Butter Pecan Brownies

Warm crunchy pecan pie topping layered with decadent, fudgy chocolate brownies – these gluten free butter pecan brownies are the perfect sweet treat for your holiday celebrations! They are so easy to make and absolutely delicious – my husband and I had to stop ourselves from eating the whole pan right out of the oven!

Why You’ll Love Them

• These butter pecan brownies are so easy to make.
• The pecan pie layered with rich gooey chocolate is to die for.
• They use coconut flour which makes them naturally gluten free.
• They are the perfect level of sweet.
• The pecan pie layer adds a delicious little crunch.
• These brownies are the perfect dessert for Friendsgiving, Thanksgiving, or Christmas.
• They are an absolute crowd pleaser.
• These brownies can easily be made dairy free.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Brownie Layer:

• Eggs. You will need two eggs. I always try to choose organic and pasture raised when possible. Can be swapped with flax egg to make them vegan.
• Coconut sugar. Coconut sugar is the main sweetener in these macadamia nut brownies. You can sub with organic cane sugar.
• Maple syrup. Another sweetener in these macadamia nut brownies. You can sub with honey.
• Tahini. Tahini adds the perfect subtle nutty flavor. Sub with nut butter of choice.
• Vanilla extract. Pure vanilla extract is added for a slight vanilla flavor.
• Coconut flour. To keep these gluten free I use coconut flour. I haven’t tried with other flours and am not sure how they would turn out if you use a different one.
• Cocoa powder. Organic cocoa powder is used to give these brownies their chocolatey flavor.
• Dark chocolate. I used a dark chocolate bar, roughly chopped. You can sub chocolate chips.

Pecan Pie Layer

• Brown sugar. Dark brown sugar helps to caramelize the pecan layer.
• Eggs + egg yolk. You need 2 large eggs and an egg yolk.
• Maple syrup. Maple syrup adds the perfect sweet flavor.
• Kefir. 1/3 cup of kefir is needed, I love using Lifeway Kefir. Sub heavy cream.
• Butter. The butter helps add to the rich butter pecan flavor.
• Vanilla extract. 2 tbsp of vanilla extract also contributes to the butter pecan flavor.
• Pecans. Pecans are an absolute must for these butter pecan brownies.
• Sea salt. A dash of flakey sea salt is used to help enhance the flavor profile.

How to Make

Step 1

Make the brownie layer.

Preheat oven to 350. Grease 8×8 glass pan and set aside.

Mix the wet ingredients. In a large bowl, combine eggs and coconut sugar until creamy. Add in tahini, maple syrup, vanilla and stir until well combined.

Mix dry ingredients & combine. In another bowl, mix together dry ingredients. Add to wet mixture and mix until fully combined. Fold in chocolate.

Bake the brownie layer. Bake for about 15 minutes – the tops should be cooked and no longer wiggle.

Step 2

Make the pecan pie layer.

Whisk together brown sugar, eggs, maple syrup, and cream. Then add in that melted butter and vanilla. Finally, stir in chopped pecans.

Pour the pecan pie layer over the pre-baked brownie layer and sprinkle on some more chocolate chips.  Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. If your pecan layer is still wiggly in the center, continue baking another 5-10 minutes, until the center is melty set. The longer you bake, the more set your brownie will be. Remove from the oven and let cool. Slice into bars and enjoy the yumminess.

Step 3

Enjoy! Serve these butter pecan brownies warm. If you’re really feeling fancy, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Expert Tips

• Choose tahini that is smooth and runny, the consistency matters. I personally only use Soom tahini.
• Use high quality chocolate! I always choose organic and over 75% cocoa.
• Pre-baking the brownie layer is important before adding the pecan pie layer. The longer you bake, the more set your brownie will be. Pour the pie filling over the pre-baked brownie. Bake until the top is just barely set.
• Wait a little bit to let the butter pecan brownies cool slightly, then cut and serve while still warm. Or at least that’s my personal favorite way to enjoy these brownies, but it is messier. If you prefer a clean slice, let the brownies cool completely, then slice.
• If you’re feeling extra fancy, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

You May Also Like

• Macadamia Nut Brownies
• Flourless Pumpkin Muffins
• Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Paleo Carrot Cake
• Paleo Apple Crisp