Name: Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 110 g butter; 75 g semi-sweet chocolate chips (55-70%); 35 g unsweetened Dutch cocoa powder; 100 g granulated sugar; 150 g dark brown sugar; 3 large eggs (room temperature); 55 g vegetable oil (e.g. canola); 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 75 g all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 1/2 tsp salt; 90 g dark brown sugar; 65 g light corn syrup (or glucose syrup, honey, or agave); 110 g butter; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 150 g whole pecans, chopped; 1 tsp all-purpose flour; Pinch of salt

If you have a soft spot for rich chocolate desserts with a delightful nutty crunch, you are going to absolutely love this Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies Recipe. It’s a heavenly combination of dense, fudgy brownies layered with a sticky, buttery pecan pie topping that oozes with caramel sweetness. Every bite offers that perfect balance of melt-in-your-mouth chocolate and the satisfying, toasted pecan texture that makes your taste buds dance. It’s effortlessly elegant yet unbelievably comforting—ideal for impressing guests or simply treating yourself on any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a square metal baking pan lined with parchment paper held by four golden clips. Inside the pan is a single dense layer of shiny, dark brown caramelized nuts, mostly pecans and walnuts, spread evenly across the entire surface. The nuts have a sticky glaze that reflects light, creating a textured and glossy appearance. The pan sits on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the secret to nailing this Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies Recipe. Each component plays an essential role, from the deep fudgy cocoa in the brownie base to the rich buttery pecan topping with hints of vanilla and caramel. Let’s dive into what you’ll need to bring this dessert dream to life.

110 g butter: Browning the butter adds a nutty depth and richness to the brownies.
75 g semi-sweet chocolate chips (55-70%): Melts smoothly into the batter for an intense chocolate flavor.
35 g unsweetened Dutch cocoa powder: Adds a luscious chocolate color and bitterness to balance sweetness.
100 g granulated sugar: Gives the brownie base a gentle sweetness and structure.
150 g dark brown sugar: Provides molasses flavor and moisture for the brownies and topping.
3 large eggs (room temperature): Create a tender, chewy texture in the brownies.
55 g vegetable oil (e.g., canola): Keeps the brownies moist and fudgy.
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
75 g all-purpose flour: Builds the structure without making the brownies cakey.
1 tbsp cornstarch: Adds tenderness and a slight chewiness to the brownie texture.
1/2 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and elevates the chocolate taste.
65 g light corn syrup (or glucose syrup, honey, or agave): Makes the pecan pie topping gooey and shiny.
150 g whole pecans: Chop them to get hearty bites filled with crunch and flavor.
1 tsp all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the pecan pie filling.
Pinch of salt: Adds depth and balances the pecan topping.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Base

First things first, preheat your oven to 160ºC (325ºF) and line an 8×8 inch square pan with parchment paper. Browning the butter at this stage changes the flavor entirely—adding a toasty, complex layer to the chocolate that no ordinary butter could achieve. Once browned, pour the warm butter over the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Stir gently until all melted together into a smooth, glossy chocolate mixture. This forms the foundation for your rich brownie.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

Next, whisk in the unsweetened Dutch cocoa powder until it blends completely. Add your sugars—both dark brown and granulated—and beat them together with an electric mixer to incorporate air and create a luscious texture. Carefully add the eggs one at a time, mixing for about two minutes on medium-high speed to get that fluffy yet dense consistency. Then stir in the vegetable oil and vanilla extract, which keep everything moist and flavorful.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to bring the batter together. Sift the flour, cornstarch, and salt over the bowl, then gently fold them in with a whisk. This step ensures you don’t overmix, which could toughen your brownies. Pour this silky batter into your prepared pan and smooth it out with a spatula, getting it ready for the oven.

Step 4: Bake the Brownie Base

Bake the brownie base in your preheated oven for 30 minutes. While it’s baking, start getting the scrumptious pecan pie topping ready—this timing aligns perfectly to keep you efficient in the kitchen.

Step 5: Make the Gooey Pecan Pie Topping

Chop your pecans into bite-sized pieces and set them aside. In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine dark brown sugar, light corn syrup, butter, and vanilla extract. Stir as the mixture melts into a glossy, caramel-colored sauce. Add pecans, the tablespoon of flour, and a pinch of salt, stirring to coat the nuts evenly and thicken the filling slightly. This gooey topping will create that perfect stickiness we all crave in a pecan pie but with an extra fudgy twist on top.

Step 6: Layer and Finish Baking

Once your brownie base has baked for 30 minutes, carefully pour the pecan pie filling over it, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Pop it back into the oven and bake for another 20 minutes. This second bake melds the layers together and gives you that irresistible caramelized topping texture.

Step 7: Cooling and Chilling

Allow the baked Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies Recipe to cool on a wire rack for about 30 minutes, then refrigerate for an hour. This step lets the brownies set perfectly so when you cut into them, you get those neat squares with an oozing center and crunchy pecan topping. Serve them at room temperature or slightly chilled for best results.

How to Serve Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies Recipe

The image shows square pieces of chocolate cake topped with a thick, glossy layer of chopped pecans covered in caramel sauce. The cake has two layers: the bottom layer is rich dark brown, dense, and moist while the top layer is a shiny mix of golden-brown caramel and nuts with visible textures from the crunchy pecan pieces. Two squares are stacked on top of each other in the middle with the caramel nut topping clearly dripping a little, surrounded by more pieces of the same cake. Some whole pecans are scattered on a white marbled surface around the cake. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

When it comes to garnishing, simplicity is key to letting the brownies shine. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt across the top enhances both the appearance and the flavor beautifully. For extra indulgence, a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce or a handful of toasted pecan halves adds elegance and texture.

Side Dishes

These brownies are fantastic on their own, but pairing them with some classic vanilla bean ice cream takes the experience to a whole new level. The cold, creamy ice cream contrasts wonderfully with the warm, sticky pecan topping. You can also serve them alongside freshly whipped cream or a robust cup of black coffee to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress your friends or family, try serving these Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies Recipe squares on a rustic wooden board with pecan halves scattered around. For individual servings, place a brownie square in a small dessert dish and top with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of mascarpone cheese and a sprinkle of cinnamon. The combination of textures and colors will wow everyone at your table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep the brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The pecan topping may slightly soften over time, but the gooey charm remains intact. For longer storage, refrigeration is best.

Freezing

Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. These freeze wonderfully for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature. Freezing is a great way to have this delightful treat on hand for unexpected dessert cravings.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy, warm the brownies in a 160ºC (325ºF) oven for about 8-10 minutes to revive their melt-in-your-mouth consistency. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to alter the texture, but a quick 15-second zap can help when in a pinch.

FAQs

Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds are great alternatives that offer a slightly different crunch and flavor profile. Just keep the quantity the same and chop them roughly to maintain the texture contrast.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. The brownies will still be deliciously fudgy and the pecan topping will hold perfectly.

Why do I need to chill the brownies after baking?

Chilling helps the layers set up so the gooey topping isn’t too runny when you cut into the brownies. It also enhances the flavors, making each bite more balanced and satisfying.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, swap the butter for a plant-based margarine or coconut oil. Make sure to use dairy-free chocolate chips as well. The texture will be close to the original, with a subtle difference in flavor.

How long will these brownies keep fresh?

When properly stored in an airtight container in the fridge, the brownies remain fresh and delicious for up to 5 days. If you want them longer-lasting, freezing is the best option.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend this Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies Recipe enough if you crave a dessert that marries the richness of chocolate with the lusciousness of pecan pie topping. It’s surprisingly simple to make, so whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, these brownies will become your new favorite treat. Once you try them, I’m sure you’ll understand why I keep going back for seconds — and thirds!