Pecan Nut Fudge Brownies
Discover rich, gooey Pecan Nut Fudge Brownies with a perfect nutty crunch—a truly irresistible treat for every chocolate lover! This recipe combines velvety fudge texture with the delightful crunch of toasted pecans, creating a mouthwatering dessert that’s as comforting as it is decadent. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just indulging yourself, these brownies deliver on flavor and texture every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously fudgy texture: These brownies are soft and gooey in the center, offering a perfect melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Nutty crunch: Toasted pecans bring a satisfying, wholesome crunch that balances the rich chocolate perfectly.
- Simple ingredients: Crafted from pantry staples, this recipe emphasizes straightforward flavors without complicated steps.
- Versatile dessert: Pecan Nut Fudge Brownies suit any occasion, be it a casual snack or a special celebration.
- Easy to customize: Adding your favorite nuts or chocolate chips makes it an adaptable favorite every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient is chosen to contribute to the rich, smooth texture and deep chocolate flavor in this Pecan Nut Fudge Brownies recipe. The balance of butter, chocolate, and nuts brings out the best in each bite.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moistness, essential for that luscious fudge texture.
- Bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate: Provides intense chocolate flavor without overpowering sweetness.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the brownies while helping achieve the perfect crust.
- Large eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the dense yet tender crumb.
- All-purpose flour: Gives structure without making the brownies cakey.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall aroma and depth of flavor.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the chocolate taste.
- Chopped pecans: Toasted for maximum flavor and crunchy contrast.
Variations for Pecan Nut Fudge Brownies
Feel free to get creative! This Pecan Nut Fudge Brownies recipe adapts beautifully to different flavor profiles, dietary preferences, or just your mood at the moment.
- Swap nuts: Walnuts or almonds provide a different crunch while keeping that nutty appeal.
- Mix in chocolate chips: Add chunks of milk, dark, or white chocolate for extra gooey pockets.
- Healthier twist: Substitute some flour with almond meal for a gluten-reduced option.
- Spiced brownies: A pinch of cinnamon or chili powder adds warmth and subtle heat.
- Salted caramel topping: Drizzle caramel and sprinkle flaky sea salt for an indulgent finish.
How to Make Pecan Nut Fudge Brownies
Step 1: Prepare Your Pecans
Start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread chopped pecans on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 8–10 minutes until fragrant and golden. Toasting enhances their flavor and adds a pleasant crunch.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Chocolate
In a heatproof bowl over simmering water (double boiler), gently melt the butter and chocolate together. Stir until smooth and glossy, then remove from heat. This blend forms the luscious chocolate base of your brownies.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
Whisk the granulated sugar into the melted mixture until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract. The eggs help create the brownie’s rich and fudgy texture.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gently fold in the flour and salt, mixing just until no streaks remain for a tender crumb. Then, fold in the toasted pecans to distribute the nutty crunch evenly throughout the batter.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into a lined 8×8 inch baking pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the edges are set but the center still looks slightly underbaked—this ensures soft, gooey brownies.
Step 6: Cool and Cut
Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing. Cutting while warm can cause them to crumble, but once cool, you’ll get perfect, clean squares with a fudgy center and crunchy nuts.
Pro Tips for Making Pecan Nut Fudge Brownies
- Use quality chocolate: The chocolate quality directly affects flavor, so pick your favorite for the best results.
- Don’t overmix batter: Over stirring can lead to cakier brownies; fold just until combined.
- Check baking time: Start checking a few minutes early to avoid overbaking and drying out the brownies.
- Toast pecans well: Don’t skip this step; un-toasted nuts taste bland and lack crunch.
- Line your pan: Use parchment paper for easy removal and clean edges on your brownies.
How to Serve Pecan Nut Fudge Brownies
Garnishes
Sprinkle powdered sugar or drizzle melted chocolate on top for a pretty finish. A few whole pecans or a light dusting of cocoa powder adds an elegant touch that’s hard to resist.
Side Dishes
Pair these brownies with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the richness. Fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel sauce also make delightful companions to the intense chocolate and nut flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the brownies into bite-sized squares and arrange on a tiered dessert stand for parties. For a fun twist, sandwich two brownies with chocolate frosting or marshmallow fluff in the middle for an indulgent treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Pecan Nut Fudge Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days to maintain their moistness and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze these brownies wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture.
Reheating
Warm brownies gently in the microwave for 15–20 seconds to revive their soft, gooey charm. Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream for an unbeatable dessert experience.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts work wonderfully and add their own unique flavor and crunch to the brownies.
How do I know when my brownies are done?
Look for set edges and a slightly soft center; a toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend for a gluten-free version without compromising taste.
What is the best chocolate to use?
Use high-quality bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate bars or chips for a rich flavor; avoid low-quality chocolate for the best fudgy result.
Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to bake the batter immediately, but you can refrigerate it in the pan for up to one day before baking, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about Pecan Nut Fudge Brownies—they strike that perfect balance between indulgently rich chocolate and the satisfying crunch of toasted nuts. Whether you’re baking for an occasion or just because, this recipe is guaranteed to win hearts and satisfy any chocolate craving. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to these unforgettable brownies!
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PrintPecan Nut Fudge Brownies
Rich and gooey Pecan Nut Fudge Brownies featuring a perfect nutty crunch. These brownies combine a velvety fudge texture with toasted pecans, delivering a mouthwatering dessert that’s soft in the center with a satisfying crunch. Simple to prepare using pantry staples, this versatile recipe is perfect for any occasion and is easy to customize with nuts or chocolate chips.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free flour substitute)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter
- 4 oz (113g) bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup (95g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (60g) chopped pecans, toasted
Instructions
- Prepare Your Pecans: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the chopped pecans evenly on a baking sheet and toast them for 8–10 minutes until fragrant and golden. This toasting enhances their flavor and crunch.
- Melt Butter and Chocolate: In a heatproof bowl over simmering water (double boiler), gently melt the unsalted butter and chopped bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate together. Stir until smooth and glossy, then remove from heat.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Whisk the granulated sugar into the melted chocolate and butter mixture until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance flavor.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing just until no streaks remain to maintain a tender crumb. Then fold in the toasted pecans evenly throughout the batter.
- Bake to Perfection: Pour the batter into a parchment-lined 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25–30 minutes until the edges are set but the center still looks slightly underbaked, ensuring a soft and gooey texture.
- Cool and Cut: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing. Cutting while warm can cause crumbling. Once cooled, cut into clean squares revealing a fudgy center with crunchy nuts.
Notes
- Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor and fudgy texture.
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid cakey brownies; fold ingredients just until combined.
- Check baking a few minutes before the minimum time to prevent overbaking and dryness.
- Toast pecans well to maximize their flavor and crunch.
- Line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean edges.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie (approx.)
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 85 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: fudge brownies, pecan brownies, nutty brownies, chocolate dessert, baked dessert, gluten-free option, toasted pecans
