If you’re craving something that hits all the right spots—a rich chocolate base paired with sticky, nutty sweetness—you’re going to love this Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies Recipe. I’ve been making these in my kitchen for years, and trust me when I say, they bring together the best of both worlds: fudgy brownies and classic pecan pie in one heavenly bite. Stick around and I’ll walk you through everything you need to nail this fan-freaking-tastic dessert at home, with plenty of tips to get it just right!

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect fudgy texture: The combination of dark chocolate, butter, and a careful mixing method creates brownies that are dense yet soft.
Classic pecan pie flavor: Toasted pecans mixed with maple syrup and brown sugar give that irresistible gooey top.
Layered baking technique: Part-baking the brownie base then topping it ensures each layer bakes perfectly without drying out.
Simple ingredients, impressive result: You probably have most of these pantry staples on hand, but the outcome tastes like something from a fancy bakery.

Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies, Pecan Pie Brownies, Chocolate Pecan Bar Recipe, Nutty Fudge Brownies, Easy Pecan Dessert - The image shows a square dessert with four even vertical slices, placed on a white plate. The top layer is thick and packed fully with toasted pecans and pieces of chocolate, all coated in a shiny caramel-like glaze giving a textured and crunchy look. The pecans are a warm brown color with some darker chocolate spots scattered throughout. A few pecan pieces and chocolate bits are scattered around the plate on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies Recipe plays a special role, from creating that fudgy brownie layer to making the pecan topping luxuriously gooey. Let’s break down the stars of the show and I’ll share a couple of handy tips for picking the best versions.

Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies, Pecan Pie Brownies, Chocolate Pecan Bar Recipe, Nutty Fudge Brownies, Easy Pecan Dessert - Flat lay of whole uncracked brown eggs, a small pile of glossy dark chocolate chunks, a few sticks of unsalted butter, a small white bowl of granulated sugar, a small white bowl with dark brown instant coffee dissolved in water, a small heap of sifted all-purpose flour, a small mound of sifted Dutch processed cocoa powder, a small white bowl of maple syrup, a small white bowl of light brown sugar, a small white bowl of melted butter, a small white bowl with golden vanilla extract, toasted pecan halves and pieces scattered naturally, all arranged with perfect symmetry on simple white ceramic bowls and dishes, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

High-quality dark chocolate: I always reach for something between 60-70% cocoa—Lindt or Valrhona are my go-tos—because the richness shines through without overwhelming bitterness.
Unsalted butter: Control the saltiness better and get that creamy texture.
Granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps create the chewy brownie crumb.
Eggs (room temperature): Key for that perfect batter emulsification, making the brownies tender and moist.
Instant coffee: It’s subtle but enhances the chocolate’s depth—totally optional but highly recommended.
All-purpose flour: Sifted for aeration, ensuring the brownies aren’t too dense.
Dutch-processed cocoa powder: This smooths out bitterness and deepens the chocolate flavor.
Salt: Essential in both layers to bring out all the flavors neatly.
Maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness and a hint of earthy warmth to the pecan topping.
Light or dark brown sugar: Provides moisture and that signature caramel note in the topping.
Vanilla extract: Elevates the overall flavor with its fragrant sweetness.
Pecan halves and pieces (toasted): Toasting intensifies their nutty flavor and adds crunch—don’t skip this step!

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the fun parts about this Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies Recipe is how you can tweak it to your liking without losing that signature gooey goodness. I often swap in toasted walnuts for the pecans or add a pinch of cinnamon to the topping for a warm spice twist. Feel free to make it yours!

Nut variation: When I ran out of pecans once, I tossed in chopped walnuts instead—and it was equally delicious, with a slightly earthier crunch.
Dietary modification: For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter and a quality dark chocolate free from milk solids.
Seasonal twist: Around fall, I love dusting a little pumpkin spice into the batter for an autumnal vibe.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Melt the Chocolate

Start by heating your oven to 335°F (conventional, no fan) and lining a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper—trust me, this makes cleanup so much easier and keeps your brownies from sticking. Next, carefully melt the butter and dark chocolate in the microwave using 20-second bursts, stirring in between. Go slow here—if that chocolate gets too hot, it can seize and turn grainy, which nobody wants.

Step 2: Whisk Eggs and Sugar to Perfection

While your chocolate is melting, whisk together the eggs and sugar using a mixer on medium-high speed for about 3 to 5 minutes. You’re looking for a thick, ribbon-like consistency that’s pale and fluffy—this step is crucial because it adds air to the batter, giving the brownies a lovely texture. If it’s your first time, don’t rush this part. I promise the wait pays off.

Step 3: Combine Batter and Add Coffee

Pour that silky chocolate-butter mixture into the eggs and sugar mixture, then gently whisk on low just until combined. Mixing too vigorously here can deflate your batter—that’s a rookie mistake I’ve made plenty of times! Now add the instant coffee dissolved in hot water; it’s subtle but really boosts the chocolate flavors.

Step 4: Fold in Dry Ingredients

Sift together your flour, cocoa powder, and salt, then gently fold these into your wet batter using a rubber spatula. Folding is your friend here—you want to create a uniform mixture without knocking out that air we worked so hard to build. Once it’s just combined, pour the batter into your lined pan and spread it out evenly.

Step 5: Partial Bake the Brownies

Bake the brownies at 335°F for exactly 15 minutes, then take them out. Here’s a little trick: increase your oven temperature right after to 350°F while the brownies rest for 5 to 10 minutes at room temp. This step lets the base set just enough to support that lush pecan pie topping without getting dry.

Step 6: Make the Pecan Pie Topping

While your brownies rest, mix the maple syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, egg, salt, and vanilla in a bowl until smooth. Then gently fold in your toasted pecans. Toasting is essential here—it really unlocks that nutty, toasty flavor that pairs beautifully with the rich sweetness of the maple syrup.

Step 7: Top and Finish Baking

Spread the pecan topping evenly over your partially baked brownies, then pop the whole pan back into the oven at 350°F. Bake for about 30 minutes until the topping is golden and bubbly—don’t worry if it looks a little gooey; that’s what you want! A quick sprinkle of flaky sea salt after baking ties all the flavors together wonderfully.

Step 8: Patience is a Virtue

This is the hardest part: let the brownies rest in the pan for at least one hour before cutting. Trust me, slicing into them too soon will create a mess. The resting lets the gooey topping set slightly, so your squares hold together beautifully when serving.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Don’t rush the egg and sugar whisking: It makes a huge difference in texture—whisk until thick and light, no shortcuts here.
Toast those pecans well: 7-8 minutes at 350°F brings out the flavor without burning; smell is your cue.
Use parchment paper with overhang: This helps lift the brownies out easily once cooled.
Keep an eye on your oven temp: Oven accuracy can vary—if you have a thermometer, use it for best results.

How to Serve Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies Recipe

Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies, Pecan Pie Brownies, Chocolate Pecan Bar Recipe, Nutty Fudge Brownies, Easy Pecan Dessert - The image shows close-up pieces of sticky pecan bars arranged on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface. Each bar has three visible layers: the bottom layer is dark brown and dense, likely a rich chocolate or brownie base; the middle layer is slightly hidden but appears to be a gooey, caramel-like filling with a shiny texture; the top layer is thickly covered with large, toasted pecan halves that are glossy and coated with a sticky syrup, giving the nuts a shiny, caramelized appearance. The pecans are unevenly piled, creating a rough, textured look with various shades of brown, from light golden to deep mahogany. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt right after baking—it balances the sweetness and adds a little crunch that’s downright addictive. A light dusting of powdered sugar also adds some pretty presentation flair if you’re bringing these to a party.

Side Dishes

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. If you want to get fancy, a drizzle of caramel sauce always gets rave reviews from friends and family. A cup of strong coffee or brewed tea pairs beautifully to cut the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For festive occasions, I like to cut the brownies into small bite-sized squares and arrange them on a platter with fresh berries and mint leaves. Wrapping individual squares in parchment paper tied with twine makes a charming gift idea. I’ve also layered them between sheets of wax paper to create an elegant dessert stack for holiday dessert tables.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is warm, I pop them in the fridge and bring them back to room temp before serving. Just remember, refrigeration can make the brownies a little firmer, but they quickly regain that chewiness once warmed briefly.

Freezing

These brownies freeze beautifully! To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you want a treat, just thaw overnight in the fridge or for a few hours at room temperature.

Reheating

I reheat single slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds if I want that fresh-out-of-the-oven feeling or pop a few pieces in a warm oven (about 300°F) wrapped in foil for 5–7 minutes to keep them gooey and warm without drying out.

FAQs

Can I use walnuts instead of pecans in the Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies Recipe?

Absolutely! Walnuts make a fantastic substitute and lend a slightly earthier, mellow crunch. Just be sure to toast them first to bring out their flavor, just like you would with pecans.
Why do I need to partially bake the brownie layer first?

Partially baking the brownies before adding the pecan pie topping helps the base set enough to support the gooey layer without overbaking. This technique ensures the brownies stay fudgy and the topping bakes perfectly without getting tough.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Use vegan butter and choose a high-quality dark chocolate that’s dairy-free. The texture may vary slightly, but it still tastes amazing and keeps that gooey charm.
How long should I let the Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies cool before slicing?

Let the brownies rest for at least one hour at room temperature. This cooling time allows the pecan topping’s syrup to set, so the brownies slice cleanly without falling apart.

Final Thoughts

I have to say, this Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies Recipe holds a special place in my heart—and on my dessert table. The way the fudgy chocolate base plays with that sticky-sweet pecan topping always gets rave reviews, whether it’s for a casual weekend treat or a festive celebration. If you’re up for impressing your family or friends (or just treating yourself), I really recommend giving this one a try—you’ll see why it’s my go-to when I want a show-stopping dessert with minimal fuss!