Pecan Pie Brownie Bars

May 1, 2023

INGREDIENTS

  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2/3 cup powdered sugar
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 2 teaspoons McNess Champion Madagascar Vanilla Compound

Pecan topping

  • 1 stick unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 cup chopped toasted pecans

INSTRUCTIONS

Brownies

  1. Preheat oven to 300°F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and place nuts on prepared pan. Bake for 7-8 minutes until lightly toasted. Adjust the oven temperature to 350°F. Next, line a 8×8 baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly grease with baking spray or shortening. Set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl combine cocoa powder, powdered sugar, flour, salt, and chocolate chips. Set aside.
  3. Melt butter in a large microwave safe bowl. Make sure the butter is still very warm. Next, add granulated sugar and whisk until combined. Allow the mixture to slightly cool for 5 minutes. Then whisk the mixture well for about 30 seconds. Add eggs, water, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined.
  4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and use a spatula or wooden spoon to stir the mixture until it is glossy and well combined.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center, it should come out with moist, fudgy crumbs, but not raw batter. Place the pan on a wire rack and cool. While the brownies are cooling begin making the pecan topping.

PECAN TOPPING:

  1. Melt the butter in a medium sized saucepan. Add cream, brown sugar, syrup, and salt to the melted butter and whisk to combine. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat and simmer for 5 minutes, whisking frequently. Remove from the heat and stir in vanilla and pecans. Set aside mixture for 15 minutes to cool slightly. It should thicken up a bit but still be pourable.
  2. Gently pour the pecan topping over the brownies and carefully spread it into an even layer. Allow to cool completely then chill in the refrigerator for a couple of hours before cutting and serving. The topping will firm up more once it is chilled. DELICIOUS! ENJOY!!