Brownie Pecan Pie

This Brownie Pecan Pie brings together two favorite desserts into one showstopping dish. The gooey brownie layer sits beneath a crispy, caramelized pecan topping, creating the perfect balance of chocolate and nutty flavors. The buttery, flaky crust ties it all together, adding an extra layer of deliciousness to every bite. Whether you’re looking for the perfect dessert for Thanksgiving or just craving a rich, indulgent treat, this Brownie Pecan Pie is sure to impress. The combination of fudgy brownies and crunchy pecans makes it a standout dish for any occasion, especially when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp (28g) granulated sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter (high-quality recommended)
• ⅓ cup (76ml) ice water (add more only if needed)

For the Brownie Filling:

• ½ cup (60g) flour
• ¼ cup (22g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 6 tbsp (84g) unsalted butter
• 2 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp espresso powder
• 2 tbsp (28ml) oil (canola, vegetable, or refined coconut oil)
• ¾ cup (128g) semi-sweet chocolate chips

For the Pecan Pie Topping:

• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, divided
• 2 cups (227g) pecans, roughly chopped
• ¾ cup (235g) light corn syrup
• ½ cup (106g) dark brown sugar (packed)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp fine sea salt
• 2 tbsp bourbon or dark rum
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

For the Crust:

1. Mix flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.
2. Add cubed butter and use a pastry cutter to work it into the flour until pea-sized.
3. Slowly fold in ice water and knead gently until dough forms. Chill for at least 2 hours.
4. Roll dough to 16 inches in diameter, place in a pie pan, and par-bake at 375°F for 22 minutes.

For the Brownie Filling:

1. Melt butter and chocolate together.
2. Add sugar, eggs, vanilla, espresso powder, and oil. Mix well.
3. Fold in dry ingredients (flour, cocoa powder, salt), followed by chocolate chips.
4. Spread over the par-baked crust. Bake at 350°F for 32 minutes.

For the Pecan Topping:

1. Melt 6 tbsp of butter in a skillet, toast pecans for 3-4 minutes.
2. Add syrup, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, bourbon, vanilla, and remaining butter. Stir until thickened.
3. Pour over cooled brownie pie and let it set before serving.

Prep Time: 1 hour | Inactive Time: 3 hours | Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
Kcal: 600 kcal per serving | Servings: 8-10 servings

A Little History: Brownies and Pecan Pie

Brownies first appeared in the U.S. at the end of the 19th century, becoming a beloved staple thanks to their simplicity and chocolatey goodness. They’re often described as the perfect marriage between cake and cookie, combining the best elements of both. Pecan pie, on the other hand, is deeply rooted in Southern cuisine. Its origins trace back to the 1800s when pecans, native to the Southern U.S., were mixed with sugar, eggs, and syrup to create what we now know as pecan pie. The combination of the two—brownies and pecan pie—is a modern innovation that’s designed to give you a double dose of indulgence.

Why This Recipe is Special

1. Two Desserts in One: You no longer have to choose between brownies or pie—this recipe combines them both. The fudgy, rich brownie layer serves as the base, providing a deep chocolate flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweet, sticky, and crunchy pecan topping.
2. Perfect for Special Occasions: The Brownie Pecan Pie is a showstopper on any dessert table. Whether it’s for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a birthday celebration, this dessert is guaranteed to wow your guests. It’s also a great option for potlucks or family gatherings, where you want to bring something a little different but still comforting.
3. Customizable and Versatile: This pie is highly adaptable. If you’re not a fan of bourbon, you can leave it out or substitute it with coffee or vanilla extract for a different flavor profile. You can also experiment with adding chocolate chips or using dark chocolate for a richer, more intense taste. For those who want a bit more texture, mixing in some chopped walnuts or almonds with the pecans can add another dimension of flavor and crunch.
4. Make-Ahead Friendly: One of the best things about this pie is that it can be made in stages. The pie crust can be prepared a day or two in advance, saving time on the day of your event. You can also bake the brownie filling and let the pie rest for a few hours before adding the pecan topping. This feature makes it a stress-free dessert, especially if you’re preparing multiple dishes for a large gathering.
5. Texture Heaven: The contrast of textures is one of the standout features of this recipe. The brownie layer is soft and gooey, while the pecan topping adds a satisfying crunch. Combined with the buttery, flaky crust, every bite offers a complex, layered eating experience that leaves you wanting more.
6. Serve It Warm or Cold: While this pie is incredible fresh out of the oven, with the gooey brownie filling still warm and the pecan topping slightly sticky, it also holds up well when served at room temperature or even chilled. It’s versatile in how you can serve it, making it convenient for busy hosts who might need to prepare dessert in advance.

Nutritional Benefits

Although the Brownie Pecan Pie is an indulgent treat, it does contain some nutritious ingredients. Pecans, for instance, are a powerhouse of healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants. They’re an excellent source of magnesium and zinc, which are essential for overall well-being. The inclusion of pecans makes this dessert not only delicious but also adds a slight nutritional boost, especially compared to other sweets.

Additionally, dark chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate (both used in this recipe) is known for its high levels of antioxidants, particularly flavonoids. These compounds have been linked to heart health benefits and improved brain function, which can make you feel slightly better about indulging in this dessert.

Tips for the Best Brownie Pecan Pie

1. Don’t Skip the Par-Baking: It’s crucial to par-bake the pie crust. This ensures that it’s fully cooked and doesn’t turn out soggy, especially since the brownie filling and pecan topping are quite moist. Par-baking gives you that perfectly flaky crust that’s essential for a great pie.
2. Timing is Everything: As mentioned in the recipe, both the brownie filling and the pecan topping should be prepared just before they’re added to the pie. If either element sits for too long, the textures can suffer. The brownie filling can seize and become difficult to spread, while the pecan topping can harden, making it tough to slice through the pie.
3. Serve with Ice Cream: To take this dessert to the next level, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The cool, creamy texture complements the rich, warm pie beautifully, making it an unforgettable treat.
4. Perfect for Leftovers: While this pie is divine when fresh, it’s just as good the next day. The flavors deepen as they meld together, and the pecan topping remains crunchy. Just be sure to store the pie properly—cover it with foil or plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature for up to 24 hours, or refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Why You’ll Love Making This Pie

If you enjoy baking, the Brownie Pecan Pie offers the best of both worlds: enough complexity to feel like a rewarding project, but it’s not overly complicated to make. The ingredients are straightforward, and the step-by-step process ensures that even novice bakers can achieve great results. The pie crust may take a bit of extra effort, but the buttery, flaky results are more than worth it. The brownie filling is foolproof, and the pecan topping adds that extra “wow” factor that elevates the pie from a simple dessert to a true masterpiece.

In addition to its incredible taste and texture, this pie provides an opportunity to get creative with presentation. Whether you serve it in thick slices, add garnishes like a sprinkle of sea salt or a drizzle of caramel, or serve it with seasonal fruit, the Brownie Pecan Pie can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

Conclusion

In the world of desserts, the Brownie Pecan Pie reigns supreme as a fusion masterpiece that combines the best elements of two beloved sweets. With its fudgy chocolate filling, buttery crust, and caramelized pecan topping, this pie is sure to become a new family favorite. It’s versatile, indulgent, and perfect for any special occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday feast, a dinner party, or simply enjoying a slice with a cup of coffee, the Brownie Pecan Pie is a dessert that never disappoints.