Fudgy Chocolate Pecan Brownies Recipe

If you have a serious sweet tooth and adore the perfect marriage of rich chocolate and crunchy nuts, then these Fudgy Chocolate Pecan Brownies are destined to become your new favorite treat. Imagine biting into dense, moist, and decadently chocolatey brownies where every mouthful is studded with buttery pecan halves that add a delightful crunch. These brownies have that luscious fudgy texture that melts in your mouth and a deep, intense chocolate flavor that feels like a cozy hug in dessert form. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just treating yourself, these brownies hit all the right notes with their simple yet powerful ingredients delivering a show-stopping finish every time.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the perfect Fudgy Chocolate Pecan Brownies is all about using straightforward, high-quality ingredients that come together to create an extraordinary texture and flavor. Each element plays its part: the dark chocolate brings depth and richness, butter adds silkiness, eggs create structure, and pecans lend irresistible crunch and nuttiness.

• Dark chocolate (200 g, 70% cocoa): Use a good-quality chocolate for intense flavor and smooth melting.
• Unsalted butter (150 g): Adds richness and helps create the dense, fudgy texture.
• Brown sugar (200 g): Gives sweetness and a subtle caramel note, enhancing moistness.
• Large eggs (3): Bind the batter and provide a tender, chewy crumb.
• Plain flour (100 g): Use gluten-free or regular; it balances the richness without toughening the brownies.
• Cocoa powder (30 g): Intensifies the chocolate flavor and darkens the batter beautifully.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Adds warmth and depth to the chocolate notes.
• Pecan halves (150 g): Toasted or raw, they add crunch and a buttery nuttiness that complements the chocolate.

How to Make Fudgy Chocolate Pecan Brownies

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease an 8-inch square pan well, then line it with parchment paper so the brownies come out cleanly without sticking. This little prep step makes cutting and serving a breeze later on.

Step 2: Melt Chocolate and Butter

Gently melt the dark chocolate and butter together until you get a smooth, glossy mixture. You can do this in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or carefully in short bursts in the microwave, stirring often. This glossy base is the secret to those dreamy fudgy brownies.

Step 3: Mix Sugar and Eggs

Once your chocolate and butter mixture has cooled slightly, beat in the brown sugar until fully incorporated. Then add the eggs one at a time, stirring vigorously to keep the batter silky. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract for that comforting aroma that hints at the rich flavors to come.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Sift your plain flour and cocoa powder right into the wet mixture. Folding these in gently ensures your brownies stay dense rather than cakey, preserving that coveted fudgy texture that makes you want another bite.

Step 5: Add Pecans

Fold in most of the pecan halves to distribute crunchy pockets throughout the batter, but keep some back to sprinkle on top. Pecans add a luxurious nutty contrast that pairs perfectly with deep dark chocolate in these brownies.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan and arrange the reserved pecans on top for a beautiful, inviting finish. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes—you want the edges firm but the center slightly soft to keep that luscious fudgy quality.

Step 7: Cool Before Cutting

Once baked, let your Fudgy Chocolate Pecan Brownies cool completely in the pan. This step is crucial because warm brownies can crumble when cut. Patience here rewards you with clean, perfect squares every time.

How to Serve Fudgy Chocolate Pecan Brownies

Garnishes

You can dress these brownies up or keep them simple. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a pretty finish without overpowering the rich flavors. For extra indulgence, a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt provides a fantastic balance to the chocolate’s sweetness.

Side Dishes

Pair these brownies with a scoop of your favorite vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate them into a dessert worth savoring. Fresh berries add a delightful tartness that contrasts with the dense chocolate and crunchy pecans.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Fudgy Chocolate Pecan Brownies in creative ways like stacked bites threaded onto skewers for parties, or cut smaller squares to accompany a cheese board with nuts and dried fruit. They also make fabulous brownie sandwiches filled with mascarpone or peanut butter for a fun twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. This keeps them moist and soft, allowing you to enjoy that incredible fudgy texture whenever a craving strikes.

Freezing

If you want to keep your Fudgy Chocolate Pecan Brownies longer, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They freeze well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

Reheating

Warm brownie slices gently in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds to revive that gooey softness and tip-top flavor—perfect for a quick chocolate fix.

FAQs

Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts offer a slightly earthier flavor but a similar crunchy texture, making them a wonderful alternative in these fudgy brownies.

How do I know when the brownies are done?

Look for edges that are set and starting to pull slightly away from the pan, while the center should still be a little soft and moist. Overbaking can make them cakey, so err on the side of slightly underbaked.

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap the plain flour for a gluten-free all-purpose blend. The texture may vary slightly but the rich flavor and fudginess will remain spectacular.

Do the pecans need to be toasted first?

Toasting pecans before mixing them in enhances their natural flavor and crunchiness, but it’s not absolutely necessary—raw pecans work fine too!

Can I add chocolate chips or chunks?

Of course! Mixing in extra chocolate chips or chunks adds even more melty chocolate bits, making these brownies extra decadent and enjoyable.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dessert that combines simplicity, indulgence, and just the right balance of textures, give these Fudgy Chocolate Pecan Brownies a try. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with rich chocolate, buttery pecans, and that irresistibly gooey center that keeps everyone coming back for more. Once you bake a batch, I promise they’ll become your go-to sweet treat that brightens up any day.