Fudgy Pecan Brownies Recipe

Irresistibly Fudgy Pecan Brownies Recipe: Sweet Bliss in Every Bite

Chocolate dreams take shape with these delectable fudgy pecan brownies that melt in your mouth.

Rich cocoa and toasted nuts create a symphony of indulgent flavors.

Crisp edges give way to an impossibly soft center packed with nutty crunch.

The recipe whispers pure comfort and decadence in every single bite.

Layers of deep chocolate intensity dance alongside caramelized pecan notes.

Home bakers will find pure joy in crafting these irresistible squares of happiness.

You can’t help but fall in love with this ultimate dessert experience that promises pure bliss.

Why You’ll Love Fudgy Pecan Brownies Instantly

  • Quick and Easy Chocolate Delight: These brownies whip up in under 45 minutes, perfect for satisfying sudden sweet cravings without complicated steps.
  • Nutty Texture Party: Chopped pecans add irresistible crunch and depth, transforming classic brownies into a gourmet treat that elevates everyday dessert experience.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Dessert: Fudgy, rich chocolate combined with buttery pecans creates a universally loved dessert that works for casual family nights, potlucks, or weekend baking adventures.
  • Flexible Serving Wonder: Delicious served warm or at room temperature, these brownies adapt to any mood or occasion, making them a versatile go-to recipe for chocolate lovers.

What’s Inside Fudgy Pecan Brownies

Chocolate Base:
  • Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Deep chocolate flavor with rich, intense taste, best when high-quality and dark.
  • Chocolate Chips: Provides extra chocolate pockets and melty texture, semi-sweet works best.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure and helps bind the brownie mixture, standard unbleached flour recommended.
  • Baking Powder: Provides light lift and tender crumb to the brownies.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
Wet Ingredients and Nuts:
  • Butter, Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Creates rich, moist base with deep caramel undertones, unsalted butter preferred.
  • Eggs: Binds ingredients and provides structure, room temperature eggs work best.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and rounds out chocolate flavor, pure extract recommended.
  • Pecans: Brings nutty crunch and complementary texture, toasted pecans offer deeper flavor.

How To Make Fudgy Pecan Brownies Step By Step

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven and Prepare Baking Space

Crank up your oven to a toasty 350F (175C). Grab your baking pan and give it some love:
  • Butter the sides generously
  • Line the bottom with parchment paper
  • Ensure the surface is completely covered

Step 2: Create Decadent Brownie Magic

In a large mixing bowl, blend these ingredients into a rich mixture:
  • Melted butter
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar
Whisk with passion until everything looks smooth and glossy. Add these next:
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract

Combine until the mixture looks silky and inviting.

In another bowl, sift together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Cocoa powder
  • Salt
  • Baking powder
Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients. Don’t overmix! Sprinkle in:
  • Chocolate chips
  • Chopped pecans

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Pour that luscious batter into your prepared pan. Spread evenly with a spatula. Scatter extra pecans on top for a beautiful crunch. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The brownies are ready when a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 4: Cool and Indulge

Allow brownies to rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely. Slice into squares and savor every rich, nutty bite!

Smart Tips For Fudgy Pecan Brownies

  • Swap Nuts Smartly: Replace pecans with walnuts, almonds, or skip nuts entirely for nut-free brownies, perfect for those with allergies or different taste preferences.
  • Chocolate Depth Trick: Use high-quality dark chocolate or cocoa powder to intensify the rich, fudgy flavor and create a more complex chocolate experience.
  • Moisture Magic: Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent tough brownies; stir just until ingredients are combined for that coveted soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  • Storage Secret: Keep brownies fresh by storing in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, or refrigerate for up to a week to maintain their delicious consistency.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend to make these brownies accessible for those with gluten sensitivities.

Best Way To Store Fudgy Pecan Brownies

  • Seal brownies in an airtight container to keep them fresh and moist.
  • Refrigerate for up to 5 days, wrapping tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
  • Freeze brownies for longer storage by placing them in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture and flavor.
  • Pro tip: Individual brownies wrapped separately freeze beautifully and make quick, delicious treats for sudden sweet cravings.
  • Always bring refrigerated or frozen brownies to room temperature before serving to restore their rich, fudgy consistency.

Perfect Pairings For Fudgy Pecan Brownies

  • Pair with Creamy Coffee Delight: Brew a rich, medium-roast coffee with hints of caramel to complement the deep chocolate and nutty pecan flavors in these fudgy brownies.
  • Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Scoop cold, creamy vanilla bean ice cream alongside the warm brownies to create a heavenly contrast of temperatures and textures.
  • Enjoy with Dessert Wine Elegance: Serve a sweet port or late-harvest red wine to enhance the brownie's richness and bring out the chocolate's complex notes.
  • Sip Milk Chocolate Harmony: Enjoy a cold glass of whole milk or chocolate milk that perfectly balances the intense chocolate and adds a smooth, creamy dimension to each bite.

Try These Versions Of Fudgy Pecan Brownies

  • Nutty Caramel Swirl Brownies: Replace chocolate chips with caramel chips and swirl caramel sauce through the batter before baking. Top with extra chopped pecans and a drizzle of salted caramel for a rich, gooey experience.
  • Dark Chocolate Espresso Brownies: Mix in 1-2 tablespoons of instant espresso powder to intensify the chocolate flavor. Use dark chocolate chips and sprinkle sea salt on top for a sophisticated, deep chocolate profile.
  • Gluten-Free Almond Brownies: Substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend. Add almond extract alongside vanilla for enhanced nutty undertones. Garnish with sliced almonds for extra crunch.
  • Mexican Chocolate Pecan Brownies: Incorporate ground cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne pepper into the dry ingredients. Use Mexican chocolate or add a dash of chili powder to create a warming, spicy-sweet brownie that tingles the taste buds.

Fudgy Pecan Brownies FAQs In One Place

  • Why use both granulated and brown sugar in these brownies?

Brown sugar adds moisture and a deeper caramel-like flavor, while granulated sugar provides sweetness and helps create that classic crispy brownie top. The combination gives these brownies a rich, complex taste that sets them apart from ordinary brownies.

  • Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Make sure to check that all other ingredients are also gluten-free to ensure safe preparation for those with gluten sensitivities.

  • How do I know when the brownies are perfectly baked?

Look for slightly pulled edges and a toothpick that comes out with a few moist crumbs. The center should look set but not completely dry. Overbaking will result in dry, tough brownies, so it’s better to err on the side of slightly underbaked.

  • What makes these brownies extra fudgy?

The combination of melted butter, cocoa powder, and chocolate chips creates an incredibly rich and fudgy texture. Avoiding overmixing the batter and not overbaking are key to maintaining that delicious, moist consistency that brownie lovers crave.

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Fudgy Pecan Brownies Recipe

Fudgy Pecan Brownies Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 16 1x

Description

Chocolate lovers will swoon over these fudgy pecan brownies, a decadent dessert that marries rich cocoa with crunchy nuts. Crisp edges and gooey centers promise pure indulgence, inviting you to savor each luxurious bite of pure chocolate bliss.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Chocolate Ingredients:

  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour

Sweeteners and Binding Ingredients:

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Texture and Flavor Enhancers:

  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¾ cup chopped pecans (plus extra for topping)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cooking environment by heating the oven to 350F (175C) and lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete surface coverage for easy removal.
  2. Create a smooth base by whisking melted butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes glossy and well-integrated.
  3. Incorporate eggs and vanilla extract into the sugar mixture, blending thoroughly to develop a rich, consistent texture.
  4. Sift the dry ingredients – flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder – into a separate bowl to eliminate potential lumps and ensure even distribution.
  5. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, using careful, minimal strokes to maintain the batter’s airy consistency and prevent overmixing.
  6. Introduce chocolate chips and chopped pecans into the batter, distributing them evenly for a balanced flavor profile and delightful textural contrast.
  7. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula to create an even layer and promote uniform baking.
  8. Sprinkle additional pecans across the top of the batter to enhance visual appeal and provide a delightful crunch.
  9. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, monitoring until a toothpick inserted near the center reveals a few moist crumbs.
  10. Allow the brownies to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, enabling them to set and cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack.
  11. Once completely cooled, slice into squares and serve, enjoying the rich, fudgy texture and nutty undertones.

Notes

  • Boost chocolate intensity by using high-quality dark cocoa powder for deeper, richer flavor profiles.
  • Swap pecans with alternative nuts like walnuts or almonds for dietary preferences or regional availability.
  • Toast pecans before adding to batter to enhance their nutty, caramelized taste and create a more complex texture.
  • For gluten-free version, replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free baking mix to maintain similar dense, fudgy consistency.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 16
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 95 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
James Mitchell

James Mitchell

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Creation and Testing​, Fusion Cuisine​, Food Styling and Photography​, Culinary Education​

Education

Kendall College, Chicago, IL

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classic and modern cooking techniques, with a specialization in international cuisines.​

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Advanced Certificate in Gastronomy
  • Focus: In-depth studies of global food cultures, flavor profiling, and innovative recipe development.​

James Mitchell is the founder and fearless flavor explorer at Cooking Crusade. With a degree in Culinary Arts from Kendall College and advanced training in global gastronomy from The Culinary Institute of America, James has spent over a decade perfecting the art of recipe creation. 

His background includes fine dining, private cheffing, and food styling, but his true joy comes from turning big ideas into doable recipes for home cooks. Every dish he shares is a mix of creativity, culture, and a little kitchen magic, built to bring excitement back to everyday meals.

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