Can I use store-bought brownies to save time?

Absolutely! Pre-made brownies work perfectly in this recipe and are a great time-saver. Just make sure they're fudgy rather than cakey for easier handling.

My brownie balls are falling apart when I try to dip them. What am I doing wrong?

This usually happens when the brownie bombs haven't chilled long enough. Pop them back in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or even in the freezer for 10 minutes, before attempting to dip them again. The firmer they are, the easier they'll be to coat.

Can I make these without nuts for someone with allergies?

Yes! You can make a simple caramel filling instead of the pecan pie filling. Melt caramels with a splash of heavy cream to create a thick filling that will work beautifully in these brownie bombs.

How do I know when the pecan pie filling is baked correctly?

The filling should be set around the edges but still have a slight jiggle in the center - similar to how you'd want a pecan pie to look when it's done baking. It will continue to set as it cools, so don't overbake it or you'll lose that gooey texture.

Pecan Pie Brownie Bombs Recipe

Name: Pecan Pie Brownie Bombs Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 recipe for an 8×8 pan of brownies, with no nuts; 2/3 cup chopped pecans (plus more for garnish, optional); 1 egg; 1 ¾ tablespoons granulated sugar; 1/3 cup Karo® Corn Syrup; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (melted and cooled); Pinch of salt; 1 package chocolate almond bark (melted)

These Pecan Pie Brownie Bombs are a game-changer for dessert lovers! Imagine fudgy brownie wrapped around gooey pecan pie filling, then coated in smooth chocolate for a bite-sized treat that delivers big flavor. Perfect for holiday gatherings, special occasions, or anytime you need a decadent treat that will impress everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Two Desserts in One: Experience the best of both worlds with fudgy brownies and gooey pecan pie filling in one perfect bite.
Make-Ahead Friendly: These can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator or freezer, making them perfect for planning ahead.
Crowd-Pleaser: Watch these disappear at parties and gatherings – everyone loves the surprise filling inside!
Customizable: You can easily adjust the recipe with different toppings or chocolate coatings to make it your own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Brownies: The foundation of our bombs – use your favorite recipe for an 8×8 pan or grab store-bought brownies if you’re in a hurry. The brownies should be fudgy rather than cakey for better rolling.
Pecans: These add that classic nutty flavor and essential crunch to the filling. Plus, they make a beautiful garnish on top.
Egg: Works as a binder for the pecan pie filling, creating that perfect gooey texture we all love.
Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness to the filling without making it overly heavy.
Corn syrup: The secret to that authentic pecan pie texture – it creates that distinctive gooey consistency that makes pecan pie so irresistible.
Butter: Adds richness to the filling and helps create that classic pecan pie flavor.
Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
Chocolate almond bark: Creates a perfect shell that holds everything together and adds that satisfying crack when you bite in.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to make these brownie bombs your own? Try these delicious twists:

White Chocolate Coating: Swap the chocolate almond bark for white chocolate for a striking visual contrast.
Nutty Explosion: Mix some finely chopped pecans into the brownie batter for extra texture throughout.
Salted Caramel Drizzle: After the chocolate coating has set, drizzle with warm salted caramel sauce for an extra layer of indulgence.
Bourbon Infusion: Add a teaspoon of bourbon to the pecan filling for a sophisticated adult version.
Holiday Edition: Sprinkle with crushed candy canes or colored sprinkles for a festive touch.

How to Make Pecan Pie Brownie Bombs

Step 1: Prepare the Brownies

Bake your favorite 8×8 brownie recipe according to directions, making sure not to include nuts in the batter. Allow to cool completely before handling. The brownies should be fudgy but not too gooey.

Step 2: Make the Pecan Pie Filling

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 6-inch baking dish and add your chopped pecans. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, and salt until well combined. Pour this mixture over the pecans in the baking dish. Tap the dish a few times on the counter to help the pecans rise to the top.

Step 3: Bake the Filling

Bake the pecan filling for about 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the center is still slightly jiggly – think of it as slightly underbaked pecan pie. Let it cool completely before using.

Step 4: Assemble the Brownie Bombs

Trim the hard edges from your brownies and cut the remainder into 16 equal squares. Take one square at a time and flatten it in your palm. Place about a teaspoon of the pecan filling in the center, then carefully fold the brownie around the filling, sealing completely and rolling into a ball shape. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and repeat with remaining brownies.

Step 5: Chill Before Dipping

Refrigerate the filled brownie balls for at least an hour. This firming-up step is crucial to prevent them from falling apart during dipping.

Step 6: Chocolate Coating

Melt your chocolate almond bark according to package directions. Dip each chilled brownie bomb into the chocolate, allowing excess to drip off. Place back on the parchment paper and immediately sprinkle with additional chopped pecans if desired, before the chocolate sets.

Step 7: Set the Coating

Refrigerate the dipped brownie bombs for about 5 minutes to allow the chocolate coating to harden completely.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Temperature Matters: Make sure both the brownies and pecan filling are completely cooled before assembly to prevent melting.
Even Distribution: Measure the pecan filling for each bomb to ensure you don’t run out before finishing all brownies.
Freezer Trick: If your brownie balls start getting too soft while working, pop them in the freezer for 5-10 minutes to firm up.
Dipping Technique: Use two forks to dip each brownie bomb in chocolate, which helps maintain their shape and create a smooth coating.
Work in Batches: Keep most of the brownie balls refrigerated while you’re dipping a few at a time to maintain their firmness.

How to Serve

These Pecan Pie Brownie Bombs are versatile crowd-pleasers that can be served in multiple ways:

Elegant Dessert Platter

Arrange the brownie bombs on a beautiful serving plate with some extra chopped pecans scattered around. This makes for an impressive dessert at dinner parties.

Holiday Cookie Exchange

Include these brownie bombs on your cookie exchange tray – they’ll stand out among traditional cookies and will be the talk of the gathering.

Ice Cream Topping

Serve slightly warmed brownie bombs alongside vanilla ice cream for an elevated sundae experience.

Coffee Pairing

These rich treats pair beautifully with coffee, especially a robust dark roast that complements the chocolate and pecan flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store these brownie bombs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The cool temperature helps maintain the texture of both the filling and the chocolate coating.

Freezing

These freeze beautifully! Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.

Reheating

For the best experience, let frozen brownie bombs thaw in the refrigerator overnight. You can enjoy them cold, at room temperature, or warm them slightly by microwaving for 5-10 seconds (be careful not to melt the chocolate coating completely).

FAQs

Can I use store-bought brownies to save time?

Absolutely! Pre-made brownies work perfectly in this recipe and are a great time-saver. Just make sure they’re fudgy rather than cakey for easier handling.
My brownie balls are falling apart when I try to dip them. What am I doing wrong?

This usually happens when the brownie bombs haven’t chilled long enough. Pop them back in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or even in the freezer for 10 minutes, before attempting to dip them again. The firmer they are, the easier they’ll be to coat.
Can I make these without nuts for someone with allergies?

Yes! You can make a simple caramel filling instead of the pecan pie filling. Melt caramels with a splash of heavy cream to create a thick filling that will work beautifully in these brownie bombs.
How do I know when the pecan pie filling is baked correctly?

The filling should be set around the edges but still have a slight jiggle in the center – similar to how you’d want a pecan pie to look when it’s done baking. It will continue to set as it cools, so don’t overbake it or you’ll lose that gooey texture.

Final Thoughts

These Pecan Pie Brownie Bombs truly deliver the best of two classic desserts in one incredible bite. The contrast between the fudgy brownie, gooey pecan filling, and snappy chocolate coating creates a texture and flavor experience that’s absolutely irresistible. They’re worth every step of the process and guaranteed to become a requested favorite for special occasions. Give them a try – your friends and family will be talking about these decadent treats long after the last one disappears!