New Orleans Praline Brownies (Printable View)

Rich chocolate brownies with a buttery praline and pecan swirl inspired by New Orleans flavors.

# Ingredient List:

→ Brownie Base

01 - 1 cup unsalted butter
02 - 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
03 - 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
04 - ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
05 - 4 large eggs
06 - 2 tsp vanilla extract
07 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
08 - ½ tsp kosher salt

→ Praline Topping

09 - 4 tbsp unsalted butter
10 - ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
11 - ⅓ cup heavy cream
12 - 1 cup pecans, coarsely chopped
13 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
14 - Pinch of salt

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
02 - Melt butter and chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat.
03 - Whisk in granulated and brown sugars until fully combined. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
04 - Fold in flour and salt just until incorporated. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
05 - Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add brown sugar and stir until dissolved. Pour in cream and bring to a simmer; cook 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly.
06 - Remove from heat. Stir in pecans, vanilla, and a pinch of salt.
07 - Drop spoonfuls of praline topping over brownie batter. Gently swirl with a knife for a marbled effect.
08 - Bake for 30–35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
09 - Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Lift out using parchment overhang, slice into squares, and serve.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The contrast between fudgy chocolate and caramel pecan praline is absolutely worth every calorie
  • These disappear faster than any other dessert Ive ever made
02 -
  • Overbaking ruins the fudgy texture, pull them out when crumbs cling to the toothpick
  • The praline swirl sinks slightly, creating pockets of caramel throughout
03 -
  • Toasting pecans at 350°F for 8 minutes before adding to the praline deepens their flavor
  • A glass baking dish lets you check if the bottom is done without opening the oven