If you are craving a rich and indulgent treat that perfectly balances intense chocolate flavor with the satisfying crunch of nuts, you’ve just found the ultimate answer: the Best Chocolate Pecan Brownies Recipe. These brownies are a luscious chocolate lover’s dream come true, featuring semi-sweet chocolate and cocoa powder for depth, complemented by toasted pecans and gooey chocolate chunks that melt in your mouth with every bite. Whether you want a fudgey center or a slightly cakey texture, this recipe lets you customize your ideal brownie experience. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become your go-to dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes these brownies so exceptional is how straightforward and accessible the ingredients are, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and appearance. From the creaminess of unsalted butter to the crunch of pecans, every element contributes to the magic of the Best Chocolate Pecan Brownies Recipe.
- 10 oz semi-sweet baking chocolate: The rich base of deep chocolate flavor that melts smoothly into the batter.
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds moisture and richness while helping achieve that luscious melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 3 large eggs: Provide structure and help create a tender crumb.
- 1 cup sugar: Sweetens the brownies just right, balancing the bittersweet chocolate.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate notes with a hint of warmth and depth.
- 1 pinch salt: Elevates all the flavors by cutting through the sweetness.
- 3/4 cup flour: The backbone of the batter, giving your brownies their body and chew.
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Boosts chocolate intensity and adds a gorgeous dark color.
- 1/2 cup pecans (roughly chopped): Provides delightful crunch and nutty flavor throughout.
- 1/2 cup chocolate chunks: Offers bursts of melty chocolate fun in every bite, feel free to mix semi-sweet, milk, or white!
How to Make Best Chocolate Pecan Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F. Line your 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure your brownies come out cleanly and with perfect edges. This simple prep step is the foundation of easy, mess-free baking.
Step 2: Melt Together Chocolate and Butter
Combine the semi-sweet baking chocolate and unsalted butter in a heatproof bowl. Gently melt them together, either using a microwave in short bursts or a double boiler set-up, stirring occasionally. This rich and silky mixture will be the luscious core of your brownie batter.
Step 3: Cream Wet Ingredients with a Temper
In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is light and slightly fluffy. To prevent the eggs from cooking when adding the warm chocolate, temper them by slowly whisking in a few spoonfuls of the melted chocolate mixture first, then gradually add the rest, continuing to whisk until fully smooth and glossy.
Step 4: Fold in Dry Ingredients and Nuts
Next, sift together the flour and cocoa powder directly over your wet mixture to avoid lumps. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet base until just combined—don’t overmix, or your brownies can turn dense. Lastly, fold in the roughly chopped pecans and chocolate chunks to sprinkle delicious pockets of texture and flavor throughout your batter.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour your batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, depending on if you prefer fudgy (less baking time) or more set brownies (closer to 40 minutes). Be sure to check with a toothpick inserted near the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
How to Serve Best Chocolate Pecan Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, sprinkle a few toasted pecan halves or a dusting of cocoa powder on top before serving. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside will elevate these brownies into a decadent dessert experience you’ll want to repeat.
Side Dishes
Serve your Best Chocolate Pecan Brownies Recipe with fresh berries or a berry compote, balancing the rich chocolate with a burst of brightness and acidity. A hot cup of coffee or robust black tea pairs beautifully, cutting through the sweetness for a perfect afternoon or after-dinner treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the brownies into bite-sized squares and arranging them on a pretty platter for a party or potluck. Alternatively, layer chunks of them in a parfait glass with mascarpone or vanilla pudding and chopped nuts for a show-stopping dessert mash-up that looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your brownies tightly in plastic wrap or keep them in an airtight container at room temperature to preserve their freshness for up to four days. This helps maintain that perfect chewy texture without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to keep your Best Chocolate Pecan Brownies Recipe ready for any craving, freeze them in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to three months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge to keep their melt-in-your-mouth charm intact.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy, warm your brownies briefly in the microwave—about 10 to 15 seconds—to bring back that freshly baked soft texture and melt the chocolate chunks inside. Just be careful not to overheat, or they can become dry.
FAQs
Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts make a wonderful substitute and will add their own unique crunch and flavor that pairs amazingly well with chocolate. Just chop them roughly and fold in the same way.
Is it possible to make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just be sure your cocoa powder and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
Look for edges that are set and pulling slightly from the pan, and a toothpick inserted in the center that comes out with moist crumbs but no raw batter. Checking at 30 minutes is a good start, then bake longer if needed.
Can I add other mix-ins besides pecans and chocolate chunks?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with dried fruit, coconut flakes, or even a swirl of peanut butter to customize your Best Chocolate Pecan Brownies Recipe to your tastes.
Why do my brownies sometimes turn out cakey instead of fudgy?
This usually comes down to mixing too much flour or overbaking. Be gentle when folding in dry ingredients and test your brownies with a toothpick early to catch that perfect fudgy texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the way chocolate and pecans come together in this Best Chocolate Pecan Brownies Recipe — a perfect blend of textures and flavors that’s guaranteed to bring smiles every time. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just indulging yourself, these brownies are sure to become a treasured favorite. So grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy some seriously delicious, melt-in-your-mouth moments!
Print
Best Chocolate Pecan Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
- Total Time: 45-55 minutes
- Yield: 9 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This recipe delivers the best rich and fudgy brownies with a perfect balance of chocolate and nuts. Melted semi-sweet baking chocolate combined with cocoa powder and butter creates a deep chocolate flavor, while chopped pecans and chocolate chunks add delightful texture. Easy to prepare and bake, these brownies are perfect for chocolate lovers looking for a classic dessert.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 10 oz semi-sweet baking chocolate (roughly chopped)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
- 3/4 cup flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup pecans (roughly chopped)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chunks (semi-sweet, milk, white, or mixed)
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat the oven to 300°F and line an 8×8 inch to 9×9 inch baking pan with baking parchment to ensure the brownies do not stick and are easy to remove after baking.
- Melt chocolate: Place the roughly chopped 10 oz semi-sweet baking chocolate and 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a bowl. Carefully melt the mixture using either the microwave in short intervals or a double boiler until smooth and fully combined, taking care not to burn the chocolate.
- Cream wet ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, beat 3 large eggs, 1 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Temper the eggs by adding a few spoonfuls of the melted chocolate mixture, whisking quickly to avoid cooking the eggs. Then, whisk in the remaining melted chocolate until the mixture is homogeneous and smooth.
- Finish brownie batter: Sift 3/4 cup flour and 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder over the wet mixture. Gently fold these dry ingredients in to combine without overmixing. Next, fold in the roughly chopped 1/2 cup pecans and 1/2 cup chocolate chunks evenly throughout the batter.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared lined baking pan and smooth the surface. Bake in the preheated oven at 300°F for 30 to 40 minutes, adjusting time depending on your preferred brownie texture—from fudgy and soft to more set. Check doneness with a toothpick inserted; it should come out with moist crumbs for fudgy brownies.
Notes
- Use good quality semi-sweet baking chocolate for the best flavor.
- Be careful while melting chocolate to avoid burning; use short microwave bursts or a gentle double boiler method.
- Adjust baking time according to your preferred brownie texture—less time for fudgier brownies, more for cakier ones.
- If you prefer, substitute pecans with walnuts or omit nuts for a nut-free version.
- Line the baking pan with parchment paper allowing some overhang to easily lift brownies out after baking.
