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
- 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.
- Create a smooth base by whisking melted butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes glossy and well-integrated.
- Incorporate eggs and vanilla extract into the sugar mixture, blending thoroughly to develop a rich, consistent texture.
- Sift the dry ingredients – flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder – into a separate bowl to eliminate potential lumps and ensure even distribution.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, using careful, minimal strokes to maintain the batter’s airy consistency and prevent overmixing.
- Introduce chocolate chips and chopped pecans into the batter, distributing them evenly for a balanced flavor profile and delightful textural contrast.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula to create an even layer and promote uniform baking.
- Sprinkle additional pecans across the top of the batter to enhance visual appeal and provide a delightful crunch.
- 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.
- Allow the brownies to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, enabling them to set and cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack.
- 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