Our Most-Saved Thanksgiving Dessert Is a Chef John Surprise

When we think of Thanksgiving desserts, pie is often the star of the show. From classic apple to indulgent pecan, pies are as much a part of the holiday as turkey. But what if you’re ready to shake things up this year?

Enter Chef John’s Pecan Pie Brownies—a dessert that perfectly blends pecan pie’s gooey richness with the fudgy brownies’ decadence. Unsurprisingly, this unique treat has become the most-saved Thanksgiving dessert of all time.

This recipe is a must-try if you’re looking for a fresh yet familiar dessert. Let’s explore why Chef John’s creation is a holiday game-changer and how you can make it home.

Why Pecan Pie Brownies Are a Thanksgiving Favorite

Chef John is known for his creative twists on classic recipes, and his Pecan Pie Brownies are no exception. This dessert combines two crowd-pleasers into one unforgettable dish.

A Match Made in Dessert Heaven

The crispy, nutty pecan pie layer sits beautifully atop a dense, chocolatey brownie base. The flavors and textures blend seamlessly, creating an indulgent yet balanced dessert.

A Recipe That Surprised Even Chef John

“I was sure this experiment would not work,” Chef John admits. “But it worked well. These fudgy brownies with a pecan pie layer baked on top are incredibly delicious.”

The result? A dessert that looks stunning tastes incredible and is surprisingly easy to make.

Ingredients for Pecan Pie Brownies

You’ll need two sets of ingredients: one for the brownie layer and one for the pecan pie topping.

For the Brownie Layer:

• 1 cup white sugar
• ½ cup cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ cup hot melted butter
• One teaspoon of vanilla extract
• Two large eggs
• ½ cup all-purpose flour

Shortcut Tip: Do you need more time to make brownies from scratch? Use a boxed brownie mix. For the best texture, make sure it’s a fudge-style mix.

For the Pecan Pie Topping:

• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• One teaspoon of vanilla extract
• ½ cup light corn syrup
• Two large eggs
• Two tablespoons salted butter (melted)
• 1 cup chopped pecans

How to Make Chef John’s Pecan Pie Brownies

Here’s a simple breakdown of the steps:

Step 1: Make the Brownie Base

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Mix the sugar, cocoa powder, and kosher salt in a bowl. Stir in the hot melted butter until smooth.
3. Add the vanilla extract and eggs, mixing until well combined.
4. Fold in the flour until just incorporated.
5. Pour the batter into a greased or parchment-lined baking pan.
6. Bake for 20 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Pecan Pie Topping

1. While the brownies bake, mix the brown sugar, salt, vanilla extract, and corn syrup in a bowl.
2. Beat in the eggs and melted butter until smooth.
3. Stir in the chopped pecans.

Step 3: Combine and Bake

1. Remove the partially baked brownies from the oven.
2. Pour the pecan pie mixture over the top, spreading it evenly.
3. Increase the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another hour or until the filling is nearly set.

Step 4: Cool and Serve

Allow the brownies to cool completely before slicing. This step is crucial to ensure the layers hold together.

Why This Recipe Works

One of the most remarkable things about Chef John’s Pecan Pie Brownies is how the layers bake together perfectly. Even though the brownie base bakes twice—once for 20 minutes and then for another hour at a higher temperature—it retains its fudgy texture.

“I have no idea why it didn’t ruin the brownie taste or texture,” Chef John says, “but somehow it worked.”

Tips for Perfect Pecan Pie Brownies

1. Don’t Skip the Cooling Step: Letting the dessert calm ultimately ensures clean slices and prevents the layers from falling apart.
2. Use Fresh Pecans: Freshly chopped pecans enhance the flavor and texture of the topping.
3. Grease Your Pan: This dessert is sticky! To make removal easier, use parchment paper or generously grease your pan.

Why You Should Make Pecan Pie Brownies This Thanksgiving

If you’re looking to wow your family and friends with a dessert that’s as unique as it is delicious, Chef John’s Pecan Pie Brownies are the perfect choice.

They combine the best of both worlds—rich, fudgy brownies and a sweet, nutty pecan pie topping. They’re easy to make and will be a hit at your Thanksgiving table.

This year, skip the traditional pie and surprise your guests with this unforgettable dessert. Who knows? It might just become your new Thanksgiving tradition.

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