New Orleans Praline Brownies (Printable View)
Fudgy brownies topped with a sweet praline pecan layer, blending rich cocoa and Southern-inspired taste.
# Ingredient List:
→ Brownie Base
01 - 6 oz unsalted butter
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
04 - 2 large eggs
05 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
06 - 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
07 - 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
08 - 1/2 tsp salt
→ Praline Pecan Topping
09 - 4 tbsp unsalted butter
10 - 1/2 cup light brown sugar
11 - 1/4 cup heavy cream
12 - 1/4 tsp salt
13 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
14 - 1 cup pecan halves, toasted and roughly chopped
15 - 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
02 - Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Remove from heat and whisk in granulated and brown sugars until smooth. Let cool slightly.
03 - Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
04 - Sift together flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
05 - Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Do not overbake.
06 - While brownies bake, melt butter over medium heat in a saucepan. Stir in brown sugar, heavy cream, and salt. Bring to a gentle boil and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
07 - Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla, then whisk in powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in toasted pecans.
08 - When brownies are done, remove from oven and immediately pour praline topping over the hot brownies, spreading evenly.
09 - Let cool completely in the pan, then lift out using parchment overhang and cut into squares.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The praline topping creates this incredible crackly, gooey layer that sinks slightly into the warm brownies underneath
- These disappear faster than any other dessert I make, and the pecans add the perfect buttery crunch
02 -
- I learned the hard way that pouring the praline topping over cool brownies creates this weird layer that slides right off, so timing is everything
- Overbaking by even 3 minutes transforms these from fudgy perfection into dry cake, so start checking at the 22-minute mark
03 -
- Add a tablespoon of bourbon to the praline mixture for an adult version that screams New Orleans
- Chill the brownies for 30 minutes before cutting to get those perfectly clean edges