If you’re searching for a dessert that feels like a warm hug from the South, look no further than this Georgia Pecan Brownies Recipe. Rich, fudgy chocolate brownies are taken to the next level with the buttery crunch of toasted pecans, creating a delightful harmony of textures and flavors. Perfect for sharing with friends or savoring quietly with a cup of coffee, these brownies boast a deep chocolate taste balanced by the unique nutty sweetness only Georgia pecans can bring. This recipe is a charming tribute to classic Southern baking that you’ll want to keep in your repertoire forever.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the first step to achieving a batch of Georgia Pecan Brownies that taste like homemade comfort. Each component plays an essential role, from the rich butter that provides fudginess, to the cocoa powder that brings intense chocolate flavor, and of course, the pecans for that signature Southern crunch.
- 1 cup unsalted butter: It’s key to melting and blending with sugar for that luscious, moist texture.
- 2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetness that balances the cocoa’s bitterness perfectly.
- 4 large eggs: Eggs bind everything together and add richness to the brownies.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate and gives a warm, aromatic note.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides structure without weighing down the fudgy texture.
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers that deep, intense chocolate flavor you’re craving.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies the chocolate’s richness.
- 1 cup chopped pecans: This is the star nut that adds crunch and Southern charm.
How to Make Georgia Pecan Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly. This simple prep ensures your brownies bake evenly and come out effortlessly when cooled and sliced.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Mix Wet Ingredients
In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter until smooth. Remove it from the heat and immediately stir in the granulated sugar, followed by eggs and vanilla extract. Mixing while the butter is still warm helps to blend everything smoothly and gives your brownies a shiny, crackly top.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt. This step ensures a clump-free, even distribution of the cocoa and salt, which is crucial for that balanced, moist texture.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Mixtures Together
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the buttery wet mixture. Stir just until combined to avoid overworking the batter and to keep your brownies dense, fudgy, and perfectly tender.
Step 5: Fold in Those Gorgeous Georgia Pecans
Gently fold the chopped pecans into the batter. These little nutty bites add an irresistible crunch and a touch of sweetness that sets the Georgia Pecan Brownies Recipe apart from any ordinary brownie.
Step 6: Bake to Chocolate Perfection
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the surface gently with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs attached—this means they’re fudgy and not overbaked.
Step 7: Cool Before Slicing
Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. Cooling lets them set fully, so when you cut them into squares, they hold their shape beautifully and deliver that signature chewy bite.
How to Serve Georgia Pecan Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
These brownies are wonderful on their own, but you can elevate them with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a scoop of rich vanilla ice cream. A sprinkle of extra chopped pecans on top adds a pleasing crunch and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Serve your Georgia Pecan Brownies with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or sweet tea, which complements the sweet and nutty flavors perfectly. A side of fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream can balance the decadence with subtle freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your brownies to the next level by layering them as mini cake bars with cream cheese frosting in the middle or transform them into brownie parfaits with layers of whipped cream and berries. Even boxed individually as gifts, these Georgia Pecan Brownies are sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay moist and delicious for up to five days, making them a great option for prepping ahead of a gathering or a sweet weeknight treat.
Freezing
You can freeze these brownies wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or stored in an airtight container for up to three months. When you want a sweet bite, just thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave.
Reheating
If you prefer your Georgia Pecan Brownies warm, reheat individual servings in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. This revives the gooey texture and makes the pecans extra toasty.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! While pecans give a classic Southern vibe, walnuts or almonds make fantastic alternatives that pair wonderfully with chocolate.
How do I know when the brownies are perfectly baked?
The toothpick test is your best friend here. Insert it into the center, and if it comes out with moist crumbs but not wet batter, your brownies are just right—fudgy and not dry.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but make sure it’s suitable for baking. The texture might vary slightly but will still be delicious.
Is it better to use salted or unsalted butter?
Unsalted butter is preferred here so you can control the salt content, ensuring your brownies aren’t too salty and the chocolate flavor shines through.
Can I add chocolate chips to this Georgia Pecan Brownies Recipe?
You certainly can! Folding in semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips before baking adds an extra layer of melty chocolate goodness.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel as excited as I do to try this Georgia Pecan Brownies Recipe. There’s something incredibly heartwarming about a dessert that combines simple ingredients with a touch of Southern tradition, resulting in brownies that are fudgy, nutty, and utterly unforgettable. Once you bake these, they’ll quickly become one of your go-to recipes for any occasion, guaranteed to bring smiles all around. Happy baking!
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Georgia Pecan Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 24 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This Georgia Pecan Brownie recipe features rich, fudgy chocolate brownies studded with crunchy pecans, combining classic southern flavors in a decadent dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Melt Butter and Mix Wet Ingredients: In a saucepan over low heat, gently melt the butter. Remove from heat, then stir in granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt to ensure a smooth batter.
- Mix Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Add Pecans: Fold in the chopped pecans evenly throughout the batter to add texture and flavor.
- Pour and Spread Batter: Pour the batter into the greased baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula for uniform baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs, indicating fudgy brownies.
- Cool and Serve: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into 24 squares to serve.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider toasting the pecans lightly before folding them into the batter.
- Do not overbake; removing the brownies when the toothpick has moist crumbs will keep them fudgy.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Use unsweetened cocoa powder for best rich chocolate flavor.
