Pecan Brownies

Chewy, gooey and downright decadent, pecan brownies contain just a few simple ingredients—and yet, they have complex flavor notes, thanks to the pairing of rich chocolate and caramel-tinged pecans. When a brownie recipe is this easy to execute, there’s no need to use a boxed mix (although there’s no shame in that). Make a big batch when the mood strikes, keep some on the counter for tonight’s dessert and store some in the freezer to enjoy later.

Ingredients for Pecan Brownies

• Butter: You can brown butter for a more toasted flavor; this also pairs nicely with the caramel notes of the pecans.
• Unsweetened chocolate: Unsweetened chocolate provides a rich, deep chocolate flavor to pecan nut brownies.
• Sugar: Sugar helps to add a crackly crust to these brownies.
• Eggs: Use room-temperature eggs to mix with the batter more easily.
• Vanilla extract: Vanilla extract rounds out all the flavors and adds complexity.
• All-purpose flour: Learn how to get the most accurate measurements with flour so you don’t add too much or too little (in short, we recommend using a kitchen scale).
• Pecans: Feel free to lightly toast the pecans before mixing them into the batter if you’d like them to taste more nutty.

Directions

Step 1: Melt the butter and chocolate

In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and chocolate.

Step 2: Stir in the other ingredients

Stir in the sugar and cool slightly. Add the eggs and vanilla and mix them well. Stir in the flour and pecans.

Step 3: Bake

Spread into a greased 8-inch square baking pan. Bake at 350° for 15 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. Serve with a big scoop of ice cream, if desired.

Pecan Brownies Variations

• Swap out the pecans for your favorite nut: Use walnuts, cashews, almonds or whatever other nut you’d like if you don’t have pecans on hand. 
• Add fun toppings: Add sprinkles, caramel syrup, or chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
• Use boxed mix: Of course, you can always mix pecans into a boxed mix if you’re short on time.

How to Store Pecan Brownies

Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting up into squares for storage. Then, store the brownies on the counter in an airtight container for up to two days. In the refrigerator, they’ll last up to five days, and in the freezer, up to three months.

Can you make pecan brownies ahead of time?

Yes, you can make these brownies ahead of time. Store the whole, uncut pan of brownies in the freezer. When you’re ready, thaw them in the refrigerator and warm them up in the oven before serving.

Pecan Brownies Tips

Can you make a vegan version of these brownies?

Yes, you can make these brownies vegan. Use dairy-free chocolate and a vegan binding agent like a flaxseed meal in place of the eggs.

Can you make gluten-free pecan brownies?

Yes. Simply swap the flour for gluten-free self-raising flour and make sure the chocolate you’re using is gluten-free.

How do you make sure these pecan brownies have the right texture?

Ensure your eggs are at room temperature before mixing and stir the sugar into the butter-chocolate mixture while it’s still hot to achieve the ideal chewy, fluffy texture.