These Salted Pecan Pie Brownies combine the rich fudginess of chocolate brownies with a sweet and salty pecan pie topping. Made in an 8-inch square baking pan, they’re perfect for holidays or any time you want to indulge in a decadent dessert. The gooey, salted pecan topping pairs beautifully with the fudgy brownie base, creating an irresistible treat.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1/2 tsp salt
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1/2 tsp baking powder
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1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
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1 tsp espresso powder (optional)
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1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
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1/4 cup vegetable oil
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1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
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2 large eggs, room temperature
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2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Salted Pecan Pie Topping:
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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1/4 cup light or dark brown sugar
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1 tbsp all-purpose flour
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1/4 cup light corn syrup
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1 large egg, lightly whisked
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1/4 cup unsalted butter
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1/2 cup chopped pecans
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1 tbsp sea salt flakes (for sprinkling)
Directions
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Prepare the Brownie Base:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan with flour-based baking spray or line it with parchment paper.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, salt, baking powder, cocoa powder, and espresso powder.
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In a separate large bowl, mix the butter, vegetable oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract using a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth and combined.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. The batter should be thick and spreadable.
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Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and smooth it out with a spatula.
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Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Remove from the oven and set aside.
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Make the Salted Pecan Pie Topping:
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While the brownies bake, in a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, corn syrup, egg, butter, and vanilla extract. Stir constantly until smooth.
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Remove from heat and stir in the chopped pecans.
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Add the Topping and Bake Again:
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Once the brownies are done, remove them from the oven. Pour the pecan pie topping over the brownies and sprinkle with sea salt flakes.
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Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the topping is set and golden.
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Cool and Set:
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Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting into squares. For quicker setting, refrigerate for 30-60 minutes.
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Nutrients (Estimated per serving)
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Calories: 267 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 38g
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Protein: 3g
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Fat: 13g
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Saturated Fat: 5g
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Cholesterol: 46mg
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Sodium: 540mg
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Potassium: 85mg
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Fiber: 2g
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Sugar: 30g
The Brownie Base: A Rich and Fudgy Foundation
The brownie base is the heart of this dessert, providing a thick, rich, and fudgy texture that perfectly complements the sweet and salty pecan topping. The combination of flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder creates the structure for the brownies, while the butter and vegetable oil contribute to the moist and dense consistency that makes these brownies so irresistible. The addition of espresso powder (optional, but recommended) intensifies the chocolate flavor, making the brownies even more indulgent.
The use of granulated sugar and eggs helps create the smooth, glossy batter, which spreads easily into the pan and bakes into a soft, fudgy texture. Once the brownies are baked and cooled, they serve as the perfect foundation for the caramelized pecan pie topping that will soon be added on top.
The Salted Pecan Pie Topping: Sweet, Salty, and Nutty
The pecan pie topping is what truly elevates these brownies. The caramelized sugars and corn syrup form the base of the topping, creating a sticky, sweet glaze that is both rich and flavorful. The brown sugar adds a deeper, molasses-like flavor, while the granulated sugar brings sweetness and balance. The addition of flour helps thicken the topping, ensuring it sets perfectly once baked.
The egg and butter bring richness and smoothness to the topping, while the vanilla extract adds a warm, fragrant note. The chopped pecans add a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the gooey caramelized topping. The crowning touch is a sprinkle of sea salt flakes, which provides a burst of saltiness that perfectly balances the sweetness of the topping and adds an irresistible contrast.
Baking the Brownies and Adding the Topping
After preparing the brownie base and baking it for about 25-30 minutes, it’s time to add the pecan pie topping. While the brownies are baking, you can prepare the pecan topping. In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, corn syrup, egg, butter, and vanilla extract. Stir constantly to create a smooth mixture, then remove from heat and stir in the chopped pecans.
Once the brownies are done, remove them from the oven and pour the pecan pie topping over the brownies. Be sure to spread the topping evenly so that every bite is coated with the sweet, nutty glaze. Sprinkle the topping with sea salt flakes for that perfect balance of sweet and salty.
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the topping is set and golden brown. The pecan topping will firm up as it cools, creating a gooey, caramelized layer that perfectly complements the fudgy brownies beneath.
Cooling and Setting
After baking, it’s essential to let the brownies cool completely before cutting into squares. This helps the topping set properly, ensuring that each piece holds its shape. For quicker setting, refrigerating the brownies for 30-60 minutes will help firm up the topping and make them easier to cut. Once cooled, cut the brownies into squares and serve.
Serving Suggestions
These Salted Pecan Pie Brownies are delicious on their own, but they can be even more indulgent when paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The creamy, cold contrast to the warm, gooey brownies creates a perfect balance of textures. For an extra touch, drizzle some chocolate or caramel sauce over the top before serving for even more decadence.
These brownies also pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a glass of dessert wine, making them a great choice for serving at gatherings or after a special meal.
Nutritional Value
Each serving of Salted Pecan Pie Brownies contains approximately 267 calories, making them a rich and satisfying treat. With 38 grams of carbohydrates, 30 grams of sugar, and 13 grams of fat, they are definitely an indulgent dessert. The brownies also provide 3 grams of protein and 2 grams of dietary fiber. While the sodium content is relatively high at 540 milligrams per serving due to the salted pecans and sea salt flakes, this adds to the irresistible sweet-and-salty flavor balance that makes these brownies so special.
Conclusion
Salted Pecan Pie Brownies are the perfect combination of rich chocolate brownies and a gooey, sweet, and salty pecan pie topping. The layers of fudgy chocolate and caramelized pecans, finished with a sprinkle of sea salt, create a dessert that is both decadent and unforgettable. Whether you’re serving them for the holidays, a special occasion, or just because, these brownies are sure to impress and satisfy anyone with a sweet tooth. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, these brownies are a must-try for anyone looking for an indulgent, comforting dessert.