Salted Pecan Pie Fudge Brownies – A Rich and Gooey Delight with a Crunchy Pecan Topping

Imagine biting into a fudgy, decadent brownie topped with a rich, buttery pecan pie filling, all finished with a sprinkle of sea salt flakes. These Salted Pecan Pie Fudge Brownies combine the best of both worlds – the intense chocolate flavor of a brownie and the gooey, nutty goodness of a pecan pie. Perfect for when you want something sweet, salty, and completely indulgent, these brownies are sure to become a new favorite. Whether you serve them warm or chilled, the contrast of flavors and textures will leave you wanting more.

Scroll to the bottom for recipe!

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The Inspiration Behind Salted Pecan Pie Fudge Brownies

The idea for combining brownies with pecan pie topping is pure genius. While traditional brownies are always a hit, adding that sweet, gooey pecan pie layer takes them to a whole new level. Inspired by Southern pecan pie recipes and classic fudge brownies, this dessert is the ultimate fusion of textures and flavors. The pecans add a crunchy contrast to the rich, moist brownies, while the sea salt flakes balance the sweetness perfectly. It's a dessert that’s as impressive to look at as it is delicious to eat.

Why You’ll Love These Salted Pecan Pie Fudge Brownies

These brownies offer everything you could want in a dessert – they’re rich, fudgy, and loaded with flavor. The chocolatey base is dense and moist, while the pecan pie topping adds a sweet and salty caramelized crunch. The addition of sea salt flakes on top adds just the right touch of savory to balance the sweetness. These brownies are easy to make, and they store beautifully, making them perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to holiday gatherings.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 9 Servings):

• Calories: 400 kcal
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Protein: 5g
• Sugar: 35g
• Sodium: 180mg

These brownies are rich and decadent, so a small square goes a long way! Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Salted Pecan Pie Fudge Brownies are perfect on their own, but if you want to take them up a notch, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream melts into the warm brownie, creating a luscious, creamy contrast to the gooey filling. You can also serve these brownies chilled, straight from the fridge, which gives the filling a firmer, almost candy-like texture. Pair them with a cup of strong coffee or a glass of cold milk for the ultimate dessert experience.

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Storage and Reheating Tips

Store these brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also freeze them for up to three months – just wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap and then store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. To serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight or warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven experience.

Fun Fact: The History of Pecan Pie

Pecan pie is a Southern classic that has been around since the late 19th century. The pie's popularity surged in the 1920s when Karo syrup started promoting its product as an essential ingredient for making pecan pie. The addition of corn syrup to the filling creates that gooey, sweet texture that we all love today. By combining this iconic topping with brownies, you get the best of both worlds in one decadent dessert.

Cooking Tips

• Sea Salt Flakes: Make sure to use sea salt flakes (rather than regular table salt) for the perfect balance of saltiness without overpowering the sweetness.
• Chill to Set: Allow the brownies to cool completely and refrigerate for 30-60 minutes before cutting. This helps the pecan pie topping set and makes it easier to slice the brownies cleanly.
• Pecan Substitutes: If you're not a fan of pecans, you can easily swap them out for walnuts or almonds. They’ll add a different flavor and texture but will still be delicious.

Optional Variations

• Extra Chocolatey: Add ½ cup of dark chocolate chips to the brownie batter for an even more intense chocolate flavor.
• Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the brownies before serving for an extra layer of sweetness.
• Bourbon Pecan Brownies: Add 1 tablespoon of bourbon to the pecan pie filling for a boozy twist on this Southern classic.

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Salted Pecan Pie Fudge Brownies Recipe

Ingredients:

Chocolate Fudge Brownies:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon espresso powder
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 1 ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Salted Pecan Pie Topping:

• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup light or dark brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup light corn syrup
• 1 large egg (slightly whisked)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup chopped pecans
• 1 tablespoon sea salt flakes (for sprinkling)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Brownie Batter: Preheat your oven to 350ºF and spray an 8-inch square baking pan with a flour-based baking spray. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, salt, baking powder, cocoa powder, and espresso powder.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, blend unsalted butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract on medium-high speed until smooth.
3. Combine and Bake: Reduce the mixer speed and slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined. Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and bake for 25-30 minutes.
4. Prepare the Pecan Pie Topping: While the brownies bake, make the pecan pie topping. In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, corn syrup, egg, butter, and vanilla extract. Stir continuously over medium heat until well combined. Remove from heat and stir in chopped pecans.
5. Top and Finish Baking: Remove the brownies from the oven and pour the pecan pie filling over the top. Sprinkle with sea salt flakes and return to the oven for another 15-20 minutes.
6. Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting. For a firmer texture, refrigerate them for 30-60 minutes. These brownies are perfect served chilled or at room temperature.

These Salted Pecan Pie Fudge Brownies are the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves the combination of sweet and salty. The rich chocolate base pairs perfectly with the gooey pecan pie topping, and the sea salt flakes add just the right touch of savory goodness. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering or enjoying them as a special treat, these brownies are sure to impress. Enjoy!