Oh my goodness, folks! If you’re ready to take your brownie game to the next level, then let me introduce you to my absolute favorite dessert: Fudgy Chocolate Pecan Brownies. Nothing beats that rich, gooey goodness paired with the delightful crunch of pecans. Seriously, every bite is like a little piece of chocolate heaven!
I’ve been making these brownies for years, and I can’t tell you how many times they’ve saved my bacon. Whether it was potlucks, birthday parties, or just a Tuesday night craving, these brownies never let me down. I remember one time during a family gathering, my cousin practically camped out by the dessert table, and I couldn’t figure out why until I realized he had devoured half the batch. That’s the magic of these brownies—everybody wants more!
What’s in Fudgy Chocolate Pecan Brownies?
Let’s break down the stars of the show, shall we?
Unsalted Butter: The luscious fat that makes these brownies so fudgy and rich! I prefer using a good-quality butter because taste matters, right? Look for brands like Kerrygold for exceptional flavor.
Granulated Sugar: Ahh, the sweet stuff! It balances the rich chocolate and adds that necessary sweetness to the mix.
Brown Sugar: Packed with molasses, brown sugar adds moisture and a subtle hint of caramel flavor that makes these brownies even more delectable.
Eggs: This is what helps bind everything together. I always use large eggs for consistency. Make sure they’re at room temperature for the best results.
Vanilla Extract: You wouldn’t believe the magic this little ingredient adds! It deepens flavors and gives the brownies that lovely home-baked aroma. Go for pure vanilla extract; it’s worth it.
All-Purpose Flour: Creates the structure for your brownies. You want just enough to hold it all together but not so much that it takes away from the fudginess!
Cocoa Powder: The heart and soul of these brownies! I always opt for unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich chocolatey flavor.
Chopped Pecans: These crunchy gems provide a delightful texture contrast and nutty flavor that elevates these brownies to gourmet status.
Chocolate Chips: For ultimate decadence! Use semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips depending on how intense you want the chocolate flavor.
Is Fudgy Chocolate Pecan Brownies Good for You?
Okay, let’s be honest; these brownies are a dessert, so they’re not exactly a health food. But hey, everything in moderation, right?
Pecans: On the positive side, pecans are packed with healthy fats, antioxidants, and minerals like magnesium and zinc. They also provide a nice source of fiber, which can help with digestion.
Dark Chocolate: If you opt for dark chocolate chips, you’re in luck! Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants and can improve heart health when consumed in moderation.
Overall, while these brownies are certainly a treat, they do come with some perks if you choose to savor them rejoicefully!
Ingredients List
– 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– 4 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 cup chopped pecans
– 1 cup chocolate chips
This recipe serves about 12 generous brownies (or more if you’re feeling generous!).
How to Make Fudgy Chocolate Pecan Brownies?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. I prefer parchment so I can easily lift the brownies out later—easy peasy!
2. In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the granulated sugar and brown sugar until well combined.
3. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and cocoa powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Fold in the chopped pecans and chocolate chips. This is where the magic happens—chocolate chips melting into the batter, oh yum!
6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are set but the center is still soft. They may look a bit underbaked, but trust me, that’s where the fudginess lies!
7. Let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then lift them out and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting them into squares. Patience, my friend!
Fudge-tastic Tips and Tricks
– Want to mix it up? Try adding a swirl of peanut butter or caramel on top before baking for a fun flavor twist.
– If you’re feeling adventurous, you could add some crushed sea salt on top for that sweet-salty combo.
– These brownies freeze beautifully! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and they’ll be good for up to 3 months. Perfect for when you have unexpected guests!
I hope you give these Fudgy Chocolate Pecan Brownies a try! They’re perfect for any occasion—or no occasion at all! I’d love to hear how yours turn out, and I promise you’ll impress everyone (including yourself) with your baking skills. Happy baking!