Warm Bourbon Pecan Brownies with Sea Salt
Fudgy brownies enriched with toasted pecans and a splash of bourbon, finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for contrast. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 50 minutes layers (140 g) unsalted butter, chopped bittersweet chocolate, (200 g) granulated sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 9, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 10 tbsp (140 g) unsalted butter
- 6 oz, chopped bittersweet chocolate
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (100 g) brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup (95 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (25 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup (120 g), chopped toasted pecans
- 2 tbsp bourbon
- for sprinkling flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a heatproof bowl over simmering water, melt 10 tbsp unsalted butter with 6 oz chopped bittersweet chocolate, stirring until smooth and glossy.
- Step 2: Remove from heat and whisk in 1 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 cup brown sugar until combined. Add 3 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in 2 tsp vanilla extract and 2 tbsp bourbon.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, sift together 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt.
- Step 4: Fold dry ingredients into the chocolate mixture just until combined, then gently fold in 1 cup toasted chopped pecans.
- Step 5: Pour batter into a greased 9x9-inch baking pan, smoothing the top. Sprinkle flaky sea salt evenly over the batter.
- Step 6: Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs. Cool before cutting into squares and serving warm.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Warm Bourbon Pecan Brownies with Sea Salt take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Warm Bourbon Pecan Brownies with Sea Salt?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Warm Bourbon Pecan Brownies with Sea Salt?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Warm Bourbon Pecan Brownies with Sea Salt for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 9 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 9). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Warm Bourbon Pecan Brownies with Sea Salt?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
Equipment for this recipe
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