If you love the gooey sweetness of pecan pie and the rich, chocolatey goodness of brownies, then you’re in for a real treat! Pecan Pie Brownie Bites combine the best of both worlds in bite-sized portions that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a dessert to share with friends, or simply craving something sweet, these little bites will hit the spot.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make these delicious treats with simple ingredients and easy steps. Plus, we’ll give you some tips on how to make them even better! So, let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love Pecan Pie Brownie Bites
Before we get into the recipe, let’s take a moment to talk about why these brownie bites are so amazing:
- Perfect Combination of Flavors: The deep, rich chocolate flavor from the brownies pairs so beautifully with the nutty, caramel-like sweetness of the pecan pie filling.
- Bite-Sized and Fun: You get all the flavor of a full-sized dessert in a tiny, easy-to-eat bite.
- Great for Any Occasion: These brownie bites are perfect for everything from a family dinner to a holiday gathering or even a simple weeknight treat.
- Easy to Make: The recipe is simple enough for even beginner bakers. It requires minimal effort but delivers big flavor!
Now that we know why these brownie bites are so special, let’s get to the fun part—the recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making these Pecan Pie Brownie Bites is simple, and you probably already have many of the ingredients in your kitchen! Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Brownie Layer:
- 1 box of brownie mix (or homemade brownie mix, if you prefer)
- Eggs (usually 2, but check the instructions on your brownie mix)
- Vegetable oil (about 1/2 cup)
- Water (around 1/4 cup, or as directed on the box)
- 1/4 cup of chocolate chips (optional for an extra chocolaty kick!)
For the Pecan Pie Layer:
- 1 cup of pecans, chopped (you can use whole pecans too, but chopped makes them easier to eat in bite-sized pieces)
- 1/2 cup of corn syrup (this is what gives the pecan pie filling its signature gooey texture)
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar, packed (this adds the deep sweetness and caramel-like flavor)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons of butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt (to balance the sweetness)
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Pecan Pie Brownie Bites
Ready to get baking? Let’s go step-by-step through the process of making these delicious pecan pie brownie bites!
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will give it time to heat up while you’re preparing the brownie and pecan pie layers.
Next, lightly grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray or line it with mini muffin liners. This will prevent the brownie bites from sticking and make cleanup easier. A 24-cup mini muffin tin works perfectly for this recipe.
Step 2: Prepare the Brownie Batter
In a large mixing bowl, follow the instructions on the box of brownie mix. Typically, you’ll combine the brownie mix with eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Stir everything together until you get a smooth batter. If you’re adding chocolate chips for an extra burst of chocolatey goodness, mix them in now!
Step 3: Fill the Muffin Tin with Brownie Batter
Spoon the brownie batter into each muffin cup, filling each about halfway. You don’t want to fill them all the way to the top, as you’ll need room for the pecan pie filling. The batter will spread and rise as it bakes, so don’t worry too much about making it perfect.
Step 4: Make the Pecan Pie Filling
In another bowl, it’s time to make the pecan pie filling. Start by melting the butter in a small bowl or microwave-safe dish. Once melted, whisk the butter together with the brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir everything together until smooth.
Next, add the chopped pecans and mix until they’re evenly coated with the syrupy mixture.
Step 5: Add the Pecan Pie Filling to the Brownie Batter
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the pecan pie mixture on top of the brownie batter in each muffin cup. Be careful not to overfill—it’s okay if the filling touches the sides of the muffin tin, but you don’t want it spilling over the edges. The filling will spread out and cook nicely while the brownies bake.
Step 6: Bake Your Pecan Pie Brownie Bites
Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. The exact baking time can vary depending on your oven, so it’s a good idea to start checking at the 20-minute mark. You’ll know they’re done when the brownie bites look set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (a few crumbs are okay, but it shouldn’t be gooey).
Step 7: Let Them Cool
Once the brownie bites are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the muffin tin for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully remove them from the tin and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Now for the best part—eating them! These little bites are perfect on their own, but you can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat.
Tips for Perfect Pecan Pie Brownie Bites
While the recipe is straightforward, here are a few tips to ensure your pecan pie brownie bites turn out just right:
- Use Fresh Pecans: Fresh, high-quality pecans will give the best flavor and texture. If possible, toast them lightly in a dry skillet before adding them to the pie mixture for an extra nutty flavor.
- Don’t Overfill the Muffin Tin: Leave a little room for the brownie to rise and the pecan filling to spread. If you fill them too high, they might spill over and make a mess in the oven.
- Check for Doneness Carefully: Remember that the top of the brownie bites should be firm, but they can still look a bit gooey in the center. The toothpick test will help you figure out if they’re ready.
- Make Ahead: These brownie bites can be made a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh.
Why This Recipe Works
Pecan Pie Brownie Bites are the perfect dessert because they blend two crowd-pleasing treats into one irresistible bite. By using brownie mix, you save time without sacrificing flavor. The pecan pie filling adds that sweet, caramelized crunch that pairs so beautifully with the rich brownie base. Plus, the mini muffin tins make them fun and easy to serve!
Conclusion
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this Pecan Pie Brownie Bites recipe is simple, quick, and sure to impress. The sweet combination of gooey pecan pie filling and fudgy brownies makes for a truly unforgettable dessert. So, next time you’re looking for something sweet and indulgent, give these a try. They’ll disappear in no time!
Happy baking, and enjoy those delicious pecan pie brownie bites!