This is the best-of-both-worlds dessert: fudgy brownies + gooey pecan pie topping. Below is a clear, detailed, step-by-step Pecan Pie Brownies recipe that’s reliable and crowd-pleasing.
Pecan Pie Brownies (9×13 pan, 12–16 bars)
Texture & Flavor
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Bottom: rich, fudgy chocolate brownie
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Top: sticky, buttery pecan-pie filling
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Sweet, nutty, deeply indulgent
INGREDIENTS
Brownie Layer
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¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter
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1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
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½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
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3 large eggs, room temperature
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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¾ cup (95 g) all-purpose flour
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¾ cup (75 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
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½ tsp salt
Pecan Pie Layer
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½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
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½ cup corn syrup (light or dark)
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¼ cup (57 g) unsalted butter, melted
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2 large eggs
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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¼ tsp salt
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1½ cups pecan halves or chopped pecans
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1: Prep the Pan & Oven
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang.
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Lightly grease the parchment.
BROWNIE LAYER
Step 2: Melt Butter
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Melt the butter in a saucepan or microwave.
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Let it cool slightly (warm, not hot).
Step 3: Mix Sugars & Eggs
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In a large bowl, whisk melted butter with:
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Granulated sugar
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Brown sugar
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Add eggs one at a time, whisking well.
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Whisk in vanilla.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
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Sift together flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
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Fold into the batter gently until just combined.
👉 Batter will be thick and glossy.
Step 5: Bake Brownie Base
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Spread batter evenly into prepared pan.
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Bake for 18–20 minutes.
⚠️ The brownies should be partially baked, not fully set.
PECAN PIE LAYER
Step 6: Make Pecan Filling
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In a bowl, whisk together:
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Brown sugar
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Corn syrup
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Melted butter
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Eggs
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Vanilla
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Salt
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Stir in pecans.
Step 7: Assemble
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Remove brownies from oven.
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Gently pour pecan mixture over the hot brownie layer.
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Spread pecans evenly.
Step 8: Final Bake
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Return pan to oven.
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Bake 30–35 minutes, until:
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Top is set
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Center jiggles slightly but is not liquid
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If pecans brown too fast, tent loosely with foil.
COOLING & CUTTING
Step 9: Cool Completely
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Cool in pan on rack at least 2 hours.
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For clean cuts, refrigerate 30–60 minutes before slicing.
SERVING & STORAGE
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Serve plain or with vanilla ice cream
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Store covered at room temp 2 days or refrigerated 5 days
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Freeze up to 2 months
PRO TIPS
✔ Use dark corn syrup for deeper caramel flavor
✔ Toast pecans first for extra nuttiness
✔ Add ½ cup chocolate chips to brownie layer for extra decadence