Pecan Pie Brownies

Preparing the Brownie Layer

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
2. Melt Butter and Chocolate: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the unsalted butter and chopped semi-sweet chocolate. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until completely melted and smooth.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: Whisk in the granulated sugar until combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Add Dry Ingredients: Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
5. Bake the Brownie Layer: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. Remove from the oven and set aside.

Preparing the Pecan Pie Layer

6. Mix Filling Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the light corn syrup, packed light brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, melted butter, and salt until smooth and well combined.
7. Add Pecans: Stir in the pecan halves until evenly coated.

Assembling the Pecan Pie Brownies

8. Pour Pecan Pie Mixture: Pour the pecan pie mixture over the partially baked brownie layer, spreading it evenly.
9. Bake Again: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the pecan pie layer is set and golden brown.

Cooling and Serving

10. Cool Completely: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This will help the layers to set and make them easier to cut.
11. Cut and Serve: Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the brownies out of the pan. Cut into squares and serve.

Conclusion

Pecan Pie Brownies are a luxurious dessert that perfectly marries the dense, chocolaty flavor of brownies with the sweet, nutty taste of pecan pie. They are a crowd-pleaser and will undoubtedly become a favorite at any gathering. Enjoy these delicious treats with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special touch!