Name: Pecan Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter; 2 cups granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup chopped pecans; 1/2 cup chocolate chips; 1/4 cup granulated sugar

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If you’ve never experienced the pure delight of sinking your teeth into rich, fudgy Pecan Brownies, you’re in for a treat. This classic dessert is all about that perfect partnership—deep, chocolatey goodness swirled together with nutty, toasted pecans in each bite. They’re anything but ordinary brownies: think intense flavor, crave-worthy texture, and just the right amount of crunch. Whether you’re baking a pan to share at a gathering or just for your own cozy night in, these brownies are a guaranteed showstopper that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Pecan Brownies is that you probably have most of the ingredients on hand already. Each one plays its own unique role—some add flavor, others promise that signature texture, and a few are here to guarantee that glossy, irresistible brownie top.

Butter: Use unsalted butter, melted—this gives the brownies their signature richness and ultra-fudgy crumb.
Bittersweet chocolate: Choose a high-quality chocolate (around 70% cacao) for that complex, robust flavor foundation.
Cocoa powder: Dutch-process or natural is fine—cocoa powder deepens the chocolate taste and boosts color.
Granulated sugar: Not just for sweetness—this helps achieve that shiny, crackly crust on top of your brownies.
Brown sugar: Adds chewiness and a subtle caramel undertone that pairs perfectly with pecans.
Large eggs: These bind everything together while keeping the brownies dreamy and moist.
Vanilla extract: Just a splash enhances every note of chocolate.
All-purpose flour: No fancy flours needed—regular flour delivers just the right structure.
Salt: A little goes a long way in balancing sweetness and amplifying chocolate flavor.
Pecans: Toasted for extra crunch and flavor, then chopped and folded in for irresistible texture.

How to Make Pecan Brownies

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Ingredients

Set yourself up for brownie success by lining a square baking pan (8×8-inch is perfect) with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease the sides if you like. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and while it warms up, measure out and chop your pecans—give them a quick toast in the oven for 5 to 7 minutes, watching carefully so they don’t burn. Trust me, that nutty aroma is a little moment of happiness all on its own.

Step 2: Melt Chocolate and Butter

In a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water (or in the microwave if you’re in a hurry), gently melt the butter and bittersweet chocolate together. Stir until completely smooth and glossy, then take it off the heat and let it cool for a minute—this prevents hot chocolate from scrambling your eggs later on.

Step 3: Whisk Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture looks thick and pale, and the sugars have mostly dissolved. Stir in the vanilla extract. This step adds air and ensures a tender, glossy top when baked.

Step 4: Bring on the Chocolate

Pour the melted chocolate and butter mixture into the egg-sugar blend, whisking constantly until everything is completely combined. At this stage, the batter will look glossy and deeply chocolatey—it’s hard to resist a quick taste!

Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients

Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt right over the bowl. Gently fold everything together with a spatula, stopping as soon as you see no more dry streaks—overmixing here can lead to tough brownies, and we want them to stay fudgy.

Step 6: Fold in Pecans

Add in your chopped, toasted pecans and fold just until they’re evenly distributed. If you like a little extra crunch, reserve a handful for sprinkling on top before baking. This is the magic step that makes pecan brownies so unforgettable.

Step 7: Bake!

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and gently smooth the surface. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter). Let the brownies cool in the pan before lifting them out with the parchment overhang.

How to Serve Pecan Brownies

Garnishes

For a simple touch of elegance, dust your pecan brownies with powdered sugar or drizzle them with a thin ribbon of melted chocolate. A sprinkling of extra chopped, toasted pecans over the top before serving adds texture and makes them look irresistible. If you’re feeling fancy, a pinch of flaky sea salt sparks a salted-caramel vibe that’s out of this world.

Side Dishes

Pecan brownies love good company. Serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a classic pairing. Fresh berries, especially raspberries or strawberries, provide a lively contrast to all that chocolate richness, and a hot cup of coffee or cool glass of milk is the perfect finishing touch.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to show off a little, cut your brownies into mini squares and stack them on a tiered stand for a party-ready treat. For a fun twist, break up a few brownies and layer them into individual parfait glasses with whipped cream and caramel sauce. Or turn them into an over-the-top ice cream sundae bar—just set out the brownies, toppings, and let everyone build their dream dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover pecan brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If your kitchen is especially warm, refrigerating them keeps them fresh and fudgy. Let them come to room temp before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

Pecan brownies freeze like a dream! Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to three months. When your chocolate craving hits, simply thaw on the counter for an hour or two, and they’ll taste just as decadent as the day you baked them.

Reheating

If you love a gooey brownie, pop one in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds before eating. The chocolate softens, the pecans warm up, and suddenly it’s like you just pulled a fresh batch from the oven. For a crowd, reheat a whole pan covered with foil in a low oven until warmed through.

FAQs

How can I tell when my pecan brownies are done baking?

The best way to check is to insert a toothpick into the center—it should come out with moist crumbs, not raw batter. Remember, they’ll continue to firm up as they cool. Overbaking leads to dry brownies, so start checking a couple of minutes before you think they’re ready.

Do I need to toast the pecans first?

Toasting the pecans before folding them into the batter makes a world of difference! It amps up their flavor and ensures they stay crunchy, not soft. Just keep a close eye on them in the oven, as they can go from golden to burnt in a flash.

Can I use other nuts besides pecans?

Absolutely. Walnuts, hazelnuts, or even almonds would work well—but pecans have a mellow, buttery flavor that’s uniquely delicious with chocolate. A mix of your favorites is always fun for a twist on traditional pecan brownies.

What makes brownies fudgy instead of cakey?

It all comes down to the fat-to-flour ratio and how long you bake them. More chocolate and butter and just enough flour give you dense, fudgy brownies, while extra flour or baking for too long will make them more cake-like. Follow the measurements, and don’t overbake for that perfect fudginess.

Is it okay to double this recipe?

You sure can! Just bake it in a 9×13-inch pan and add a few extra minutes to the bake time. Keep an eye on the center, and if needed, cover with foil to prevent over-browning the edges. Perfect for potlucks, parties, or whenever you need a big batch of pecan brownies.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or a spontaneous chocolate craving, these pecan brownies always deliver pure comfort and a little bit of wow-factor. I promise, once you’ve made them, they’ll earn a permanent spot in your dessert rotation—so grab your apron and share the joy with someone you love!

Pecan Brownies Recipe

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4.9 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 12 brownies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in these rich and fudgy pecan brownies that are perfect for any chocolate lover. The crunchy pecans add a delightful texture to these decadent treats.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Brownies:

1 cup unsalted butter
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Topping:

1 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/4 cup granulated sugar

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Melt butter: In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Remove from heat and stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Beat in cocoa, flour, salt, and pecans.
Bake: Spread the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle with chocolate chips and sugar. Bake for 25-30 minutes.
Cool and cut: Let the brownies cool in the pan before cutting into squares. Enjoy!