Butter Pecan Frosted Fudge Brownies.
Can you say ultimate holiday brownie?
I don’t know about you guys, but to me, these brownies just scream holidays to me. Do you see all that chocolate? And I mean, come on? All that yummy frosting?!?
These guys are my idea of the ultimate brownie. The brownie itself is chocolatey, fudgy and all things perfect. I swirled in some chopped pieces of chocolate to make them extra fudgy. I decided to leave out the nuts so that the frosting could really shine…and trust me, it does! Butter pecan on its own is delicious, but butter pecan on top of brownies? Yeah, I think you see where I’m going with these.
Who needs pie when you have brownies like these? Eeer, ok, well I can’t actually give up pie on Thanksgiving. I mean not when you’ve got this pie happening, so BOTH brownies and pie will be on our table. Yes, both it will be! 🙂 I know, it’s kind of a lot of chocolate, but since it’s Thanksgiving, and since we all love chocolate, and since I’ve got these cookies as a non chocolate option…yeah, I feel like we can all handle it!!
And guys! Happy Friday before Thanksgiving! I cannot believe we are less than a week away. Are you guys excited? We finally had our first real snowfall yesterday and I am so happy! I feel like it really is the holidays now! The weather has been so weird this year. Normally by Thanksgiving we have hard packed snow and the temps are cold, but this year we had more snow in October then November and the temps had been going up into the 50’s and 60’s during the day! People around here were definitely starting to worry. I live in a ski town, so I guess that’s to be expected, but I can’t lie, even I was starting to wonder where the heck the snow was. I mean, December is right around the corner!
Anyway, it came and all is good with the world, and now we need to talk Thanksgiving butter pecan frosted fudge brownies, obviously.
When I was brainstorming Thanksgiving dessert recipes, I thought I really wanted to make a pecan pie, but the problem was that I just could not think up an idea that was better than my mom’s pie. Mom’s pecan pie is the best, but I think it’s a pretty traditional chocolate (of course) pecan pie, plus I remembered that I already have a pecan pumpkin pie on the blog. Plus, I really just wanted to share something fun and new that would be great for both Thanksgiving and Christmas entertaining.
Enter these brownies, they’re different, but not so different that you don’t want to make them. Sometimes I feel like recipes can get a little too overcomplicated. Don’t get me wrong I love having fun and playing with my recipes, but when it comes to holiday food, I like to keep it somewhat traditional, but with a twist.
So I made us pecan pie inspired brownies with the best frosting in all the land. No seriously, this frosting is the best. You may recall me using it on these cupcakes. <–these are soooo good…you should probably check these out too!
The butter pecan flavor here is no joke. The frosting is made up of butter, brown sugar and pecans. Sounds simple, but melting the butter and brown sugar together creates almost a butterscotch flavor which is delicious atop these extra chocolatey brownies.
Like SO good.
What’s great about these brownies is that you can make them completely in advance, which I find to be pretty awesome. They also travel really well, just keep them in a single layer so that the frosting doesn’t get all smooshed and weird looking.
But if that happens, don’t worry, they will still taste delish!
And finally, if you’re not making a Thanksgiving dessert this year, may I highly suggest you bake these up as a special Friday treat? I think that’s really the only thing to do actually.
Hey, it is the Friday before Thanksgiving, so why the heck not?
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Butter Pecan Frosted Fudge Brownies.
By halfbakedharvest
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: holiday brownies
These are the ultimate holiday brownies
Ingredients
- 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter
- 4 ounces milk or dark chocolate, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup chopped milk or dark chocolate
Butter Pecan Frosting
- 1 1/2 sticks (12 tablespoons) unsalted butter
- 2/3 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 1 1/2 cups raw pecans
- 2 tablespoons bourbon (optional)
- 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 3 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9x13 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
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Add the butter and chocolate to a medium microwave safe mixing bowl. Microwave on 30 second intervals, stirring after each interval, until melted and smooth. To the melted chocolate whisk in the sugar, vanilla and eggs and until smooth. Stir in the cocoa powder, flour and salt until just combined, try not to over mix the batter. It will be thick. Stir in chopped chocolate. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it in an even layer. Transfer to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the brownies are set on top. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.
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Meanwhile, make the frosting. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
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In a medium sauce pan, melt together 4 tablespoons butter, the cream, and brown sugar. Bring to a boil and cook for one minute or until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from the heat and add to the bowl of a stand mixer. Place the bowl in the freezer (or fridge for longer) for 15-20 minutes or until cool to touch.
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On a parchment lined baking sheet, combine the pecans, bourbon - if using, 1 teaspoon vanilla, the remaining 2 tablespoons brown sugar and cinnamon and toss to coat. Transfer to the oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until toasted. Remove, let cool 10 minutes, then roughly chop the pecans.
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Grab the cooled butter mixture from the freezer and add the remaining 8 tablespoons butter, remaining 2 teaspoons vanilla and powdered sugar to the bowl and beat together until well combined. Fold in half of the chopped pecans. Spread the frosting onto the cooled brownies. Top with remaining pecans, using as many as desired. Slice and serve or store in and airtight container.
Recipe Notes
Brownies can be baked and frosted up to one day in advance. Keep stored in an airtight container.
Yes, brownies for the win!!
Love it. It looks very delicious 🙂
Thank you so much Jeanette!
Totally epic! These are just screaming for me to try them, Tieghan. I love the idea and I completely agree, who needs pie with these on the table??? YUM!
Thank you Tori! I hope you love these!!
This is beyond sinful, I died and went to chocolate heaven!!!
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Thrilled you are loving these, Ruth! Thank you!
OMG. They look so yummy and gooey!
Thank you Carlos!!
OH MY GOSH YOU DON’T EVEN KNOW HOW EXCITED I AM! I’ve been making your peanut butter ones ever sense you posted them that long time ago– an I cannot wait to try these!
Wow I am so happy you loved those! I hope these are just as much a hit! Thanks so much Emma!
The moment I read the title I was like, “How did I never think of this combo?” Butter pecan and fudge brownies are two faves of mine, and this just seems absolutely perfect. I’m super excited to try this frosting out soon!! =)
I hope you love these, Morgan! Thank you so much!!
Oh! My! Heavens! I can see how fudgy they are and so doggone moist. Some people have a tendency to dry out brownies. I can see that yours are perfect. I can’t think of a better finish on them than the Butter Pecan Frosting 🙂 Have a nice weekend.
Thank you so much Marisa, I am so glad you like these! Thank you!
Yes please, these look incredible! Hope you have a great weekend!
Thank you so much Rhian! I hope you do as well!
oh wow. OH WOW. Oh wow. I can’t even handle this. This pecan brownies combine everything that is good in this world. Pecans and chocolate.
YASSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
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SO happy you are loving these!! Thank you so much!!
It doesn’t get more perfect that this! Yum!!! 🙂
Thank you Lili!
Those look sinfully delish!
Thank you Sara!
Adding a little bourbon to the butter pecan frosting is absolutely genius! And how have I never thought of the chocolate butter pecan combination before?? These look absolutely amazing, can’t wait to try them!
Thank you so much Meg! So happy you are loving these!
Omg! I soooo need this in my life right now! Brownies are my favorites and that butter pecan frosting looks soo good.
Yes! I hope you love it Andrea, thanks!!
Love your brownies! I bet they taste divine! 🙂
Thank you Julia!!
These look oh so good–all my favorites.
We have 74 today and 39 tomorrow with flurries–I take today.
Oh my! I would take 74 as well. Glad you are liking these brownies! Thanks Nancy!
Tieghan……..you had me at BUTTER. PECAN.
and then the chocolate gooeiness just takes this over the top……..yummmmmmmmmmmm
I am super pumped you are loving these Debi!! Thank you!
i saw the butter pecan frosting when you posted it on instagram stories, and couldn’t stop staring. it looked so creamy and dreamy! and love that there’s cocoa and chocolate in the brownies (:
Thank you so much Heather!
Did you throw chunks of chocolate or chips in the batter as well? In the pictures it looks like there’s melted chocolate pieces in the brownie. Thanks!
Hey Tamera! I did! Sorry, i just realized that is not in the recipe, I will fix that. Thank you and I hope you love these!
These are the ultimate brownies! Love that you put the frosting on top!
Thank you so much Connie!
Good god, you’ve outdone yourself this time! These look unbelievable. That frosting? I’d eat it by the spoonful.
Haha right?! Thank you so much Coley!
These are literally my dream brownie, so fudgy!!
Perfect! Thanks so much Gina!
You literally outdo yourself with every single creation, absolutely love these!
Thank you so much Matt! This is so nice!
A. Maz. Ing. <—– barely suffices to describe these brownies! Next time I'll add chocolate chips to the batter. But for now, YUMMMM!
So thrilled you are loving these! Thank you Kate!
My 12 yo daughter and I are making these for Thanksgiving! I’ve never made homemade brownies before…I’m nervous! LOL
Also, my daughter wants to know when your cookbook comes out!?
Hi Taheerah! That is so awesome! I hope you and your daughter have a great time making these! My cookbook comes out in Fall of 2017!! Thank you!
Absolutely decadent Tieghan!! Pecans are my favorite, so I’m loving that frosting!
Oh so perfect then! I hope you love these Mary Ann, thank you!!
Hey Tiegen! You are my cooking spirit animal….
What type of dark chochocolate % wise and light or dark brown sugar did you use?
HI!!! I use 82% dark chocolate and light brown sugar. Let me know if you have questions. Hope you love these! Thank you! ?
These brownies look phenomenal, Tieghan! Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Thank you Lisa! I hope your Thanksgiving is wonderful as well!!
You had me at butter pecan! 🙂 I need these brownies in my life!
You have to try them!!
The best!!!
Should I leave these delicious wonders in the fridge, or let them sit out normally? Thank you!
I keep them out on the counter. Let me know if you have questions. Thank you! 🙂
Butter pecan = THE BEST. Brownies = THE BEST. Butter pecan brownies = DOWNRIGHT CRAZY! <3 😉
YES!! Thanks so much Cassie!
Hi Tieghan,
I was wondering, if I wanted to bake the brownies in a 9×9 inch pan (I like my brownies taller) how much do you think this would affect the baking time? Am planning on making some for coworkers this week. Should I add another 10-15 minutes?
Thanks,
Gwen
Hey Gwen! So I think this might be a lot of batter for a 9×9 inch pan. I haven’t tried it, but that is just my thinking. I would give it a test run first and yes, another 10-15 minutes should do it. Let me know if you have questions. Hope the brownies are a hit! Thank you!
Wonderful brownies. It is not hard to do = D
So happy you like them!! Thank you!
Can you freeze this brownie with it frosted and all done?
I would not freeze them frosted, but you can freeze the brownie portion and then frost after frozen. Please let me know if you have other questions. Hope you love this recipe. Thank you! ?
Great – will definately let you know – am using as dessert for a dinner party tomorrow and frosting right before i serve!
Many thanks!!!!!!
how are you supposed to mix the frozen butter mixture with the sugar and remaining butter..? It is so rock hard! Or do you wait until it comes to room temperature?
Apologies probably me being the dumb one!
Thanks!!
Hi! The butter should be at room temperature. So very soft to touch and easily spreadable. Please let me know if you have any other questions. Hope you love this recipe! Thanks! 🙂
I just love your recipes. Pecans are my favorite in cookies or what ever they are the best. Thanks for sharing these awesome recipes with us.
Perfect! I hope you love these Alice! Thanks!
Amazing!!! I was asked to bring a devilicious sweet dessert to a Halloween party and made these! The frosting is so buttery and decadent! Brownies so moist and chocolatey. I chose dark chocolate and left the chopped nuts out of frosting but still put the bourbon candied pecan halves over the top making it easy for guests who prefer no nuts to easily remove. They were a hit!! Thank you Tieghan!❤
I am so glad you loved this Tracy!! Thank you so much!
I actually made this and it was not good at all. The brownies were very dry and the sugar frosting was overly sweet. Wasted a lot of ingredients. I will not make this again.
Hi Sophie! I am really sorry to hear that. Is there anything that could have gone wrong while making this? I would love to help! xTieghan
I just made these and first of all, the batter was TO DIE FOR!! I am a bit brownie obsessed and this one is the best I’ve ever had. Cooked and with the frosting? I mean come on, it was out of this world. We had company over and all were loving it. I wish it was health food so I could eat them every day.
Haha don’t we all! But its all about balance! I am really glad these turned out so well for you, Afton! Thank you for trying these! xTieghan
I made the brownies but used a glass dish and I think it affected the texture. Any suggestions?! These look so incredibly delicious and gooey! I have to perfect it!
Hey Carden,
Thanks so much for giving the recipe a try, yes the glass pan could have affected the texture. So sorry about that! xTieghan
These are delicious! Decadent and indulgent. I cut the recipe in half and used an 8×8 pan. Baked up perfectly in about 20 minutes.
The frosting did give me a little trouble. It never quite whipped up/firmed up and was pretty gooey (maybe that’s the point?). Still delicious.
Hi! Can I make the batter & frosting a day in advance and store them in separate containers in the fridge? I won’t bake them or frost them until the day of – but just checking! Let me know, thanks!
Just made these tonight. My husband said “I don’t even like brownies and these are amazing”. Can’t wait to share with my family tomorrow. Thank you for another wonderful recipe!
I hope everyone loves these, Julia! Thank you! xTieghan