Dive into the unique charm of Luby’s Butternut Brownie Pie! While it may not have conventional brownie elements, this pie stands out with its ethereal meringue filled with crunchy graham cracker pieces and pecans. Baked to perfection and crowned with a lavish layer of whipped cream, every slice promises a delightful crunch and melt-in-the-mouth experience. A sprinkle of pecans on top seals the deal.
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Why This is the Best Recipe for Butternut Brownie Pie
It’s important to note that despite its name, butternut brownie pie uses neither butter nor cocoa to create its one-of-a-kind flavor. It’s perhaps better thought of as a pecan meringue pie, but it remains just as delicious no matter what you call it. The magic happens through the combination of whipped egg whites creating an airy base, while graham crackers and pecans provide textural contrast and nutty sweetness. The final layer of whipped cream adds luxurious richness that perfectly balances the light meringue.
Ingredients
Luby’s butternut brownie pie comes together from a mix of everyday pantry items supplemented by a few flavor-packed extras.
- Egg whites – Create the airy, light meringue base that defines this pie’s texture
- Baking powder – Helps stabilize the egg whites and adds extra lift
- Cream of tartar – Essential stabilizer for egg whites and acts as a leavening agent
- Granulated sugar – Sweetens the meringue and helps create stable peaks
- Graham cracker squares – Provide signature crunch and honey-sweet flavor
- Pecan pieces – Add nutty richness and textural contrast throughout
- Whipping cream – Forms the luxurious topping that crowns each slice
- Vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor profile with aromatic sweetness
The pecans should be divided between larger pieces for the filling and smaller, chopped pieces for the topping. Graham crackers should be broken into half-inch pieces.
How to Make Luby’s Butternut Brownie Pie
You may be surprised at how easily this pie comes together, considering the depth of flavor it produces.
- After preheating the oven to 300°F and greasing a 9-inch pie pan, start by whipping the egg whites with the baking powder until soft peaks form.
- Mix in the cream of tartar to stabilize the filling, continuing to beat it as you go.
- Add a tablespoon of sugar at a time until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold in the pecan pieces and graham crackers.
- Spread this filling in the pie dish.
- Bake for 30 minutes, checking for doneness periodically with a toothpick.
- While the pie is cooling, prepare the topping by beating the cream with chilled beaters in a chilled bowl, adding sugar and vanilla, until the mixture forms stiff peaks.
- Spread this on top of the pie, and finish it off with a sprinkling of chopped pecans.
- All that’s left is to refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.
Recipe Variations
Beyond the substitutions mentioned above, home cooks can tweak the iconic Luby’s recipe to their liking in many different ways:
- Chocolate lovers can mix in a bit of cocoa powder to make the pie truly live up to its brownie name.
- You can even drizzle some butterscotch or caramel sauce over the top for an added flavor boost.
- An extra decadent version can also be crafted with candied pecans instead of regular ones.
- Those looking to save time can substitute the homemade whipped cream topping with pre-made whipped cream or Cool Whip.Â
What Goes Well With Luby’s Butternut Brownie Pie
Balance out your cool, sweet, refreshing slice of butternut brownie pie with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. It’s a perfect finale for a homestyle meal or even just an indulgent snack.
Or, double down on your dessert with a scoop of vanilla, chocolate, or other ice cream flavors.
On the other hand, fruit can also complement the pie well, matching the sweetness while introducing a fresh element to your after-dinner delight.Â
How to Store
- Refrigerator Storage: Keep covered in the refrigerator and enjoy within 2-3 days for optimal texture and food safety
- Serving Method: Serve chilled directly from the refrigerator for the best texture and flavor
- Freezing: Not recommended due to texture changes in meringue and whipped cream when thawed
More Luby’s Desserts
Favorite Pie Recipes
- Banana Cream Pie
- Black Bottom Pie
- Blueberry Cream Pie
- Buttermilk Pie
- Caramel Pie
- Chocolate Pudding Pie
- Lemon Cream Cheese Pie
- Mock Apple Pie
- Mud Pie
- Toll House Pie
Check out more of my easy pie recipes and the best copycat restaurant recipes on CopyKat!
Luby’s Butternut Brownie Pie Copycat Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 egg whites
- 1/8 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 1/4 cups sugar divided use
- 14 graham cracker squares broken into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 1/2 cups pecan pieces divided use
- 1 cup whipping cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300°F and lightly grease a 9-inch pie plate.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites and baking powder until soft peaks form. Add the cream of tartar, beating constantly. Add 1 cup of sugar, a tablespoon at a time, beating constantly until stiff peaks form. Use a rubber spatula to fold in the graham crackers and 1 cup of pecan pieces.
- Spoon the mixture into the prepared pie plate and bake for 30 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool completely on wire rack.
- In a small, chilled bowl, using chilled beaters, beat the cream until it just begins to thicken. Add the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar and the vanilla and continue beating until stiff peaks form. Do not overbeat.
- Top the pie with the whipped cream and sprinkle with the remaining pecans. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
This has been my favorite pie my entire life and was devastated when Luby’s quit making it several years ago. So happy to have the recipe.
This looks so good I can’t wait to try it!