Indulge in this decadent Brownie Pecan Pie, perfect for the holiday season. A homemade crust serves as the base for a rich, fudgy brownie layer topped with a crunchy pecan pie mixture. The addition of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, as well as optional bourbon, adds a sophisticated touch to the flavor profile. Easy to make but impressive to serve, this dessert pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Great for gatherings, special occasions, or anytime you want a show-stopping sweet treat.
AdvertisementBrownie Pecan Pie combines the best of two worlds – a fudgy brownie filling and a classic pecan pie topping, all within a flaky homemade crust. This decadent treat is perfect for special occasions and holiday gatherings. The crust, made from scratch, provides a buttery base, while the brownie layer is rich, chocolatey, and perfectly moist. Topped with toasted pecans in a sweet and gooey mixture of butter, sugar, and optional bourbon, this pie offers crunch and depth of flavor in every bite.
INGREDIENTS
- All-Purpose Flour: 2½ cups, for the pie crust.
- Granulated Sugar: 2 tbsp, to slightly sweeten the crust.
- Salt: ½ tsp, to balance the flavors in the crust.
- Unsalted Butter: 1 cup, cubed and cold, for a flaky crust texture.
- Ice Water: ⅓ cup, to bring the crust together.
- Brownie Filling:
- All-Purpose Flour: ½ cup, for structure in the brownie layer.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: ¼ cup, for a rich chocolate flavor.
- Salt: ½ tsp, to enhance the chocolate taste.
- Unsalted Butter: 6 tbsp, melted for the brownie batter.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate: 2 oz, chopped, to deepen chocolate flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: ¾ cup, for sweetness.
- Egg + Egg Yolks: 1 large egg + 2 yolks, for richness.
- Espresso Powder (Optional): 1 tsp, to intensify the chocolate flavor.
- Oil: 2 tbsp (canola, vegetable, or coconut), for moisture.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: ¾ cup, for extra chocolate bursts.
- Pecan Pie Topping:
- Unsalted Butter: ½ cup, for richness.
- Chopped Pecans: 2 cups, for crunch.
- Light Corn Syrup: ¾ cup, for a glossy topping.
- Dark Brown Sugar: ½ cup, for a caramel-like sweetness.
- Ground Cinnamon: 1 tsp, for warmth.
- Ground Nutmeg: ¼ tsp, for depth.
- Fine Sea Salt: ¼ tsp, to balance the sweetness.
- Bourbon (Optional): 2 tbsp, for bold flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: 2 tsp, for flavor.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Mix flour, sugar, and salt for the crust. Add cubed butter and mix until crumbly. Gradually add ice water to form the dough. Chill for at least 2 hours.
- Step 2:
- Roll dough, fit it into a pie pan, and par-bake with pie weights at 375°F for 22 minutes. Remove weights and bake for another 18 minutes. Cool.
- Step 3:
- Make the brownie filling: Melt butter and chocolate, mix in sugar, eggs, espresso powder, and oil. Fold in flour, cocoa powder, and chocolate chips. Spread over the crust.
- Step 4:
- Bake brownie layer at 350°F for 32 minutes. Cool for 30 minutes.
- Step 5:
- Toast pecans in melted butter, then mix with syrup, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, bourbon, and vanilla. Pour over brownie layer.
- Step 6:
- Cool, slice, and serve warm with ice cream.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Helpful Notes
- For an even fudgier brownie layer, slightly underbake the brownie before adding the pecan topping.
- Feel free to add chopped dark chocolate or nuts to the brownie layer for added texture.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- “Let the pie cool slightly before slicing to allow the layers to set.” – Chef Ina Garten
- “Use high-quality chocolate and fresh pecans for the best flavor.” – Chef Alton Brown