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To make these brownies, gather the following ingredients: - 1 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 ½ cups granulated sugar - 3 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup all-purpose flour - ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder - ½ teaspoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon salt - 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped - 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) - Flaky sea salt for garnish You can swap some ingredients based on your needs: - Butter: Use coconut oil for a dairy-free option. - Granulated sugar: Brown sugar adds a richer flavor and moisture. - Eggs: Use flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water) for a vegan option. - All-purpose flour: Almond flour works well for a gluten-free choice. - Pecans: Walnuts or hazelnuts can be a great substitute. Choosing the right brands enhances your brownies: - Butter: I recommend using European-style butter like Kerrygold for its rich taste. - Caramel Sauce: Look for brands like Stonewall Kitchen or Smucker’s for a great balance of sweet and salty. - Cocoa Powder: Use Dutch-processed cocoa from brands like Valrhona for deeper chocolate flavor. - Pecans: Select fresh, high-quality pecans for the best crunch and flavor. These tips will help you create the most delicious caramel pecan brownies. Enjoy the rich and sweet experience! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8-inch baking pan with butter. Line it with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over the sides. This helps when you remove the brownies later. In a large bowl, mix 1 cup of melted butter and 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar. Whisk them together until the mixture looks smooth and shiny. Add 3 large eggs one at a time. Make sure to whisk well after each egg. Finally, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. In another bowl, sift 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of cocoa powder, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet ingredients. Use a spatula to fold them together gently. Be careful not to mix too much. Then, fold in 1 cup of roughly chopped pecans, saving some for later. Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Spread it out evenly. Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over this layer. Next, spoon the rest of the brownie batter on top. Spread it gently, then drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over this layer. Use a knife to swirl the caramel lightly into the batter. Sprinkle the reserved pecans on top of the batter. Add a pinch of flaky sea salt for extra flavor. Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. When done, a toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan. Use the parchment paper to lift them out and cut them into squares. To get the best texture in your brownies, you need to mix well but not too much. Start by whisking the melted butter and sugar until they are smooth. When you add the eggs, whisk each one in fully. This keeps your brownies moist. When you add the dry ingredients, fold them in gently. This way, you avoid tough brownies. Use a spatula to mix in the pecans last; this adds great bites of flavor. Swirling caramel can be tricky but fun. After you pour in the first layer of batter, drizzle half the caramel sauce over it. Then, use a knife or a toothpick to swirl it in gently. Don't go too deep or mix too much. You want to see those beautiful swirls. For the top layer, repeat this process with the remaining batter and caramel. This creates a lovely marbled effect. A good garnish makes your brownies pop. After baking, let them cool completely. When ready to serve, sprinkle some chopped pecans on top. This adds texture and crunch. A pinch of flaky sea salt enhances the flavor too. For an extra treat, drizzle more caramel sauce over the brownies. You can also add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. This not only looks great but tastes amazing! Pro Tips Use Quality Ingredients: The flavor of your brownies will greatly depend on the quality of the butter, cocoa powder, and caramel sauce. Opt for high-quality products for the best results. Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until incorporated to ensure your brownies remain fudgy and not cakey. Check for Doneness: Every oven is different, so start checking your brownies a few minutes before the recommended bake time. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. Cool Completely: Allow your brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting. This helps them set and makes for cleaner cuts. {{image_2}} You can switch up the nuts in your brownies. Try walnuts or almonds for a fun twist. Each nut brings a unique crunch and flavor. If you love chocolate, mix in dark chocolate chips or chunks. This will boost the chocolate flavor. You can also use milk or white chocolate for a different taste. The options are endless, so feel free to mix and match! If you want gluten-free brownies, swap the all-purpose flour for almond flour or a gluten-free blend. This change keeps the texture rich while making it safe for gluten-sensitive eaters. For a vegan version, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs. To make flax eggs, mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit until thick. Replace the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. These swaps keep the brownies moist and delicious. Adding espresso powder boosts the chocolate flavor. Just one teaspoon mixed into the dry ingredients makes a big difference. You can also sprinkle flaky sea salt on top. This adds a nice contrast to the sweetness. Another option is to mix in a teaspoon of almond or mint extract. These flavors can surprise your taste buds and make the brownies even more special. To keep your brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container. This will keep them moist and tasty. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. Keep the container at room temperature for up to four days. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them. Freezing is a great way to save leftover brownies. First, let the brownies cool completely. Then, cut them into squares. Wrap each square in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Try to remove as much air as possible. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you want a treat, just thaw them in the fridge overnight. To enjoy warm brownies, reheat them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the brownies on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat for about 10 minutes. This will make them soft and gooey again. You can also use the microwave. Heat a square for 15-20 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat them! Yes, you can use store-bought caramel sauce. It saves time and works well in the recipe. Look for a thick, rich sauce for the best flavor. If you want, you can make your own caramel too. Homemade caramel adds a special touch. If your brownies turn out dry, don’t worry! You can fix this. Serve them warm with a scoop of ice cream. The ice cream adds moisture and creaminess. Another option is to drizzle extra caramel sauce on top. This adds sweetness and keeps them moist. These brownies last about 3 to 5 days at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them. They freeze well for up to 3 months. Just thaw them in the fridge when ready to eat. You’ve learned how to make delicious caramel pecan brownies. We covered the best ingredients, smart tips, and cool variations. You now know how to prep, bake, and store your treats too. Remember, perfect texture comes from mixing well and using fresh ingredients. Enjoy your baking journey! Brownies can be fun and easy, so get creative and share your results. Your friends and family will love these sweet treats!

Caramel Pecan Bliss Brownies

Deliciously rich brownies topped with caramel and pecans.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1.5 cups granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 pinch flaky sea salt for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing the edges to overhang for easy removal later.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Whisk together until smooth and glossy.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
  • In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  • Gently fold in the chopped pecans, reserving some for topping.
  • Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the batter.
  • Spoon the remaining brownie batter on top, spreading it gently. Drizzle the rest of the caramel sauce over this layer and use a knife to swirl it in lightly.
  • Sprinkle the reserved pecans on top and finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  • Once baked, allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. Use the parchment overhang to lift them out and cut into squares.

Notes

Serve warm with an extra drizzle of caramel sauce and a sprinkle of chopped pecans on top. For added indulgence, pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Keyword brownies, caramel, dessert, pecans