This Fall Dessert Mashup Starts With A Box Of Brownie Mix

Regardless of the time of year, a pan of brownies is always a welcome treat. But there is no reason that these chocolatey confections can't also change with the seasons. One genius trick for bringing an autumnal angle to a simple pan of brownies involves mashing it up with another seasonal favorite: pecan pie.

The technique is actually quite simple, and starts with a store-bought brownie mix. All you have to do is bake up a pan of your favorite brand from the list of the absolute best boxed brownie mixes, then top it with a bit of pecan pie filling and toss it back into the oven. The result is the best of both worlds: gooey, chocolatey brownies on the bottom and rich, sweet pecan pie on top.

Now, this does mean dirtying one additional pan — as you'll need to cook the pecan pie filling on the stove — but that's a small price to pay for the decadence this adds to your boxed brownies. Just take the filling ingredients from this classic pecan pie recipe and whisk them together in a skillet. Bring it up to medium heat, stirring often, and cook until the mixture coats the back of a spoon.

Bake the brownies according to the package directions — maybe a few minutes less, so they aren't quite cooked through — then pour the thickened pecan pie mixture over the top. Put the pan back in the oven for around 25 minutes, until it is nice and bubbly. Once they're finished baking, you can let the pan cool and fully set, or serve them while they are still warm and delightfully gooey.

There's no reason to stop at just topping your brownies with pecan pie filling. When it comes to fall dessert recipes, there is no shortage of inspiration for creativity.

Bourbon is one of the most common additions to pecan pie recipes, adding a touch of spirit flavor to the classic dessert, but there are plenty of spirits that you can add to infuse some interesting aroma. Some chefs suggest using rye for pecan pie, while others think that a dash of rum is the perfect flavoring agent.

Another common choice for customizing pecan pie is with a bit of coffee mixed into the filling. Coffee and chocolate are a classic flavor pairing, so it is an easy addition here. You can even bridge the gap back to spirits by using a coffee liqueur.

For fans of a good old-fashioned German chocolate cake, consider mixing some dried coconut into the pecan pie mixture. Not only does it add a touch of tropical flavor, but it also adds a delightful chewy texture. Or, if you really want to push the culinary boundaries of this creative fall dessert blend, try working in a bit of heat. Chile powder is undoubtedly an ingredient that will change your pecan pie forever. A subtle hint of spice brings a whole new dimension to the dessert that you might be surprised by how much you love.