Get ready to indulge in a dessert that combines two all-time favorites: pecan pie and brownies. These Pecan Pie Brownie Bombs are a delightful fusion of rich, fudgy brownies and gooey, sweet pecan pie filling, all wrapped up in a bite-sized treat. Perfect for the holidays, special occasions, or just when you need a little something extra sweet, these brownie bombs are sure to impress everyone who takes a bite!
Recipe Summary in Todd Wilbur’s Style: These Pecan Pie Brownie Bombs are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves the rich, nutty flavor of pecan pie and the decadent chocolatey goodness of brownies. Each bite is an explosion of flavor, with a crunchy pecan crust, gooey caramel-like filling, and a fudgy brownie exterior. It’s a dessert bomb you’ll want to drop at every gathering!
Personal Story: The first time I made these brownie bombs was for a family holiday dinner. I wanted to bring something different but still comforting, and combining two classic desserts seemed like the perfect solution. They were an instant hit—everyone loved the surprise of pecan pie inside a brownie! Now, they’ve become a staple at our family gatherings, and I’m excited to share this recipe with you.
Why These Pecan Pie Brownie Bombs?
- Two Desserts in One: Combines the best parts of pecan pie and brownies into one indulgent treat.
- Perfect for Sharing: These brownie bombs are bite-sized, making them great for parties and gatherings.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare these in advance, making them perfect for busy schedules.
How to Make Pecan Pie Brownie Bombs:
- Prepare the Brownie Batter:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it well.
- Prepare the brownie batter according to the instructions on the box, adding the chopped pecans if desired.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake as directed, usually about 25-30 minutes. Allow the brownies to cool completely.
- Make the Pecan Pie Filling:
- While the brownies are cooling, prepare the pecan pie filling. In a medium bowl, combine the pecan halves, brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, vanilla extract, salt, and beaten egg.
- Mix until everything is well combined and the pecans are evenly coated.
- Assemble the Brownie Bombs:
- Once the brownies are cool, use a small cookie scoop or a spoon to scoop out portions of the brownies. Flatten each portion slightly in your hand.
- Place a small amount of the pecan pie filling in the center of each brownie portion, then carefully wrap the brownie around the filling, forming it into a ball.
- Place the brownie bombs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Optional Drizzling:
- If desired, melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
- Drizzle the melted chocolate over the brownie bombs for an extra touch of indulgence.
- Chill and Serve:
- Chill the brownie bombs in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set.
- Once chilled, you can top each bomb with a pecan half or chopped pecans for a decorative touch.
Tips:
- Freezing: For easy assembly, you can freeze the pecan pie filling for 10-15 minutes before scooping it into the brownies.
- Texture: For a chewier texture, underbake the brownies slightly before forming the bombs.
Substitutions and Variations:
- Walnut Variation: Use walnuts instead of pecans for a different nutty flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free brownie mix to make this dessert gluten-free.
- Dark Chocolate Lovers: Use dark chocolate for drizzling to balance the sweetness of the pecan pie filling.
Make a Healthier Version:
- Sugar Substitute: Use a sugar substitute like stevia in the pecan pie filling to reduce the sugar content.
- Whole Wheat: Use whole wheat flour brownies to add some fiber to the treat.
Closing in Todd Wilbur Style: Get ready to blow your taste buds away with these Pecan Pie Brownie Bombs. The combination of gooey pecan pie filling and fudgy brownie is simply irresistible, and once you try them, you’ll see why they’re called “bombs” – they’re a flavor explosion!
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make these brownie bombs ahead of time?
- Yes! You can prepare and assemble the brownie bombs a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- How do I store leftover brownie bombs?
- Store leftover brownie bombs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
- Can I use homemade brownie batter?
- Absolutely! If you prefer, you can make your favorite homemade brownie recipe instead of using a boxed mix.
- How can I make the filling thicker?
- To thicken the pecan pie filling, you can add a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch to the mixture.
- Can I add chocolate chips to the brownies?
- Yes, adding chocolate chips to the brownie batter will make them even more decadent.
- What’s the best way to drizzle the chocolate?
- Use a piping bag or a small plastic bag with the corner snipped off to drizzle the chocolate evenly over the brownie bombs.
- Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
- Yes, milk chocolate will work well if you prefer a sweeter drizzle.
- What can I serve these with?
- Serve these brownie bombs with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- Can I omit the nuts for a nut-free version?
- You can replace the pecans with crushed pretzels or cookies for a nut-free version.
- Are these suitable for kids?
- Yes, kids will love these brownie bombs! Just make sure the filling is cool before assembling.