Oh my goodness, get ready to meet your new favorite dessert: The Best Thanksgiving Pecan Pie Brownies! If there’s one thing my family looks forward to every Thanksgiving, it’s the dessert table. While classic pumpkin pie usually takes center stage, I decided to put a twist on our usual lineup, and that’s when these decadent pecan pie brownies stole the show. Believe me, once you take a bite, you’ll understand why they’re a crowd-pleaser!
These brownies are the perfect combination of fudgy chocolate goodness topped with a rich, gooey pecan pie layer. It’s like having two desserts in one, and who doesn’t love that? I remember making these brownies for the first time last year; I was a bit skeptical at first, wondering if people would think I was crazy for mixing two classics. But once my family dug in, there was silence, followed by mmm’s and ohh’s that made my heart skip a beat. Now, they’re officially on the Thanksgiving menu for good!
What’s in The Best Thanksgiving Pecan Pie Brownies?
Let me walk you through the ingredients that make these brownies so irresistible:
Unsalted Butter: This is the base for both layers, lending that rich, buttery goodness. I always use unsalted butter so I can control the salt levels.
Granulated Sugar: A key player in achieving that sweet, decadent flavor in the brownies and the pecan pie layer.
Brown Sugar: When packed, it adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor to your pecan pie layer—that’s what makes it so gooey and delicious!
Eggs: Three eggs for the pecan pie layer create a custard-like texture, while two help bind the brownie layer.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Use a good-quality cocoa powder; it intensifies the chocolate flavor that forms the brownie base.
All-Purpose Flour: This helps create the fudgy texture of the brownies; just the right amount adds structure without drying them out.
Baking Powder: Just a smidge to help the brownie layer rise, giving it that perfect chewiness.
Salt: It enhances the sweetness and balances out the other flavors beautifully.
Corn Syrup: This sweet liquid ensures that the pecan pie layer is wonderfully gooey.
Pecans: The star of the show in the pecan pie layer, providing that crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
Sea Salt (for topping): If you sprinkle just a little on top, it creates a delightful sweet-salty contrast that I absolutely adore!
Is The Best Thanksgiving Pecan Pie Brownies Good for You?
Well, let’s be honest, these brownies are a special treat, and moderation is key! Not exactly health food, but here’s what you get for your indulgence:
Pecans: Packed with healthy fats, fiber, and protein, pecans provide a bit of crunch while being good for your heart.
Butter: While delicious, moderation is important. You could substitute a portion of it with applesauce for a healthier twist if you’re feeling adventurous!
These brownies are definitely a dessert, but that sweet gooeyness can provide a nice lift to your day or serve as a comforting treat during the holiday season.
Ingredients List
This recipe serves about 16 generous brownies. Here’s what you’ll need:
– **For the Brownie Layer:**
– 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/3 cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– **For the Pecan Pie Layer:**
– 1 cup (240ml) corn syrup
– 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
– 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 1/2 cups (180g) pecans, roughly chopped
– **For Topping (optional):**
– Sea salt for sprinkling
How to Make The Best Thanksgiving Pecan Pie Brownies?
Let’s get those taste buds excited with these easy steps:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. **Prepare the Brownie Layer:**
– In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Once melted, remove it from the heat and stir in the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla until well combined.
– Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir gently until just combined (remember, no overmixing, please!).
– Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
3. **Prepare the Pecan Pie Layer:**
– In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until super smooth.
– Fold in the chopped pecans gently until they’re well distributed.
4. Pour the pecan pie mixture evenly over the brownie layer in the baking dish.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes, or until the pecan layer is set and slightly golden. The smell wafting through your kitchen will be heavenly—I promise!
6. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing into squares.
7. (Optional) Sprinkle a bit of sea salt on top of the brownies before serving for that delightful sweet-salty contrast.
Brownie Bliss Variations
Now that you have the basics down, here are some fun tweaks and tips:
– **Add Chocolate Chips:** Stir in a handful of chocolate chips to the brownie layer for extra chocolaty goodness.
– **Nutty Twist:** Mix in some chocolate-covered pretzels for an additional crunch and flavor contrast.
– **Serve Warm:** These brownies are exquisite warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream!
Seriously, friends, give this recipe a try! Your Thanksgiving guests will be singing your praises, and you might just find yourself crowned the dessert queen (or king). I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Happy baking!
