Cream Cheese Brownie Pie

1. Heat oven to 350 F. Put the pie crust in a 10-inch pie dish and bake as directed on package for a one-crust pie.
2. In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar, vanilla and 1 of the eggs; beat until smooth. Set aside.
3. In large bowl, combine brownie mix (not the syrup packet, just the dry mix), oil, water and remaining 2 eggs; beat until just blended.
4. After pie crust is baked, spread 1/2 cup of the brownie mixture in bottom of the crust. Spoon and carefully spread cream cheese mixture over brownie layer. Top with remaining brownie mixture and spread evenly. Sprinkle with pecans if desired.
5. Place pie plate on a baking sheet and bake at 350 F for 40 to 50 minutes, or until center is puffed and crust is golden brown. If necessary, cover edge of crust with strips of foil after 15-20 minutes of baking to prevent excessive browning. Pie may have cracks on surface when done. Remove from oven and set the dish on a rack.
6. Let pie cool for 10 minutes. Drizzle with Hershey’s syrup packet from the brownie mix.
7. Cool 3 hours or until completely cooled. Store in the refrigerator.