Pecan – brownie pie is a decadent and indulgent dessert that combines the rich, chocolatey goodness of a brownie with the nutty crunch of pecans. It’s a treat that will satisfy the sweetest of tooths and is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a holiday celebration, or just a special indulgence.

The Brownie Base

To start, let’s focus on the brownie part of the pie. In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter and sugar. You’ll need about 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Use a whisk to blend them together until the mixture is smooth and the sugar has started to dissolve. Add two large eggs to the bowl, one at a time, whisking well after each addition. This will incorporate air into the batter and give the brownie a light texture.

Next, add 1/2 cup of all – purpose flour, 1/3 cup of cocoa powder, a pinch of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder. Sift these dry ingredients together before adding them to the wet mixture to avoid any lumps. Stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. You don’t want to overmix the batter as this can make the brownie tough. The result should be a thick, chocolate – laden batter that will form the base of our pie.

Preparing the Pecans

While the brownie batter is ready, it’s time to prepare the pecans. Take a cup of pecans and roughly chop them. You can leave some larger pieces for added texture. If you prefer, you can toast the pecans before chopping them. To toast the pecans, spread them out on a baking sheet and place them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 – 7 minutes. Keep an eye on them as they can burn quickly. The toasting process will enhance the flavor of the pecans, bringing out their natural nuttiness.

Assembling the Pie

Now, take a pie dish. You can use a traditional 9 – inch pie dish. Grease the dish with a little bit of butter or cooking spray to prevent the pie from sticking. Pour the brownie batter into the pie dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top of the brownie batter. Make sure they are distributed evenly so that every bite of the pie will have that delicious pecan crunch.

Baking the Pie

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the assembled pie in the oven and bake for about 25 – 30 minutes. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so it’s a good idea to start checking the pie after 20 minutes. The pie is done when the brownie edges start to pull away from the sides of the pie dish and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. You don’t want the toothpick to come out completely clean as the brownie should be fudgy in the middle.

Serving and Garnishing

Once the pecan – brownie pie is out of the oven, let it cool for a while. You can serve it warm or at room temperature. For an extra touch of indulgence, you can top the pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold, creamy ice cream melting over the warm brownie pie is a match made in heaven. You can also dust the pie with a little powdered cocoa or powdered sugar for a more elegant presentation. Cut the pie into slices and serve it on plates. The combination of the rich, fudgy brownie and the crunchy pecans will make this pie a favorite among your family and friends. It’s a dessert that will surely leave everyone asking for seconds.