Oh my goodness, have I got a treat for you! These fudgy pecan brownies are my absolute favorite go-to dessert, and trust me, once you taste them, you’ll understand why! There’s something so comforting about the rich, chocolatey goodness mixed with the crunch of pecans that just makes my heart sing. I remember the first time I made these brownies for a family gathering; the aroma filled the entire house, and everyone couldn’t wait to dig in! They’re not only delicious but super easy to whip up, making them perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re hosting a party, having a cozy night in, or just craving something sweet, these fudgy pecan brownies are guaranteed to impress. They come together quickly, and you probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. So grab your mixing bowl and let’s get baking some chocolatey joy!
Ingredients List
Before we dive into baking these scrumptious fudgy pecan brownies, let’s gather our ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter – This is the magic that makes our brownies rich and fudgy!
- 2 cups granulated sugar – Sweetness overload that balances the chocolatey flavors perfectly.
- 4 large eggs – These are essential for that delightful texture, adding moisture and richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A splash of vanilla takes the flavor to the next level!
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – This helps give structure to our brownies without making them too cakey.
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder – The star of the show! It’s what brings that intense chocolate flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – A pinch of salt enhances all the sweet and chocolatey goodness; trust me!
- 1 cup chopped pecans – For that perfect crunch and nutty flavor that complements the chocolate beautifully.
How to Prepare fudgy pecan brownies
Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, let’s jump into the fun part—making these fudgy pecan brownies! Follow these simple steps, and I promise you’ll have a decadent treat to share (or not!) in no time.
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, we need to get that oven warmed up! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because we want our brownies to bake evenly and get that perfect fudgy texture. While the oven is heating up, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it well with butter or non-stick spray to prevent any sticking. You can also line it with parchment paper for an easy lift-out later!
Mixing the Batter
Now, let’s melt our unsalted butter. Place it in a saucepan over low heat and watch it closely; we want it melted but not bubbling away. Once it’s melted, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. I like to mix it all together until it’s nice and smooth—it smells heavenly already!
Next up, we’re adding our dry ingredients. Gently mix in the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Finally, fold in the chopped pecans; this is where the magic happens as you get that delightful crunch in every bite.
Baking the Brownies
Pour that luscious brownie batter into your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Now here’s the trick: you’ll know they’re done when the edges look set, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Overbaking can lead to dry brownies, so keep an eye on them!
Cooling and Serving
Once they’re out of the oven, resist the urge to dive in right away—let them cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. After that, you can transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling time is vital for achieving those perfectly fudgy squares!
When you’re ready to serve, cut them into generous squares. They’re fantastic on their own, but feel free to dress them up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar for extra flair. Enjoy every bite of your delicious fudgy pecan brownies!
FAQ Section
Got questions? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries about these delicious fudgy pecan brownies that might help you out.
Can I substitute the pecans with other nuts?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of pecans or just want to switch things up, walnuts work great too. You could even try almonds for a different flavor profile!
How do I store leftover brownies?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature. They actually taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together. If you’ve got leftovers (which is rare!), they’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days.
Can I freeze these brownies?
You sure can! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and pop them in the freezer. They’ll keep for up to 2 months! Thaw them in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy again.
What if I don’t have unsweetened cocoa powder?
No problem! You can use Dutch-processed cocoa powder instead; just keep in mind it might slightly alter the flavor. Avoid using sweetened cocoa powder, as it’ll make your brownies too sweet.
How do I know when my brownies are done?
The best way to check is to insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they’re perfect! If it comes out clean, they might be overbaked, so keep an eye on them during the last few minutes.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes! You can swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s a one-to-one substitute, and you’ll be good to go!
Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?
Oh, definitely! Adding chocolate chips will make these brownies even more decadent. Just fold in about a cup along with the pecans for an extra chocolatey treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—whip these up in just 15 minutes of active time!
- Rich, chocolatey flavor that satisfies even the fiercest chocolate cravings.
- Fudgy texture that melts in your mouth, thanks to the perfect balance of ingredients.
- Easy cleanup—just one bowl and a pan to wash!
- Versatile: enjoy them plain or dress them up with ice cream or toppings.
- Perfect for sharing at parties or keeping all to yourself (I won’t tell!).
- They taste even better the next day, if they last that long!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re all set to make these fudgy pecan brownies, let me share some of my best tips to ensure your brownies turn out absolutely perfect every single time!
- Don’t overmix the batter: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a cakey texture instead of that rich, fudgy goodness we’re after!
- Use high-quality cocoa powder: The better the cocoa, the richer the flavor! Look for a brand that’s unsweetened and gives you that deep chocolate taste.
- Check your oven temperature: Ovens can be sneaky! If your brownies seem to bake too quickly or slowly, consider using an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
- Let them cool completely: I know it’s hard to resist, but allowing your brownies to cool completely before cutting helps them set up perfectly. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
- Experiment with mix-ins: Feel free to get creative! Besides pecans, you can throw in chocolate chips, caramel swirls, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for an extra flavor boost.
- Use a metal pan for better results: If you have one, a metal pan helps with even cooking and browning. Glass or ceramic pans can lead to uneven baking.
- Adjust baking time for chewy brownies: If you love them extra fudgy, take them out of the oven when they’re just set and a toothpick comes out with some moist crumbs. They’ll continue to cook a bit as they cool!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re set to create a batch of fudgy pecan brownies that’ll knock everyone’s socks off. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information Section
Let’s talk nutrition! While these fudgy pecan brownies are a delightful treat, it’s always good to know what we’re indulging in. Here’s the estimated nutritional data for one brownie:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 3g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But hey, a little indulgence is totally worth it when it comes to these rich, chocolatey brownies! Enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Fudgy Pecan Brownies: 7 Reasons You’ll Crave Them Daily
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious fudgy pecan brownies that are rich and chocolatey.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat.
- Remove from heat and stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
- Mix in flour, cocoa powder, and salt until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped pecans.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Let cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Store brownies in an airtight container.
- They taste better the next day.
- You can substitute walnuts for pecans if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: fudgy pecan brownies
