Fudgy brownies meet gooey pecan pie in these pecan pie brownies! Rich chocolate, toasted pecans, and a hint of bourbon make them a perfect Thanksgiving treat.
Pecan pies—(much like my caramel pecan bars) are a holiday favorite in every bakery I’ve worked at! However, I know firsthand how much work goes into making a traditional pie from scratch. That’s why I created these pecan pie brownies—no pie crust rolling or chilling needed!
Made without corn syrup and completely from scratch, this recipe delivers the classic flavors in a new way, still perfect for serving a crowd.
If you love the chocolate and pecan combo here, you’ll love it in these chocolate chip pecan cookies and turtle cupcakes, too.
Table of Contents
3 Tips for Bakery-Style Brownies
Measure your ingredients accurately. Baking is a science, so precise measurements matter! Use a kitchen scale for consistent results.
Use a metal pan. Opt for a metal baking pan instead of glass or ceramic. Metal pans conduct heat more efficiently, helping the brownies bake evenly and achieve that perfect fudgy texture.
Cool before cutting. Once completely cool, pop the pan in the freezer for 15-20 minutes before slicing. This step ensures the layers are set properly, making it easier to achieve clean cuts and maintain the beautiful layers!
Ingredient Substitutions
Honey: Honey replaces corn syrup in the pecan pie filling. It helps bind the filling together, ensuring it sets perfectly while adding a natural sweetness and depth of flavor. You can substitute agave nectar or corn syrup if you don’t have honey!
Bourbon: Bourbon brings a warm, rich flavor to the brownies. Because this recipe has been designed to hold extra liquid from the bourbon, it cannot be substituted.
Make the Gooey Brownie Base
For a deep, chocolatey flavor, use high-quality dark cocoa powder and chocolate chips.
1
Make the brownie batter. No mixer is required! Simply melt the chocolate with the butter, mix the sugar and eggs, and fold in the flour and cocoa powder.
2
Bake the brownies. The key is to bake them long enough to prevent the filling from sinking into the brownie layer. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out covered in a few moist crumbs.
Make the Pecan Pie Filling
3
Cook the filling. Let it cook over medium heat, stirring gently, until everything melts together into a creamy, pale golden mixture (that’s your cue it’s ready!).
4
Toss in the pecans. Stir until they’re fully coated in the filling. The mixture should be nice and glossy!
Assemble the Brownies
5
Bake the filling. Pour the filling over the top, spreading it to the edges. Pop it back in the oven. Here’s your cue when it’s done baking: give the pan a little shake—when the middle jiggles as one, you know it’s done!
6
Cool, then cut into bars. Pull the brownies out of the oven and sprinkle flaky sea salt for that perfect salty contrast. Let them cool completely on a wire rack. For bakery-worthy slices, pop them in the freezer for 15-20 minutes, then slice with a hot, sharp knife.
Storage Instructions
Once the brownies have cooled completely, transfer them to an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days.
If you’d like to keep them longer, freeze the brownies in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag for up to two months. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw them at room temperature for the best texture!
FAQs
You can use a box mix, but I highly recommend making them from scratch because box mixes can vary in bake time and temperature.
Unfortunately, this recipe was specifically developed to include bourbon; leaving it out will result in dry brownies. Try one of my other brownie recipes as the base instead!
More Brownie Recipes
If you tried this or any other recipe on my website, please let me know how it went in the comments; I love hearing from you! Also, please leave a star rating while you’re there! You can also tag me on Instagram or Facebook so I can check it out!
Bourbon Pecan Pie Brownies
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Brownie Batter
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 3/4 cup + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, *see notes below for measuring*
- 1/3 cup unsweetened dutch cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Pecan Pie Filling
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon honey, agave, or light corn syrup
- 1 large egg, slightly whisked
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 teaspoon flaky Maldon sea salt, for topping
Instructions
- Line a square metal 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper and set it aside. Preheat the oven to 350 F/180 C.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dark brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.1/2 cup (100 g) dark brown sugar, 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar, 2 (110 g) large eggs, 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Then melt the butter and chocolate together until combined and smooth. With the mixer running on low, stream the melted butter and chocolate into the bowl and mix until just combined. Whisk in the bourbon.10 tablespoons (140 g) unsalted butter, 1 cup (156 g) dark chocolate chips, 1/4 cup (50 g) bourbon
- Fold in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Then, pour the brownie batter into the lined baking pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. While they bake, make the pecan pie filling.3/4 cup + 1 tablespoon (100 g) all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup (25 g) unsweetened dutch cocoa powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt
- In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, brown sugar, flour, honey, whisked egg, and vanilla. Stir constantly over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes. Then, stir in the pecans and butter. Stir until everything is well combined and the mixture is a pale cream color.1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar, 1/4 cup (50 g) light brown sugar, 1 tablespoon (11 g) all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon (90 g) honey, agave, or light corn syrup, 1 (55 g) large egg, 4 tablespoons (55 g) unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 cup (110 g) chopped pecans
- When the brownie timer goes off, remove it from the oven. Stir the pecan filling then pour it evenly over the top. Continue baking the brownies for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the pecan layer is set and when the pan is lightly tilted the liquid does not move.
- Remove the pan from the oven, sprinkle with the flaky sea salt, and then let it cool completely on a wire rack.1/2 teaspoon flaky Maldon sea salt
- Once the brownies are completely cool, remove the brownies from the pan and place them on a cutting board. Chill it in the freezer for 15-20 minutes. Then use a hot sharp knife to cut the brownies into 16 squares and enjoy!
- Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. You can also freeze them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Video
Notes
Tried this recipe?Leave a comment below & tag @cambreabakes on social!
This is the first time I have made brownies from scratch! The directions were perfect and I ended up with a beautiful result. Loved the pecan topping. The bourbon was a little strong for my liking but I think I might try espresso in its place next time!
This recipe is perfect! I was worried the brownie would be dry from baking it so long but they turned out super moist and delicious, thank you for such a great recipe!
I made these brownies to post on my instagram page @saxfirebakes. I was quite impressed with them, as they were fudgy had a strong flavor from the bourbon that was balanced out nicely by the pecan pie filling topping. I thought the brownies were dense in that just one satisfied my cravings entirely, and that’s a beautiful philosophy, to treat yourself with a small piece of the real thing.
I was a bit nervous when I pulled the brownie layer out of the pan, as it seemed fully baked, not jiggly in the middle, and a toothpick inserted halfway came out clean. However, upon inserting it deeper I found that there was still a part that was soft baked / fudgy. The bake time is accurate, and the brownie stops baking when the pecan layer is poured on.
A few notes: I browned the butter in a saucepan before combining it with the chocolate. I also added a dash more bourbon than called for; don’t do that. It is not a flexible preference like garlic or vanilla extract. The recipe calls for a perfect maximum amount. This is complemented nicely with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
I also think that there could be more like 10 oz of pecans than the 8 oz called for.
So fudgy, boozy, with caramelized nuttiness! These brownies were a hit with the hubs, and he normally doesn’t like sweets (whatever). Ate this warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and it was heavenly. Thanks for another great recipe!
These were the richest, most delicious brownies I’ve ever made!! My boyfriend loves pecan pie so I knew I had to make them immediately. I was worried you wouldn’t be able to taste the bourbon but you definitely can and it pairs so well with the pecan pie filling. I’m going to make them again for Thanksgiving!