Sometimes you want an over the top dessert, and sometimes you want an easy to make dessert. These Caramel Pecan Brownie Pie Bites look over the top, but because they start with packaged items they are very easy to put together.
There are times I like to bake crazy over the top desserts.
Ok, ok, that really is most days. I am a crazed baker, and I know it. That is the first step to recovery, right? But seriously if you knew the amount of crazy baking ideas that go on in my head, you would think I was coo coo! I'm pretty sure if you have been reading my blog for very long, you already know that though.
There is one thing I am really crazy about making. Brownie Pies.
Have you noticed the brownie pie trend here on the blog? I keep making different brownie cheesecake pies.
But today's pies are a little different. They are bite sized. So cute...and sooooo delicious! The hidden caramel center is such a fun surprise.
The best thing about these mini pies is that they start with 5 ingredients. That's right. You are only 5 ingredients away from having mini pies in your life too. You could cut that down to 3 ingredients if you opted out of the hidden caramel kiss and pecan chips. But seriously...those are the best part of these mini pies. DO NOT opt out of the goodness!
Now if you want to go the homemade route, these will turn out just as good. But I was going for fast and easy the day I made these. One box of refrigerated pie crusts, one box brownie mix, and one container of Cool Whip Frosting gets these brownie pie bites done that much faster.
Can we talk about that chocolate Cool Whip Frosting for just one minute? I am in love with it. It tastes like a Frosty...even more so if you eat it frozen. Yes, I did eat mine by the spoonfuls. Someone had to finish off the rest of that container. Might as well be me 🙂
One other thing...if you want to skip the pie crust, that is an option too. I actually made half of mine with pie crust and half without. The verdict at the party I took them to was pie crust all the way. But if you are cutting time, make them without. They still taste amazing.
Now excuse me...I have a list of crazy baking ideas to make today. And maybe some Cool Whip to finish off!!
Recipe
Caramel Pecan Brownie Pie Bites
These little brownie bites have layers of flavor. Caramel, pecans, and chocolate come together for a delicious little treat.
Ingredients
- 2 refrigerated pie crusts
- 1 box brownie mix (for a 9x13 pan)
- 48 caramel Hershey kisses
- 1 container chocolate Cool Whip Frosting (10.6 oz.)
- ½ cup pecan chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°.
- Unroll the pie crusts according to the package directions. Use a 2 ½ inch round cookie cutter to cut out 48 circles. You will have to re roll the pie dough on a floured surface to get this many. Press into mini muffin tins. Set aside.
- Prepare the brownie mix according to the package directions for fudgey brownies. Spoon 1 teaspoon brownie batter into each pie crust.
- Bake for 14-15 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool for 2 minutes in the pan. Gently remove the brownie bites to wax paper lined counters. Press an unwrapped Hershey kiss into the brownie, point down. Let cool.
- Top each brownie bite with the Cool Whip Frosting and pecan chips. Makes 48 mini brownie pies. Keep refrigerated in a sealed container.
Notes
*You can also make these without the pie crusts. Spray your mini baking pans with non stick spray and bake the bites for 11-12 minutes.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 48 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 143Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 177mgCarbohydrates: 29gFiber: 0gSugar: 25gProtein: 1g
Nutrition facts are an estimate and are not guaranteed to be accurate. If you need special diet advice, please see a registered dietician.
More fun ways to use brownie mixes to create delicious treats:
Peanut Butter Marshmallow Brownie Bites
Gerry @ Foodness Gracious
Genius, and who doesn't like fast? Not me 🙂
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thanks Gerry! 😉
Marcie
Here's to brownie pies! I love the trend, Jocelyn, and these look delicious. 🙂
Stephanie @ PlainChicken
These look amazing! I am definitely trying these. YUM!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thanks Stephanie!
Joanne@myuntangledlife.com
Oh my! These looks scrumptious. I love desserts you don't have to slice. Part of the fun is to grab the treat that looks the best to you (the one with the most frosting for me!).
Chloe @ foodlikecake
These look amazing! I love the brownie and caramel 🙂
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thanks Chloe!
Megan - The Emotional Baker
Oh my! These look delicious. I love that you combine brownie and pie. Yum 🙂
Tieghan
That gooey caramel filling is to do for!! Love these cuties!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thanks girl! 🙂
Nancy
I always gain weight just looking at your scrumptious creations! I think I need a care package with some of them in it. 🙂
Robin @ Simply Southern Baking
These look amazing and I love the easy part. By the way, maybe we're related in some way...I have crazy baking ideas rolling around in my head all the time too! So many ideas and not enough time. 🙂
Jocelyn Brubaker
Haha! I know what you mean about note nought time! 😉 Thanks Robin!
Jocelyn Brubaker
*not enough time* is what it should have said 😉
Jenn@eatcakefordinner
Wow - Love these!!!
Ginny McMeans
I can whip these little beauties up in no time for my little nieces. Thanks!
Jocelyn Brubaker
No problem! 😉
Liz
Adding caramel kisses to these pie bites was an outstanding idea! Swooning!
Erin | The Law Student's Wife
Jocelyn, I adore your crazy ideas, especially when they turn into brownie bites! I adore pecan pie and browines and crust AND cool whip....so these have my heart!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thank you Erin!! 🙂
Beth @ bethcakes
I love these tiny pies, and especially that last shot with the caramel kiss on the inside! These are so fun for a quick and easy treat that's still impressive. I think I would definitely have to make them with the crust, for sure!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thanks Beth! 🙂
Averie @ Averie Cooks
That last shot with that oozing caramel in the middle...oh heavenly!!! 🙂
annie @ chase that i love
So cute! And since they are so little, I'll tell myself that it's fine to eat five of them in a row. With a huge glass of milk. These would be super fun for a party.
Jocelyn Brubaker
Exactly!! 😉 Thanks Annie!
Amanda
Love that gooey caramel oozing out! 🙂
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust
I am so nuts for brownie pies too! I cannot get enough. Love these!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thanks Dorothy! 😉
Chelsea @chelseasmessyapron
Haha definitely the first step is admitting. And I'm right there with you! I can't believe these only have five ingredients and still look so over the top awesome. Pinned 🙂
Brenda @ SweetSimpleStuff
Your baked goods make perfect sense to me ... nothing crazy going on ... just creativity! However, you are driving me crazy ... I want everything you make and your photos show the ooey gooey chocolately goodness every time!!!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Haha, thanks Brenda!