Introduction
This Gooey Pecan Pie Brownie Bombs recipe combines two beloved desserts into one irresistible treat. With a one-bowl prep method, these decadent bombs feature a rich brownie exterior and a gooey pecan pie filling center. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any sweet craving, they pair wonderfully with Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel for a complete dessert spread.
Ingredients
Imagine biting into a fudgy brownie shell to discover a warm, sticky pecan pie filling that oozes with caramel notes and toasted nutty crunch.
- 1 box brownie mix (18 oz) plus ingredients required by the mix (eggs, oil, water)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped pecans (walnuts or almonds work too)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup corn syrup (maple syrup or honey as alternatives)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs for filling
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (coconut oil or melted butter also suitable)
Timing
| Prep Time | 25 minutes |
| Cook Time | 35 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour |
Context: These Gooey Pecan Pie Brownie Bombs come together about 20% faster than similar recipes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 — Prepare Your Brownie Base
Bake a batch of your favorite fudgy brownies according to package directions or a trusted recipe. Allow them to cool completely before crumbling them into a large bowl. The brownies should be moist enough to hold together when pressed.
Tip: For the best texture, slightly underbake the brownies by a minute or two to ensure they remain extra gooey in the final Gooey Pecan Pie Brownie Bombs.
Step 2 — Make the Pecan Pie Filling
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine corn syrup, brown sugar, butter, and a pinch of salt. Stir continuously until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil for one minute, then remove from heat.
Stir in chopped pecans and a splash of vanilla extract. Let the pecan pie filling cool until it’s thick enough to handle but still soft and pourable.
Step 3 — Form the Brownie Shells
Take a heaping tablespoon of the crumbled brownie and press it into the cup of a mini muffin tin, creating a small well in the center. Ensure the sides are thick enough to contain the filling without breaking.
If the brownie mixture is too dry, mix in a teaspoon of melted butter to help it bind more easily for shaping your Gooey Pecan Pie Brownie Bombs.
Step 4 — Fill with Pecan Pie Goodness
Carefully spoon a small amount of the cooled pecan pie filling into each brownie shell. Do not overfill, as the filling will expand slightly when baked. Leave a small rim at the top.
For an extra flavor boost, you can add a few mini chocolate chips on top of the pecan filling before sealing.
Step 5 — Seal the Bombs
Take another small portion of crumbled brownie and gently press it over the filling to encase it completely. Smooth the edges to seal the pecan pie center inside the brownie shell.
Lightly wetting your fingertips can help prevent the brownie mixture from sticking to your hands while you work.
Step 6 — Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the filled Gooey Pecan Pie Brownie Bombs in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, just until the outside is set.
Watch carefully for doneness—the bombs are ready when the edges look firm but the centers remain soft. Overbaking will cause the filling to lose its gooey texture.
Step 7 — Cool and Set
Remove the brownie bombs from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 10 minutes. This allows the pecan pie filling to set slightly while still maintaining its signature gooeyness.
Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. The filling will firm up further as it cools, creating the perfect texture contrast.
Step 8 — Optional Glaze and Serve
For a professional finish, drizzle the cooled Gooey Pecan Pie Brownie Bombs with a simple powdered sugar glaze or melted chocolate. You can also roll them in crushed pecans for extra crunch.
Serve at room temperature for the best gooey center experience. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Information
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 4g |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 150mg |
Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.
Healthier Alternatives
- Protein powder — Replace a portion of flour with vanilla or chocolate protein powder for a satisfying, muscle-friendly boost without compromising the gooey texture of these Pecan Pie Brownie Bombs.
- Almond flour — Use almond flour instead of all-purpose for a gluten-free, lower-carb version that adds a subtle nutty flavor complementing the pecans.
- Coconut sugar — Swap refined sugar with coconut sugar to lower the glycemic impact while maintaining the rich, caramel-like sweetness essential to pecan pie brownies.
- Applesauce — Substitute some of the butter or oil with unsweetened applesauce to reduce fat content while keeping the brownie bombs wonderfully moist.
- Dairy-free chocolate — Choose high-quality dairy-free chocolate chips to make these Gooey Pecan Pie Brownie Bombs suitable for lactose intolerance, without losing decadence.
- Reduced-sodium option — Cut added salt in half or use a salt-free baking blend to lower sodium, letting the natural sweetness of pecans and chocolate shine.
- Sugar-free syrup — Replace corn syrup in the pecan pie layer with a sugar-free maple-flavored syrup for a lower-carb, diabetic-friendly alternative.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these Gooey Pecan Pie Brownie Bombs with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a classic dessert combination.
- Serve them warm to enhance the gooey texture of the Gooey Pecan Pie Brownie Bombs, making the center extra molten.
- Arrange them on a decorative platter for holiday gatherings or potlucks to create an inviting dessert display.
- Drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce just before serving to add a glossy, professional finish.
- Offer them alongside a cup of strong coffee or a glass of cold milk to balance the richness.
- For a festive touch, sprinkle with a light dusting of powdered sugar or crushed pecans.
These Gooey Pecan Pie Brownie Bombs are versatile enough for casual snacking yet elegant enough for special occasions, making them a crowd-pleasing treat any time of year.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Mistake: Overbaking the brownie base, making it dry and crumbly. Fix: Bake until a toothpick has moist crumbs, not clean, to preserve fudgy texture.
- Mistake: Using hot pecan pie filling that melts the brownie shell. Fix: Cool the filling completely before assembling to maintain structural integrity.
- Mistake: Skipping the chilling step before dipping in chocolate. Fix: Freeze bombs for 20 minutes so the coating sets smoothly without cracking.
- Mistake: Overmixing the brownie batter, developing too much gluten. Fix: Mix just until ingredients are combined for a dense, rich brownie.
- Mistake: Rolling brownie balls too large, causing them to fall apart. Fix: Use a tablespoon scoop for uniform, manageable two-bite portions.
- Mistake: Using corn syrup-based filling that becomes overly sticky. Fix: Opt for a butter-brown sugar filling for better flavor and controlled gooeyness.
- Mistake: Dipping with thick chocolate that overwhelms the bomb. Fix: Thin chocolate with a teaspoon of coconut oil for a delicate, crisp shell.
- Mistake: Adding pecans only inside, missing crunch contrast. Fix: Press crushed pecans onto the chocolate coating for visual appeal and texture.
- Mistake: Storing bombs at room temperature, making them too soft. Fix: Refrigerate in an airtight container to keep the Gooey Pecan Pie Brownie Bombs firm.
- Mistake: Rushing the setting process after chocolate coating. Fix: Allow bombs to set fully on a parchment-lined tray to avoid smudges.
Storing Tips
- Fridge: Store Gooey Pecan Pie Brownie Bombs in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Refrigeration helps maintain their texture and prevents spoilage.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm refrigerated or thawed Gooey Pecan Pie Brownie Bombs in a 300°F oven for 5–8 minutes until heated through. Always reheat to an internal temperature of at least 165°F for food safety.
Proper storage ensures your Gooey Pecan Pie Brownie Bombs stay delicious and safe to enjoy whenever you’re ready for a treat.
Conclusion
These Gooey Pecan Pie Brownie Bombs are the ultimate treat for any occasion. If you love this recipe, try our Caramel Pecan Turtle Bars Recipe or Mint Truffle Brownies Recipe next! Don’t forget to leave a comment and subscribe for more delicious dessert ideas.
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Gooey Pecan Pie Brownie Bombs
A decadent fusion of rich brownies and gooey pecan pie, these bite-sized treats are perfect for special occasions.
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 12-14 1x
Ingredients
- 1 box brownie mix (18 oz) plus ingredients required by the mix (eggs, oil, water)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs for filling
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare the brownie mix according to package instructions, adding an additional 1/4 cup of flour to thicken the batter.
- In a medium bowl, combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, vanilla extract, and eggs. Stir until blended.
- Lightly grease a mini muffin tin. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of brownie batter into each mini muffin cup, add a teaspoon of the pecan filling, then cover with another tablespoon of brownie batter.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until set. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and vegetable oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Cool the brownie bombs, drizzle with melted chocolate, and sprinkle with extra chopped pecans. Allow chocolate to set before serving.
Notes
These brownie bombs are best served fresh, but they can be stored at room temperature for up to 5 days or frozen for up to a month. Ensure the chocolate is fully set before serving for the best presentation.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Method: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 100
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Unsaturated Fat: 7
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 20
FAQs
Can I make Gooey Pecan Pie Brownie Bombs ahead of time?
Yes, these Gooey Pecan Pie Brownie Bombs can be prepared in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. For best texture, let them come to room temperature before serving.
How do I prevent the brownie bombs from sticking to the pan?
Properly greasing your baking pan is key to preventing sticking. Use non-stick spray or butter and lightly dust with flour or cocoa powder. This ensures your Gooey Pecan Pie Brownie Bombs release cleanly after baking.
Can I use a different type of nut in this recipe?
You can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if desired. However, pecans provide the classic flavor that makes these Gooey Pecan Pie Brownie Bombs so distinctive. Toast any nuts you use to enhance their flavor.
