The Best Salted Pecan Pie Brownies

If you’re looking for a dessert that will wow your friends and family, look no further than The Best Salted Pecan Pie Brownies! This recipe combines two beloved treats into one decadent delight. With rich chocolate fudge brownies as the base, topped with a sweet and salty pecan pie filling, these brownies are sure to become a favorite in your home. They are perfect for cozy gatherings, festive celebrations, or even just a little indulgence during a busy week.

I love making these brownies because they strike the perfect balance between sweet and salty. Plus, they are surprisingly easy to prepare! You can whip them up in no time, making them an ideal choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With simple steps and ingredients, this recipe is perfect even for beginner bakers.
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves brownies, and adding pecan pie filling takes them to the next level!
• Perfect for sharing: Cut them into squares and watch your family and friends devour these delightful treats.
• Make-ahead convenience: These brownies keep well in the fridge, making them great for prepping ahead of time.
• Versatile flavors: Whether you serve them warm or chilled, they taste amazing!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create The Best Salted Pecan Pie Brownies, gather these simple and wholesome ingredients. They come together beautifully to create a dessert that’s both comforting and delicious!

For the Brownies

• 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
• 1/2 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
• 1 tsp Espresso Powder
• 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter (room temperature)
• 1/4 cup Vegetable Oil
• 1 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
• 2 Large Eggs (room temperature)
• 2 tsp Vanilla Extract

For the Pecan Pie Topping

• 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
• 1/4 cup Light or Dark Brown Sugar
• 1 tbsp All-Purpose Flour
• 1/4 cup Light Corn Syrup
• 1 Large Egg (slightly whisked)
• 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 1/2 cup Chopped Pecans
• 1 tbsp Sea Salt Flakes (sprinkled on before baking)

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with these variations:

• Add some crunch: Mix in chocolate chips or butterscotch chips into the brownie batter for extra flavor.
• Try different nuts: Swap out pecans for walnuts or almonds if you prefer a different nutty flavor.
• Go gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
• Make it extra chocolatey: Add an additional 1/4 cup of cocoa powder for an even richer brownie base.

How to Make The Best Salted Pecan Pie Brownies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First things first, adjust your oven rack to the second level position (just above center) and preheat your oven to 350ºF. This ensures even baking. Generously spray your 8-inch square baking pan with flour-based baking spray so your brownies release easily after baking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, unsweetened cocoa powder, and espresso powder. This step is crucial as it evenly distributes the leavening agents and cocoa throughout the batter.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment to beat together the unsalted butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix on medium-high speed until everything is well blended. This creates a rich base that adds moisture to your brownies.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Reduce the mixer speed and gradually add your dry mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined. The brownie batter will be thick yet spreadable—this texture is key for fudgy brownies!

Step 5: Bake Brownies

Scoop the brownie batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly using a spatula. Bake in your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should be set but still soft in the middle.

Step 6: Prepare Pecan Filling

While the brownies bake, grab a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir together granulated sugar, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, light corn syrup, lightly whisked egg, unsalted butter, and vanilla extract continuously until combined. Once mixed well, remove from heat and fold in chopped pecans.

Step 7: Add Pecan Topping

Take your baked brownies out of the oven after their initial bake time. Pour that delicious salted pecan pie filling over the top. Sprinkle sea salt flakes generously on top before returning them to bake for another 15-20 minutes until set.

Step 8: Cool Before Serving

Once done baking again, let those beauties cool completely before cutting into squares. Don’t worry if they seem slightly jiggly in the middle; they will set as they cool!

Step 9: Chill (Optional)

For an even more delightful experience, place cut brownies in the refrigerator for about 30-60 minutes before serving—they’re wonderfully refreshing chilled too!

Step 10: Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to three days—if they last that long!

Enjoy every bite of The Best Salted Pecan Pie Brownies!

Pro Tips for Making The Best Salted Pecan Pie Brownies

Making these brownies is a delightful experience, and with a few handy tips, you can ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring your eggs and butter to room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter that blends better and gives your brownies a fudgier texture.

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet, mix just until they are incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies instead of the soft, gooey ones we all love.

• Check for Doneness: Since oven temperatures can vary, start checking your brownies a few minutes before the recommended baking time. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs when they are done!

• Let Them Cool Completely: Patience is key! Allow your brownies to cool completely before cutting. This helps them set properly and makes them easier to slice without falling apart.

• Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to add chocolate chips or even a swirl of caramel into your brownie batter before baking for an extra layer of flavor!

How to Serve The Best Salted Pecan Pie Brownies

These brownies are not only delicious but also visually appealing! Presenting them beautifully can elevate your dessert game and impress your guests.

Garnishes

• Whipped Coconut Cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream on top adds a light, creamy contrast to the rich brownies.
• Chocolate Drizzle: A simple drizzle of melted dairy-free chocolate over the top enhances the look and adds extra sweetness.
• Fresh Berries: Serving with fresh raspberries or strawberries brings a touch of freshness that complements the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Almond Ice Cream: This dairy-free option adds creaminess and balances out the richness of the brownies perfectly.
• Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits provides a light contrast to the dense brownies and enhances their sweetness.
• Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea pairs wonderfully with these brownies, enhancing their chocolatey goodness.
• Caramel Sauce: Drizzling some homemade or store-bought caramel sauce on top takes indulgence to another level and is sure to please any sweet tooth!

With these presentation ideas, you’ll be ready to serve The Best Salted Pecan Pie Brownies in style! Enjoy every decadent bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Salted Pecan Pie Brownies are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch ahead of time, making them an ideal treat for gatherings or cozy nights in.

Storing Leftovers

• Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator.

Freezing

• Cut the brownies into squares before freezing to make it easy to grab a piece when you want one.
• Wrap each brownie tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy your brownies warm, place them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, you can reheat them in a preheated oven at 350ºF for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making The Best Salted Pecan Pie Brownies.

Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! While pecans add a wonderful flavor, you can substitute with walnuts or even almonds if you prefer. Just keep in mind that this will slightly change the texture and taste of your brownies.

What makes The Best Salted Pecan Pie Brownies so special?

These brownies combine the decadence of rich chocolate fudge with the sweet and salty goodness of pecan pie filling. It’s a delightful mix that’s perfect for any occasion!

How do I know when my brownies are done baking?

The edges should look set, while the center may still have a slight jiggle. A toothpick inserted into the middle should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making and savoring these decadent Salted Pecan Pie Brownies! They truly are a heavenly combination of flavors that will delight your taste buds. Whether you’re sharing with friends or indulging on your own, these brownies are sure to bring joy. Happy baking!