If you have a craving for something irresistibly rich and nutty, this Pecan Brownies Recipe will become your new go-to dessert. Combining the deep, luscious notes of dark chocolate with buttery, crunchy pecans, it’s a perfect balance of fudgy and textured delight in every bite. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with friends, these brownies offer a warm, comforting hug of flavor that’s hard to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These straightforward ingredients come together harmoniously, each playing a crucial role in building the perfect texture, flavor, and aroma of your brownies. From the velvety dark chocolate to the crunchy pecans, every component adds a layer of good reason to bake this recipe again and again.
- 170 g Dark Chocolate: Provides an intense cocoa base with deep, bittersweet flavors.
- 170 g Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps achieve the perfect fudgy texture.
- 4 Eggs (at room temperature): Bind all the ingredients together while contributing to moisture and structure.
- 200 g Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps create a tender crumb.
- 150 g Brown Sugar: Brings a subtle molasses flavor and extra chewiness to the brownies.
- 45 g Cocoa Powder (unsweetened Dutch processed): Elevates the chocolate intensity and deepens the color.
- 120 g All-purpose Flour: Provides structure without weighing down the brownies.
- ½ teaspoon Cinnamon: Infuses a warm, aromatic hint that complements the chocolate.
- ½ teaspoon Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
- 200 g Pecans: Offer a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, making these brownies extra special.
How to Make Pecan Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and get ready by greasing a 9-inch brownie tin with a touch of oil. Then line it with parchment paper, both on the bottom and the sides. This makes sure your brownies will slide out perfectly without sticking or breaking apart, making clean removal a breeze.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate and Butter
Gently melt the dark chocolate and unsalted butter together in a heatproof bowl over simmering water on low to medium heat. You can also use the microwave on low power with short bursts to avoid burning the chocolate. The key here is to have a smooth, glossy chocolate-butter mixture that forms the base of the batter’s decadence.
Step 3: Whip the Eggs and Sugars
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs along with both granulated and brown sugar until the mixture becomes pale and thick—this usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes with an electric mixer. This step is crucial because it incorporates air for a lighter texture while balancing sweetness with structure.
Step 4: Combine Chocolate Mixture with Eggs
Slowly add the melted chocolate and butter mixture into the egg-sugar mixture as your mixer runs on low speed. This gradual incorporation prevents the eggs from cooking and helps everything blend smoothly without lumps.
Step 5: Fold in Dry Ingredients
Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and salt. Then fold these dry ingredients gently into the wet mix with a rubber spatula. Avoid overmixing here—just enough to combine the ingredients will keep your brownies tender and fudgy.
Step 6: Add the Pecans and Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the surface using an offset spatula. Scatter chopped pecans evenly over the top to add that signature crunch. Bake for about 35 minutes until the edges look set and firm while the center remains slightly gooey but not raw. Keep a close eye—overbaking will steal away the fudgy magic.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing. Cooling lets them firm up perfectly, making clean, beautiful cuts easier. This is the patience step that pays off big in the end!
How to Serve Pecan Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few extra whole pecans on top just before serving for an inviting rustic look. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce can elevate the sweetness and make presentation pop.
Side Dishes
Pecan brownies pair beautifully with a scoop of rich vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. A warm cup of coffee or a robust black tea complements the chocolate and pecans perfectly for a cozy treat time.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, cut brownies into bite-sized squares and serve on a decorative platter with pecan halves artfully placed among them. Or layer chunked brownies with vanilla ice cream and berry compote in parfait glasses for a decadent dessert with a flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any uneaten brownies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay moist and delicious for 3 to 4 days, making them perfect for a quick indulgence during the week.
Freezing
If you want to savor these treats longer, pecan brownies freeze beautifully. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can last up to 3 months while maintaining their rich textures.
Reheating
To bring your brownies back to that just-baked warmth, microwave a slice for 15 to 20 seconds or pop it in a 150°C (300°F) oven for about 5 minutes. Warm brownies enhance their fudgy softness and make the nuts’ aroma pop even more.
FAQs
Can I substitute walnuts for pecans in this Pecan Brownies Recipe?
Absolutely! Walnuts offer a similar texture and nutty flavor. They can be swapped one-to-one if pecans are not available or if you prefer a different nut.
Is it possible to make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes, try replacing the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend that measures equally. Just be sure your blend contains xanthan gum or another binder to keep the brownies from crumbling.
How can I tell when the brownies are done?
The edges should look set and firm, while the center remains slightly gooey but not raw. A toothpick inserted in the center might come out with moist crumbs, but not wet batter. Avoid over-baking to keep them fudgy.
Can I add chocolate chips or chunks to this recipe?
Of course! Toss in some chocolate chips or chunks along with the pecans for an extra layer of melted chocolate goodness.
Do I need to use room temperature eggs?
Room temperature eggs help the batter come together better and whip up fluffier, which improves texture. If you forget to take them out, a quick warm water bath (in their shells) works to warm them gently.
Final Thoughts
This Pecan Brownies Recipe is a treasure to bake and share. It offers that comforting combo of sweet, nutty, and chocolatey that brownies lovers dream about. I genuinely encourage you to give this recipe a try—the joy of biting into soft, fudgy brownies dotted with crunchy pecans is truly unbeatable, and once you do, they’ll become a cherished favorite in your baking repertoire too.
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Pecan Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
Description
These rich and fudgy pecan brownies combine the deep flavors of dark chocolate and cocoa with a perfect crunch from toasted pecans. This classic dessert is baked to perfection, yielding a moist, slightly gooey center with a satisfying crispy edge. Ideal for chocolate lovers seeking an indulgent treat with a nutty twist.
Ingredients
Chocolate Mixture
- 170 g Dark Chocolate
- 170 g Unsalted Butter
Wet Ingredients
- 4 Eggs (at room temperature)
- 200 g Granulated Sugar
- 150 g Brown Sugar
Dry Ingredients
- 45 g Cocoa Powder (unsweetened, Dutch processed)
- 120 g All Purpose Flour
- ½ teaspoon Cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon Salt
Add-ins
- 200 g Pecans (chopped)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F) without fan and grease a 9-inch (23 cm) brownie pan lightly with oil. Line the bottom and sides with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Melt chocolate and butter: In a heatproof bowl over simmering water, gently melt the dark chocolate and unsalted butter together on low-medium heat. Alternatively, use the microwave on low power to avoid burning.
- Whip eggs with sugars: Using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the room-temperature eggs with granulated and brown sugar until pale and fluffy, about 5-7 minutes, which helps incorporate air for a lighter texture.
- Combine chocolate mixture with eggs: While mixing on low speed, slowly pour the melted chocolate and butter mixture into the egg-sugar mixture, ensuring an even blend without curdling.
- Add dry ingredients: Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and salt. Fold these gently into the wet ingredients with a rubber spatula until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep brownies tender.
- Pour batter and add pecans: Transfer the brownie batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top evenly. Sprinkle chopped pecans generously over the surface for a crunchy topping.
- Bake the brownies: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35 minutes. The brownies are done when the edges look set and firm, while the center remains slightly gooey but not raw. Be careful not to overbake as the texture firms up during cooling.
- Cool completely: Allow the brownies to cool fully in the pan on a wire rack before slicing to ensure clean cuts and proper texture.
- Store leftovers: Keep any remaining brownies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will remain fresh for up to 3-4 days.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature eggs to help with proper mixing and texture.
- Be cautious when melting chocolate to avoid burning; melting slowly is key.
- Do not overmix the batter after adding dry ingredients to prevent dense brownies.
- Cooling completely before slicing prevents crumbling and ensures neat squares.
- Storage at room temperature keeps the brownies moist; refrigeration may dry them out.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
