First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees. It’s crucial to get this step right for even baking. A well-preheated oven ensures your brownies cook uniformly.
Next, line a 9X9 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This helps with easy removal later. Make sure the paper hangs over the edges a bit; it will come in handy.
In a large mixing bowl, prepare the boxed brownie mix as instructed on the package. Stir by hand until just mixed; you don’t want to overmix it, which can lead to dense brownies.
Spread the brownie batter evenly into your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top, making sure it’s level for even baking.
Now, bake the brownies for half of the recommended baking time plus five extra minutes. This will start to set the brownies while still keeping them gooey.
While the brownies are baking, let’s prepare the pecan pie topping. In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, corn syrup, brown sugar, vanilla, and salt. These ingredients create a sweet and flavorful mixture.
Next, mix in the eggs until fully incorporated. Make sure the eggs are at room temperature for a smooth blend.
Then, add the chopped pecans into the mixture, stirring gently to combine. The pecans will give that lovely crunchy topping.
After the brownies have baked for their initial time, check their doneness. If they still look wet, return them to the oven for an additional three to five minutes. The top should start to set but not be fully cooked.
Once the brownies are ready, pour the pecan pie topping evenly over them. Spread it out gently; you want every bite to have that delicious topping.
Place the brownies back in the oven and continue baking for another 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they are done when the topping is set and doesn’t jiggle easily.
Finally, remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a cooling rack. Patience is key here! For best results, let them cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. If you can, refrigerate them for two hours to create cleaner slices.
