warm with ice cream for extra indulgence.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: pecan pie brownies, holiday dessert, easy brownies, pecan bars