If you’re craving a show-stopping treat that’s both crowd-pleasing and delightfully easy to make, you’re in for a true indulgence with these Pecan Brownies. Rich, fudgy, and packed with toasted pecans in every bite, this heavenly dessert strikes that perfect balance between chewy and gooey. With a glossy, crackly top and subtle nutty undertones, each square is a wonderful marriage of chocolate decadence and crunchy pecan goodness—just the kind of pick-me-up that brightens any day, whether you’re baking for a special occasion or sneaking a nibble as a midnight snack!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For truly irresistible Pecan Brownies, each ingredient plays a vital role. The vibrant chocolate notes, toasty nuts, and a touch of sweetness all come together to create a perfectly textured and flavorful treat. Here’s what you’ll need—and why it matters:

Unsalted Butter: Creates that luscious, melt-in-your-mouth texture and lets you control the saltiness.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate: Melts into the batter, adding deep cocoa richness and fudgy depth.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the brownies while helping form the signature shiny top.
Brown Sugar: Adds a subtle hint of molasses, extra moisture, and a chewy texture.
Large Eggs: Bind everything together and give the brownies structure while keeping them moist.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the chocolate and pecan flavors, making every bite more aromatic.
All-Purpose Flour: Provides body and lift without making the brownies cakey.
Cocoa Powder: Intensifies the chocolate flavor and reinforces the deep color.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and sharpens the flavors of chocolate and nuts.
Pecan Halves (toasted): Infuses that iconic nutty crunch, taking these Pecan Brownies from good to unforgettable!

How to Make Pecan Brownies

Step 1: Toast the Pecans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the pecan halves on a baking sheet and toast them for 7-8 minutes until they’re fragrant and golden brown. Cooling them before chopping keeps them crisp and makes them easier to fold into the batter later.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Line an 8×8-inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang on the sides to easily lift the brownies out after baking. Give the paper a light spritz with nonstick spray or brush with melted butter—this ensures perfect slices every time and a stress-free cleanup.

Step 3: Melt Chocolate and Butter

Combine the chopped chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl. Melt them together, either in the microwave in short bursts or over a double boiler, stirring until smooth and glistening. Let the mixture cool slightly—this is key for perfectly textured brownies.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

Whisk the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract together in a large bowl until the mixture is pale and thick. This step helps create the batter’s glossy top and dense crumb.

Step 5: Combine and Add Dry Ingredients

Stir the melted chocolate mixture into the egg-sugar mixture, blending well. Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Mix gently just until no streaks remain—overmixing can make brownies tough instead of chewy.

Step 6: Fold in the Toasted Pecans

Reserve a scant handful of pecans for the top, then fold the remaining toasted pecans into the batter. Their buttery, nutty crunch transforms these Pecan Brownies into something truly memorable.

Step 7: Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top. Sprinkle over the reserved pecans for a pretty finish. Bake for 30-35 minutes, just until the edges are set and a toothpick in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Allow your brownies to cool completely in the pan. Use the parchment handles to lift them onto a cutting board. For super-clean slices, wipe your knife between cuts. Get ready for ooohs and aaahs with every fudgy piece!

How to Serve Pecan Brownies

Garnishes

For a delightful finishing touch, sift a bit of powdered sugar over each brownie or drizzle with warm chocolate sauce. A few extra toasted pecan pieces on top never hurt either—show off what’s inside!

Side Dishes

Pecan Brownies are rich enough to enjoy all on their own, but you can pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an elevated dessert. Fresh berries or a cup of strong, hot coffee also make wonderful companions.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your brownies as little stacks tied with a ribbon for edible gifts, or cut into bite-sized squares as part of a dessert board. You could even layer crumbled brownies in a parfait with ice cream and caramel for a decadent sundae treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Pecan Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. The flavors deepen over time, and the nutty crunch remains irresistible!

Freezing

Pecan Brownies freeze beautifully: wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap and freeze in a zip-top bag up to three months. Thaw at room temperature for a quick chocolate fix whenever you crave it.

Reheating

For that just-baked warmth, pop a brownie in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. The chocolate gets extra melty and the aroma fills the kitchen all over again—a must-try with a scoop of ice cream!

FAQs

Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! While the pecans are the star here, walnuts or hazelnuts also work wonderfully if that’s what you have in your pantry. Just toast them for the best flavor.

What kind of chocolate works best for Pecan Brownies?

Semi-sweet chocolate is ideal for a deep, fudgy bite, but you can use bittersweet if you prefer a less sweet dessert. Try to avoid milk chocolate, as it can make the brownies overly sweet and change the texture.

How do I know when my brownies are done baking?

Look for set edges and a slightly soft center. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with some moist crumbs (not wet batter)—this ensures those signature chewy Pecan Brownies rather than dry ones!

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, just bake the batter in a 9×13-inch pan for delicious Pecan Brownies for a crowd! The baking time will increase by a few minutes, so keep an eye on the middle and use the toothpick test.

Do I need to refrigerate Pecan Brownies?

No refrigeration is needed—just store them tightly covered at room temperature. If you live in a particularly hot climate, the fridge can help keep the chocolate from melting but it may slightly firm up the brownies’ texture.

Final Thoughts

Pecan Brownies truly are a joy to bake and share. Each bite promises rich chocolate, nutty pecans, and a texture that’s absolutely addictive. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe—your kitchen is about to smell amazing and your taste buds will thank you! Grab your apron and treat yourself (and your friends!) to a homemade batch soon.

Pecan Brownies Recipe