The Best Salted Pecan Pie Brownies

If you’re looking for a dessert that will impress your family and friends, look no further than The Best Salted Pecan Pie Brownies! These brownies are the perfect blend of rich chocolatey goodness topped with a sweet and nutty pecan pie layer. Every bite is an indulgent treat that dances between sweet and salty, making them an absolute delight for any occasion. Whether it’s a busy weeknight, a gathering with loved ones, or simply a cozy evening at home, these brownies will surely bring smiles all around.

What makes this recipe so special is its simplicity and the wonderful flavors that come together in each layer. You’ll find that they’re easy to whip up, yet they taste like a gourmet dessert from your favorite bakery. Trust me, once you serve these brownies, they’ll quickly become a go-to recipe in your collection!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent Flavor: The combination of fudgy brownies and pecan pie filling creates a unique and delicious experience.
• Easy Preparation: With simple steps and common ingredients, you’ll have these brownies ready in no time!
• Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for parties or family gatherings, everyone will want to try this delightful treat.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for an easy dessert option that’s still impressive.
• Richly Satisfying: Each bite is packed with flavor, making it hard to resist going back for seconds (or thirds!).

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make The Best Salted Pecan Pie Brownies, gather these simple and wholesome ingredients. They come together beautifully to create a rich dessert that everyone will love!

For the Brownie Base

• 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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with different flavors and textures.

• Add Chocolate Chips: Mix in some semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for extra chocolate goodness.
• Nut Alternatives: If you prefer other nuts, try using walnuts or almonds instead of pecans.
• Different Sweeteners: Experiment with coconut sugar or maple syrup for a twist on sweetness.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the brownie batter for a warm spice flavor.

How to Make The Best Salted Pecan Pie Brownies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Adjust your oven rack to the second level position (just above center) and preheat your oven to 350ºF. Generously spray an 8-inch square baking pan with flour-based baking spray. If you want perfect squares later on, consider adding a parchment paper sleeve cut to size—just remember to re-spray it!

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 key because it ensures that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed before combining them with the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Prepare Wet Ingredients

Using either a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, mix together the unsalted butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract on medium-high speed until blended well. This creates a creamy base full of flavor.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Don’t overmix—your brownie batter should be thick yet easily spreadable.

Step 5: Spread in Pan

Scoop the brownie batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly using a spatula. This creates an even base that will bake beautifully.

Step 6: Bake Brownies

Place the pan into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes at 350ºF. Keep an eye on them; I usually take mine out at around 25 minutes when they look set but still soft in the middle.

Step 7: Prepare Pecan Filling

While your brownies are baking, heat up a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously as you combine granulated sugar, dark brown sugar, all-purpose flour, light corn syrup, lightly whisked egg, unsalted butter, and vanilla extract. Once everything is mixed well and smooth, remove from heat and stir in chopped pecans.

Step 8: Assemble Layers

When your brownies are done baking, pour that delicious pecan pie filling over the top! Sprinkle sea salt flakes generously across the surface before returning them to bake for another 15-20 minutes at 350ºF.

Step 9: Cool & Set

Once baked again, remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. It’s normal if they jiggle slightly—they’ll firm up as they cool!

Step 10: Chill (Optional)

For an added treat, refrigerate them for about 30-60 minutes after cooling; this allows them to set perfectly while giving them a delightful chilled texture.

Step 11: Store Leftovers

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

Pro Tips for Making The Best Salted Pecan Pie Brownies

Baking these brownies is a delightful experience, and with a few pro tips, you can elevate them to perfection!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your butter and eggs to room temperature helps them blend more easily, ensuring a smooth brownie batter that bakes evenly.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until combined keeps the brownies fudgy and avoids a tough texture. Overmixing can lead to chewy brownies rather than the desired rich consistency.
• Check for doneness: Since ovens can vary, start checking your brownies a few minutes early. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs for that perfect fudgy center.
• Let them cool completely: Allowing the brownies to cool thoroughly before cutting helps them set up nicely, resulting in cleaner cuts and better presentation when served.
• Experiment with toppings: Feel free to get creative! Adding whipped coconut cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce on top can take these brownies from delicious to extraordinary.

How to Serve The Best Salted Pecan Pie Brownies

These brownies are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them perfect for any gathering or special occasion. Here are some ideas on how to present and serve them beautifully!

Garnishes

• Whipped Coconut Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped coconut cream adds a light and fluffy contrast to the rich brownies.
• Chopped Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some dairy-free chocolate and drizzle it over the brownies for an extra touch of indulgence.
• Fresh Berries: A handful of fresh strawberries or raspberries can add a burst of freshness that complements the sweet and salty flavors perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream provides a classic pairing that balances the richness of the brownies with its coolness.
• Fruit Salad: A light and vibrant fruit salad with seasonal fruits brings freshness and color to your dessert table while cutting through the sweetness.
• Coffee or Tea: Serving your brownies with a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea enhances their flavor profile and creates a comforting dessert experience.
• Cheesecake Dip: This creamy dip pairs wonderfully with fruit slices and adds another layer of texture, making it an interesting side dish alongside your brownies.

Enjoy baking and sharing The Best Salted Pecan Pie Brownies! With their delightful combination of textures and flavors, they’re sure to become a beloved treat in your home.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Salted Pecan Pie Brownies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time for gatherings or simply to enjoy throughout the week. Here’s how to store and preserve their deliciousness.

Storing Leftovers

• Store brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Cut brownies into individual portions.
• Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw brownies in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
• For a warm treat, microwave individual pieces on low power for about 10-15 seconds.
• Enjoy chilled or warmed—both are delicious!

FAQs

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

Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?

Absolutely! While pecans give these brownies their signature flavor, you can substitute walnuts or even almonds if you prefer something different. Just make sure to chop them finely.

How do I know when The Best Salted Pecan Pie Brownies are done baking?

The brownies should be set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center when you take them out of the oven. They will firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem a bit undercooked at first!

Can I make The Best Salted Pecan Pie Brownies gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free as well.

What can I serve with these brownies?

These rich brownies pair wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or whipped coconut cream. A scoop of either on top will elevate your dessert experience!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making The Best Salted Pecan Pie Brownies! With their rich chocolatey base and delightful pecan topping, these treats are sure to become a new favorite. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones during the holidays or enjoying them solo, they’re bound to bring a smile to your face. Happy baking, and don’t forget to savor every bite!