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To create these pecan pie brownies, you need a mix of simple ingredients. Each one adds to the rich flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need: - 1 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 cup packed brown sugar - 4 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup all-purpose flour - ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1 teaspoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon salt - 1 cup chopped pecans - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) You start with butter, sugars, and eggs. The butter makes the brownies rich. Granulated sugar and brown sugar give sweetness. Eggs help bind everything together. Next, you mix the dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Flour gives structure. Cocoa powder adds chocolate flavor. Baking powder helps the brownies rise. Salt balances the sweetness. Finally, add the fun stuff: chopped pecans, chocolate chips, and caramel sauce. Pecans add crunch. Chocolate chips melt into gooey goodness. Caramel sauce creates a sweet swirl that makes every bite special. These ingredients come together to create the ultimate sweet treat. Each one plays a crucial role in making these brownies truly irresistible! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray. Then, line the bottom with parchment paper. This step helps with easy removal later. In a large bowl, combine the melted butter with granulated and brown sugars. Whisk them until smooth. Next, add each egg one by one. Whisk after each addition to mix well. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract until combined. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the dry ingredients mix evenly. Gradually fold this mixture into the wet ingredients using a spatula. Be gentle to keep the batter light and fluffy. Now it’s time to add texture and flavor. Fold in the chopped pecans and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Make sure they are evenly mixed throughout the batter. This adds a delightful crunch and rich chocolate taste. Pour half of the brownie batter into your prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over this layer, letting it pool in spots. Next, spoon the rest of the batter on top, smoothing it out gently. Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce on top. Use a toothpick to swirl the caramel into the batter for a marbled design. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes. This helps them set before cutting into squares. To get the best chewy brownies, mix carefully. After you add the dry ingredients, fold them in gently. Overmixing can make your brownies tough. You want a soft, fudgy texture. Stir just until you see no dry flour. It’s okay if some lumps remain. This will keep them chewy and delicious. To create a beautiful caramel swirl, drizzle the caramel sauce in a few spots. Use a toothpick to swirl it into the brownie batter. Don’t mix it all in; just a light swirl is perfect. This method gives you lovely pockets of caramel. It also makes your brownies look pretty. Serve these brownies warm for the best flavor. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top makes them extra special. Drizzle more caramel sauce over the ice cream. Add a few whole pecans for a nice touch. This combination creates a delightful dessert. Your guests will love it! Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Eggs: Allow your eggs to come to room temperature before adding them to the batter. This helps create a smoother mixture and promotes better incorporation into the dough. Don't Overmix the Batter: Mixing the brownie batter just until combined will yield a fudgier texture. Overmixing can result in a cake-like consistency, which we want to avoid. Quality Chocolate Matters: Choose high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips for a richer flavor. The better the chocolate, the more indulgent your brownies will be! Let Them Cool: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting. This will help them set up properly and make for cleaner, more defined squares. {{image_4}} If you want to swap out the pecans, try walnuts or hazelnuts. Both give a nice crunch. You can even skip nuts entirely for a nut-free treat. Just keep in mind that omitting nuts may change the texture a bit, but the flavor will still shine. To add more depth to your brownies, try adding cinnamon or nutmeg. A pinch can elevate the taste. If you love chocolate, consider mixing in dark or white chocolate chips. This will add a new layer of richness and make each bite even more delightful. For a gluten-free version, use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. These options work well and keep the brownies soft. If you need a vegan recipe, replace eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water. Also, choose a vegan butter and ensure your chocolate is dairy-free. These swaps make the brownies suitable for everyone! To store your pecan pie brownies, wait until they cool completely. Cut them into squares and place them in an airtight container. You can keep them at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, place them in the fridge. They will stay fresh for about a week in the fridge. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Freezing is a great way to save these brownies for later. First, wrap each square in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped brownies in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy them, just remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature. You can also microwave them for 15-20 seconds to warm them up. Reheating pecan pie brownies is easy. If you want them warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the brownies on a baking sheet and heat for 10 minutes. This keeps them soft and tasty. If you prefer the microwave, heat one square at a time for about 15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat; you want to keep that gooey texture. Enjoy the rich flavors and perfect warmth! To check if your brownies are done, look for these signs: - The edges will pull away from the pan. - The top will look set and slightly shiny. - Insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs. If it comes out clean, they may be overbaked. Remember, they will firm up as they cool. Yes, you can use a different pan size. Here’s what to know: - A smaller pan makes thicker brownies. Increase baking time by a few minutes. - A larger pan leads to thinner brownies. Decrease baking time to avoid drying out. - Always keep an eye on them while baking, as times might vary. Pair your brownies with these ideas: - A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds creaminess. - Drizzle more caramel sauce on top for extra sweetness. - Serve with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa for warmth. These pairings enhance the rich flavors of the brownies and create a delightful experience. We covered how to make delicious pecan pie brownies from start to finish. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step mixing, and baking methods. I shared tips for chewy texture and perfect caramel swirls. You can also explore nut swaps, flavor boosts, and dietary changes to suit your needs. Don't forget proper storage and reheating methods to keep them fresh. Enjoy experimenting with this recipe and make it your own!

Pecan Pie Brownies

Indulgent brownies with a rich pecan pie flavor, topped with caramel and chocolate.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 20
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking pan by greasing it with butter or cooking spray, and then line the bottom with parchment paper for simpler removal later.
  • In a large mixing bowl, take the melted butter and combine it with both the granulated sugar and packed brown sugar. Whisk these together vigorously until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
  • Introduce the eggs into the mixture one by one, ensuring to whisk vigorously after each egg to thoroughly incorporate it. Follow by stirring in the vanilla extract, mixing until just combined.
  • In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to ensure an even distribution of the dry ingredients.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, gently folding them together with a spatula. Take care not to overmix; you want to keep the batter light.
  • Carefully fold in the chopped pecans and semi-sweet chocolate chips, being sure they are evenly dispersed throughout the brownie batter.
  • Pour half of the chocolate brownie batter into your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly across the base of the pan.
  • Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the layer of brownie batter, allowing it to pool in some areas for delicious pockets of caramel.
  • Spoon the remaining brownie batter over the caramel layer, smoothing it out gently. Drizzle the rest of the caramel sauce on top, and with a toothpick, lightly swirl the caramel into the brownie layer to create an attractive marbled design.
  • Place the tray in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies; it should come out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it.
  • After baking, remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes. This will help them set up before cutting into squares.

Notes

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream and extra caramel sauce for a decadent treat.
Keyword brownies, caramel, chocolate, dessert, pecan pie