Start a fun family tussle with Pecan Pie Brownies, a rich chocolaty brownie with a sweet pecan pie topping- it’ll be a mad dash for seconds!
Decadent and simple to make, Pecan Pie Brownies are a hit at Thanksgiving or any time of year! Using a brownie mix cuts down on time and ingredients, while stirring up the pecan pie topping only takes pecans, butter, corn syrup, sugar, and eggs for a truly memorable dessert.
Happy Little Squares
Some desserts were made to be together. Obviously, chocolate was made for everything delicious but pairing it with pecans has brought a new level of happiness to my life! Not only do we get to enjoy fudgy chocolate and a topping of crunchy, sweetened pecans, but this entire recipe is so simple to make. My kids love helping with all of the stirring and measuring but let’s be honest, they’re in it for the yummy reward! That’s ok, I am too.
Other Recipes to Serve with Pecan Pie Brownies
- Are you getting ready for Thanksgiving or just craving the best Sweet Potato Casserole, topped with crunchy pecans? This one is a must-make!
- Why not start the day in the best way possible – with more pecans! Caramel Apple and Pecan Pancakes are everything you dream about and more.
Ingredients
Brownies: Pick your favorite family-sized brownie mix so it will fill a 9×13 cake pan. Check the back of the box to see what additional ingredients you will need and get those as well.
Toppings: You will need pecans, corn syrup, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, eggs, and unsalted butter to make the pecan pie topping.
How to Make Pecan Pie Brownies
STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and grease a 9×13 baking dish. Prepare the brownies according to the directions on the box, and then pour the batter into the baking dish. Bake the brownies for 20 minutes or until the brownies are almost fully cooked but not completely.
STEP TWO: To make the topping, mix the eggs, corn syrup, sugar, butter, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl until everything is well-mixed. Stir in the pecans.
STEP THREE: After the brownies are mostly baked, pull the dish from the oven and pour the pecan pie topping over the top.
STEP FOUR: Bake the brownies for another 25 minutes and then remove them from the oven. Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting and serving.
Tips for Success
- A family-sized brownie mix will fill a 9×13 cake pan. If you can’t find the family-size box, just pick up two boxes of regular-sized brownie mix. If you have a favorite homemade brownie recipe, you can also use that!
- When baking the brownies, you don’t want them fully cooked before placing the topping on, so pull them from the oven after they have been baking for 20 minutes or when they look almost done. Also, check the bake time on the back of the brownie mix box since cooking times can vary. You want to top the brownies 10 minutes before the directions say they should be done. This ensures a soft, perfectly cooked brownie but will also prevent the pecan pie topping from sinking.
- Chopped or whole pecans work for these brownies, so pick your favorite!
Do I have to use corn syrup in the topping?
Corn syrup is a great, cost-effective way to include a sweet syrup in recipes that require a lot of it but there are other syrups you can use. Agave syrup or maple syrup would be good choices in this recipe, as would honey. You need 1 1/2 cups of the syrup, so make sure you purchase enough bottles of agave, maple, or honey.
How long do these brownies last?
Fresh baked goods are always the best, but you can make these ahead of time and then keep them covered, either on the counter or in the refrigerator. These brownies will be good for up to four days on the counter, or you can freeze them after they have cooled completely for up to three months. If you freeze them, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then put them in a freezer bag or other container. Let the brownies thaw in the fridge, and then you can simply pop a piece in the microwave for a few seconds if you like them warm.
You won’t want to miss any of these amazing pecan recipes!
- Fudgy Chocolate Pecan Pie
- Pecan Pie Recipe
- Pecan Pie Cheesecake
- Salted Caramel & Pecan Thumbprint Cookies
- Mini Caramel Pecan Pumpkin Truffles
*This post was originally posted on 11/08/2017.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 box family-size brownie mix plus ingredients to prepare (see note)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups corn syrup
- 4 eggs
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups pecans chopped or whole
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9-inch x 13-inch baking pan (glass or metal) and set aside.
- Prepare the brownie batter according to package directions. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 20 minutes (or 10 minutes less than the package directions indicate).
- While the brownies bake, mix together the sugar, corn syrup, eggs, butter, and vanilla in a medium mixing bowl. Stir in pecans.
- After brownies have partially baked, remove the pan from the oven and pour the pecan pie filling over the top. Spread the topping into an even layer.
- Place the brownies back in the oven and bake for 25 to 35 minutes or until the filling only jiggles slightly in the middle when you move the pan.
- Remove the brownies from the oven and let cool to room temperature before cutting into 20 squares.
Wendy brown says
I just used two of the 19oz brownie mixes because the recipe calls for 40oz
Baked for 20 min and then poured the pecan mixture on top. It all sank to the bottom ?
So is it supposed to be ONE family size box of brownie mix? They are 19oz and fill up a 9×13 pan OR is It the 40oz? Seems very runny after baking 20 min. Hope they turn out!
Any suggestions?
Val Nijm says
I made sure I read the instructions very carefully then I came and read the comments. I find it to my benefit and I’m glad I did! I ended up cooking the brownies for 35 minutes. Then I tempered the eggs and butter (right after the butter was melted), that way the eggs wouldn’t cook when I pour it over the hot brownies. I put it all back into the oven for 30 minutes and it cooked perfectly. I feel like oven temperature can be off, a separate thermometer in the oven is best. these came out perfect. I let them cool for a couple hours before cutting into them. Thank you for the recipe!
Aubrey Cota says
Thank you so much, it’s wonderful to know that the comments were so helpful.
Kamil says
Can u plz confirm the brownie mix. My box says family size 13*9 and it is not 40oz?
Aubrey Cota says
13×9 refers to the pan size not the ounces of the box. What does the bottom right corner of the box indicate? You can either use two 19.9 ounce boxes or find a family size 40-ounce box, typically sold at big box stores. (Sam’s Club, Costco…)
Lily J says
Did you use one 40oz box or two regular boxes for your brownie mix part, and what mix did you use?
Suzie says
Made these,followed your corrected instructions, and they are awesome! Thank you!!
Wish I knew how to post a photo—they looked so good. I am taking them as a gift for my daughter’s anniversary.
Aubrey Cota says
I’m so happy to hear that!! Thank you.
Yvonne Adkins says
These sound delicious but with all the sugar and carbs we can’t eat them. One of us is diabetic and other one comes from a family of diabetics.
Mei says
To Yvonne Adkins: So why comment? Just move on. 🙂
Kenyona says
I wish you would have said wether to use light or dark corn syrup.
Aubrey Cota says
Quite honestly you can use whichever you prefer. While light is typically used a delicately sweet flavor is desired, such as in fruit sauces and jams and dark has a more robust flavor and color, it is ideal for many baked goods. Keep in mind these are on the rich side so it’s left up to you to decide.
Charles says
I cut the recipe in 1/2 and baked brownies according to directions except careful not to overlook. Poured mixture on top and baked until kind of firm on top, about 35 minutes. Came out perfect. Thank you.
Aubrey Cota says
Thank you!
Rachel says
Made this yesterday and cooked the brownies about 30 minutes and added the pecan pie and baked 30 minutes then left in hot oven for 10 minutes (so I could finish cooking supper) and the brownies were still undercooked. Next time I make this I think I will go ahead and bake the brownies according to the package before adding the pecan pie topping. Otherwise the family feedback was to make this again—its the bomb!(7 yr old grandson)
Aubrey Cota says
Glad to hear!! Thank you.
Ann Corbin says
OK. I am really confused. You say a 40 oz box of brownie mix OR (2) boxes of regualr size brownie mix. I used 2 boxes but the batter is really thick. Since I used (2) boxes should I have used double the ingredients??
Aubrey Cota says
Yes, you would use the correct amount of ingredients for whichever size boxes you chose. If you used 2 boxes you would follow the ingredients for both boxes.
Kelly P says
Is it 4 eggs total or 4 eggs just in the mixture that goes on top of the batter??
Aubrey Cota says
It will be 4 eggs for the topping mixture, the batter is mixed separately per the ingredients on the box.
kellie says
A 19oz box is not family size. A family size is 40 oz. had to go back and get another box…
Aubrey Cota says
Oh darn, I’m sorry for that inconvenience I thought the correction was saved. I just double checked it and it has been updated so hopefully no future issues occur. I hope they turned out great!
Mary says
No, it is not. Look at this link, a family size box is slightly less than 20oz. https://goo.gl/images/VWQLX2 This recipe has some flaws based on all the comments.
charity says
How did they turn out for those of you that it mixed. Mine mixed all together as well and are still baking. Is it a loss?
Lisa says
They look great, but when you pour the pecan and egg mixture over the hot brownies, some of the egg cooks as it hits the heat of the brownies and looks like cooked eggs. Eggs need to be tempered. So maybe the pecan mixture should be added at the same time and cook together. I used 30 minutes total. But will do differently next time baking all at once.
Jennifer Hedden says
Can you tell me what brand and kind of brownie mix you use? Thank you!
Aubrey Cota says
Unfortunately there is not a particular brand we use, it’s whatever looks good at the store that day or might be on sale! Pick your favorite and have fun!!!
Bonnie says
When do you put the whole pecans on top? Before or after cooking!?
Aubrey Cota says
I would recommend before but it’s truly up to preference. If you prefer your pecans to be crunchy then after.
Kelly McCarthy Potter says
The recipe calls for chopped pecans, but I noticed your brownies look much prettier, looks like whole pecans on yours. Mine turned out delicious, but just not as attractive, did you use whole pecans???
Aubrey Cota says
The recipe calls for chopped pecans to be mixed in, but for decorative purposes you’re welcome to add whole or very roughly chopped pecans on top.
Benna says
Recipe does not say what size brownie mix.
Julie @Real Housemoms says
Hi Benna! This recipe uses the big family size box (for 13×9 pan). You could also use 2 regular brownie mix boxes to fill the larger pan. Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We’ve updated the recipe card to reflect this note.
Mcmom says
A regular box does make a 9×13. I used two brownie mixes because it said to use a 40 ounce box. Thought the brownies would just be thicker. They didn’t turn out. I was very disappointed.
Wendy says
I had the exact same problem. I used 2 – 20 ounce packages. I baked for 20 minutes then added the pecan mixture and then baked another 40. I let it cool and then when I cut, the brownie was uncooked 🙁
Stephanie says
Just tried this, myself, and made the same mistake. Really disappointed because it is a terrible waste of ingredients. Now I have to throw the whole thing out! At least this was a test run before I actually need it. 😡
Curious Q says
Every recipe that I have ever seen for this other than this one has called for you to precook the pie filling over medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes while the brownies are baking until the filling is thick enough to coat your spoon. Then stir the pecans in and cook another 2 to 3 minutes. Then pour the mixture over your brownies and continue cooking brownies for the last half of the cooking directions. They reccomend cooking the brownies for the the first half of the cooking directions on the box before adding the pecan pie filling. I hope this helps. They come out perfect every time this way that I have ever tried them.
Beth says
Pour pecan pie filling after brownies were in oven for 10 minutes and it all sunk into the brownies. They are ruined, so in think the brownies need to be in for 20 minutes before pie filling goes on. I was very disappointed.
Felicity says
Did you ever freeze these? Wondering if I can make them a few day before and freeze them…
Marsha says
The cooking times are different between your blog and the recipe. The blog has 20 minutes for brownie then 45-55 minutes to finish. The recipe has 10 and then 35-45 to finish. Can you tell me which to follow? I’d really like to try theese.
Julie @Real Housemoms says
Hi Marsha! Sorry for the confusion. The post has been updated, it is 10 minutes and then 35-45 to finish.
Lauren says
Its definitely not 10! I am making these right now and when I poured the filling in it just sank 🙁 Crossing my fingers my Thanksgiving dessert isn’t ruined!
Lynn says
I just did the same thing! ☹️
Terry says
I just did the same thing. Been baking 45 years. Very poor directions.
Kristyna says
I just made a batch of the brownies.
1. The house smells terrific
2. I added 2 tbsp of bourbon to give it that bourbon pecan pie flavor
3. I’m thinking baking the brownies for 20 minutes is correct. I followed the recipe and baked the brownies for 10 minutes and poured on the pecan mixture. The brownie batter was still pretty runny so the pecan mixture didn’t stay on top. I’m sure they will taste delicious but the brownie/pecan pie layers won’t look as they do in the photo. P.S. After adding the pecan mixture I baked for 30 minutes.
Linda says
Like the idea of the Bourbon Will try this!
Derek E Bridges says
Apparently it’s 20 minutes because pecan mixture ended up on bottom.
Kelly McCarthy Potter says
I cooked my brownies for 20 minutes, then an additional 30 minutes after topping was put on.
Anita says
This looks amazing but I’m confused about the cook time of 55 minutes when the instructions say 10 plus 25-35