Pecan pie brownie bars are a delightful combination of rich, fudgy brownies and the classic flavors of pecan pie. These bars feature a dense, chocolatey base topped with a gooey, caramel-like pecan pie filling, creating an irresistible treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert for a holiday gathering or a decadent treat for a special occasion, these pecan pie brownie bars are sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love pecan pie brownie bars for their rich, chocolatey base combined with the sweet, nutty, and gooey pecan pie topping. These bars are a delicious fusion of two classic desserts, offering the best of both worlds. They’re easy to make and perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- High-quality chocolate: Use high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate for the best flavor.
- Room temperature ingredients: Ensure your eggs and butter are at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
- Do not overbake: Bake just until the brownies are set and the pecan topping is bubbly to keep the bars moist and fudgy.
- Cool completely: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean slices.
- Line the pan: Line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean-up.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Nut options: Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor.
- Dairy-free option: Use dairy-free butter and milk alternatives.
- Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
- Add-ins: Stir in chocolate chips or caramel bits into the brownie batter for extra decadence.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve pecan pie brownie bars as they are or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special treat. These bars are perfect for dessert after a meal, as a snack with coffee or tea, or as a delightful addition to a holiday dessert spread.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Room temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: Keep in the refrigerator for up to a week to extend freshness.
- Freezing: Freeze the bars in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: Enjoy the bars at room temperature or slightly warmed in the microwave for a few seconds.
Recipe FAQs
What if my pecan topping cracks? Slight cracking can occur as the topping cools. To minimize cracking, do not overbake and allow the bars to cool gradually.
How do I prevent my pecan pie topping from being runny? Make sure to bake the bars until the topping is bubbly and set. If the topping is still runny, bake for a few more minutes.
Can I use a brownie mix for the base? Yes, you can use a boxed brownie mix for convenience. Prepare the mix according to the package instructions and follow the recipe for the pecan pie topping.
Why did my brownie layer turn out dry? Overbaking can cause the brownie layer to dry out. Bake just until the brownies are set and the topping is bubbly. Keep an eye on the baking time.
How do I get clean cuts when slicing the bars? Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing. For even cleaner cuts, chill the bars in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before cutting.
Pecan Pie Brownie Bars
Savor the fusion of brownies and pecan pie with our Pecan Pie Brownie Bars recipe! Perfect treat for every dessert lover.
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp baking powder
Pecan Pie Layer
- ⅔ cup corn syrup
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Begin with the brownie layer. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, and eggs. Beat until smooth.
- Add the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix until just combined.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it into an even layer.
- For the pecan pie layer, in a separate bowl, combine corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
- Gently stir in the chopped pecans.
- Pour this pecan mixture over the brownie batter in the pan, ensuring it spreads evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until set and the top is slightly browned.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan, then transfer to a refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours before slicing.
- Once chilled, lift the parchment paper to remove from the pan and slice into 16 bars.
Notes
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 16 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 323Total Fat: 20gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 69mgSodium: 72mgCarbohydrates: 36gFiber: 2gSugar: 30gProtein: 4g
