If you’ve ever wished you could combine the sticky, buttery decadIf you’ve ever wished you could combine the sticky, buttery decadence of pecan pie with the rich, fudgy indulgence of brownies, this dessert is your dream come true. These Gooey Pecan Pie Brownie Bombs merge the best of both worlds — molten caramelized pecan filling wrapped in chewy brownie crumbs, then dipped in glossy melted chocolate.
Each bite delivers an explosion of flavors and textures: deep cocoa richness, nutty crunch, and buttery sweetness, all perfectly balanced. Moreover, the gooey center gives way to a crisp chocolate shell, making every bite as satisfying as it is indulgent.
They’re perfect for holiday dessert platters, edible gifts, or weekend baking projects. In fact, these bite-sized treats look and taste like they came straight from a gourmet bakery, yet they’re surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the fridge or slightly warmed, one thing’s for sure — they’ll disappear in minutes.
Why You’ll Love These Gooey Pecan Pie Brownie Bombs
You’ll love this recipe because it’s rich, elegant, and indulgent without being complicated. It brings together two iconic desserts into one show-stopping bite, offering all the flavor of pecan pie and brownies with half the effort.
Additionally, these brownie bombs are incredibly versatile. You can coat them in dark, milk, or white chocolate, add a splash of bourbon for a grown-up twist, or make mini versions for dessert trays. The possibilities are endless, which makes this recipe a keeper for all occasions.
Furthermore, they’re perfect for gifting. Wrapped in parchment and tied with ribbon, these little chocolate gems make a beautiful homemade present for friends, neighbors, or coworkers. Their shelf stability and freezer-friendliness also make them ideal for prepping ahead of the busy holiday season.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
If you’re looking for a dessert that delivers maximum impact with minimal effort, this one fits the bill. Unlike full-sized pies or layered cakes, these brownie bombs are portable, mess-free, and surprisingly quick to assemble.
Beyond convenience, they’re also visually stunning and irresistibly delicious. The combination of chewy brownie, sweet nut filling, and silky chocolate coating is a textural dream. Each layer complements the other — the gooey center balances the richness of the chocolate, while the pecans add crunch and warmth.
Moreover, these bombs are a fantastic way to use up leftover brownies or pecan pie filling from the holidays. You can customize them endlessly, freeze them for later, and serve them chilled or at room temperature. As a result, they’ve quickly become one of those “everyone asks for the recipe” desserts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Brownie Layer
- 1 box fudge brownie mix (plus ingredients listed on the package)
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder (optional, enhances chocolate flavor)
For the Pecan Pie Filling
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup corn syrup (light or dark)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Chocolate Coating
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or melting wafers)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (for a glossy finish)
Optional Garnishes
- Crushed pecans
- Flaky sea salt
- Drizzle of caramel or white chocolate
How to Make Gooey Pecan Pie Brownie Bombs (Step-by-Step)
1. Bake the Brownies
To begin, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a square baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal. Prepare the brownie mix as directed, adding espresso powder for deeper flavor. Then bake until the center is just set. Allow the brownies to cool completely before continuing.
2. Make the Pecan Pie Filling
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, melt butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture begins to bubble. Next, reduce the heat and simmer for 3–4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Remove from heat, then stir in vanilla, salt, and chopped pecans. Let it cool to a scoopable consistency before using.
3. Crumble the Brownies
Once cooled, crumble the brownies into a large mixing bowl. The texture should be fine yet moist enough to hold together when pressed. If they seem dry, add a teaspoon of melted butter to improve binding.
4. Assemble the Bombs
Scoop out a tablespoon of brownie crumbs and flatten it in your palm. Add ½ teaspoon of pecan filling to the center. Carefully wrap the brownie mixture around the filling and roll into a smooth ball. Repeat the process until all the filling and brownie crumbs are used up.
5. Chill Before Coating
Place the formed brownie bombs on a parchment-lined tray. Refrigerate or freeze them for about 20–30 minutes, just until firm. This step ensures that they hold their shape and don’t crumble when dipped in chocolate.
6. Coat in Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips with coconut oil in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Using a fork, dip each chilled brownie bomb into the melted chocolate, making sure it’s completely coated. Gently tap off the excess before placing it back on the tray.
7. Add Finishing Touches
While the coating is still soft, sprinkle crushed pecans, flaky salt, or a drizzle of caramel on top. Allow the chocolate to set completely before serving. You can speed up this step by placing the tray in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
10 Tips for the Best Gooey Pecan Pie Brownie Bombs
10 Variations & Substitutions
- Maple Pecan Bombs: Replace corn syrup with maple syrup for natural sweetness.
- Bourbon Twist: Add a splash of bourbon to the filling for a Southern kick.
- White Chocolate Shell: Coat in white chocolate for a festive holiday look.
- Salted Caramel Version: Add caramel drizzle and sea salt for indulgence.
- Nut-Free Option: Substitute pecans with crushed pretzels for crunch.
- Dark Chocolate Lovers: Use bittersweet chocolate for an elegant twist.
- Cookie Crumb Coating: Roll in crushed cookies instead of dipping in chocolate.
- Espresso Infusion: Stir instant espresso into the filling for mocha flavor.
- Mini Bites: Make smaller bombs for dessert platters or party trays.
- Vegan Option: Use dairy-free brownies, vegan butter, and dark chocolate.
What to Serve With Gooey Pecan Pie Brownie Bombs (Step-by-Step)
- Pair with vanilla ice cream for a rich dessert experience.
- Serve alongside hot coffee or espresso to balance sweetness.
- Add to dessert boards with truffles and chocolate bark.
- Gift them in boxes or jars lined with parchment for elegant packaging.
- Serve chilled with whipped cream for an extra creamy touch.
Storage & Reheating Tips (Step-by-Step)
To Store
After cooling, store the brownie bombs in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature or 7 days in the refrigerator.
To Freeze
For long-term storage, freeze the brownie bombs in a single layer on a tray. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.
To Serve
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or for 30 minutes at room temperature. Serve slightly chilled for a firmer bite or room temperature for maximum gooeyness.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I use homemade brownies?
Absolutely! Homemade brownies work perfectly — just make sure they’re moist and chewy.
2. Can I skip the corn syrup?
Yes, you can replace it with honey or maple syrup. The texture will be slightly softer but equally delicious.
3. Can I make them ahead?
Definitely. In fact, they taste even better the next day as the flavors meld.
4. How do I keep the chocolate smooth?
Add coconut oil or shortening when melting to achieve a glossy, silky coating.
5. Can I add caramel inside?
Yes! Add a small caramel candy in the center with the pecan filling for a double-layer surprise.
6. How can I make them less sweet?
Use dark chocolate and reduce the sugar in the filling by one tablespoon.
7. How do I prevent cracks in the coating?
Ensure the bombs aren’t too cold before dipping — extreme temperature contrast causes cracking.
8. Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, simply use a gluten-free brownie mix and double-check your chocolate.
9. What’s the best chocolate for coating?
Semi-sweet or dark chocolate works best for balanced sweetness.
10. Can I reheat them?
You can warm them for 5–7 seconds in the microwave for a molten-center effect — just don’t overheat.