Decadent Smoked Pecan Brownies – A Chocolate Lover’s Dream
Welcome to a world of temptation, my friends. The smell of smoked pecan brownies is like a siren call, beckoning you to indulge in their rich and decadent taste. This pecan brownie recipe is no ordinary dessert, but rather a masterpiece of flavors that will have you coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds).
As an assistant for a BBQ chef, I have seen a lot of desserts in my time. But this one takes the cake… or should I say brownie? The combination of sweet chocolate chips, salty smoked pecans, and smooth cocoa powder is simply magic when baked together. Each bite provides a symphony of deliciousness that will leave you wanting more.
So if you’re ready to treat your taste buds to something special, follow me to the next section to learn why you’ll love this smoked pecan brownies recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Friends, let me tell you why you will absolutely fall in love with these smoked pecan brownies.
First of all, these aren’t your average, run-of-the-mill brownies. No, no, no. These are the real deal. Imagine a decadent and fudgy chocolate brownie that’s been elevated to the next level with the addition of perfectly toasted pecans and a hint of smoky goodness.
Trust me when I say that the combination of chocolate and pecan is simply unbeatable. But when you add a touch of smoke to the mix, the result is truly out of this world!
And let’s be real here – who doesn’t love a good dessert? These smoked pecan brownies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re looking for a comforting treat on a cozy night in or something special to share at your next gathering (once COVID-19 is under control, of course).
So go ahead and give this recipe a try – I guarantee that these smoked pecan brownies will become a family favorite in no time!
Ingredient List
Gather Your Ingredients
This recipe calls for ingredients that will surely make you drool. To make these sinful Smoked Pecan Brownies, you will require the following:
- Granulated sugar (1 cup)
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup)
- Cocoa powder (3/4 cup)
- All-purpose flour (1 1/4 cup)
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon)
- Smoked salt pecan (2 teaspoons)
- Unsweetened chocolate (2 ounces)
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (4 ounces)
- Unsalted butter melted (1/2 cup)
- Eggs – large (2)
- Buttermilk — room temperature (1/3 cup)
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons)
- Pecans smoked with hint of pecan smoke flavor (1 1/2 cups sliced)
These ingredients are crucial in making the perfect brownies. The combination of unsweetened and semi-sweet chocolate creates a nice balance between the bitterness and sweetness of the brownies. The smoked salt pecan gives a distinct nutty and smoky flavor to your brownies, while the buttermilk and vanilla extract soften the texture of your batter.
The Recipe How-To
Preheat Oven to 350°F
First and foremost, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for a traditional oven or set your grill to that temperature if your smoker does not do so automatically. Preheating is essential for brownies because it allows them to cook evenly.
Melt Butter with Cocoa Powder
In a saucepan over medium heat or in a microwave-safe bowl, melt 4 ounces (1 stick) of unsalted butter and 2 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate chips. After that, remove from heat and mix in 3/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, and 1/2 tsp smoked salt. Then stir in 2 large beaten eggs and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together 1 1/3 cups of all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup of cocoa powder, and 1/2 teaspoon smoked salt. Mix until fully combined, then pour the dry mixture into the wet mixture you made earlier, stirring thoroughly.
Add Pecans to Batter
The next step is to fold in the pecans. First, chop up 1 1/2 cups pecans, reserving some for garnishing on top of the brownies. Then, add the chopped pecans to the batter (along with any other ingredients such as chocolate chips or blueberries) and continue folding until everything is evenly distributed.
Bake the Smoked Pecan Brownies
Pour your brownie batter into your greased cast iron skillet. Sprinkle some reserved pecans on top of the batter. Place the skillet in the oven (or smoker), making sure it’s centered on one shelf.
Bake the brownies for approximately 25 minutes or until fully cooked but still moist (test by inserting a knife into the center; if it comes out clean, they’re ready).
Once finished baking, remove from oven/smoker and cool completely before serving to get perfect-smoked pecan brownies! You may also add additional toppings such as melted chocolate, caramel, or smoked sea salt over them after cooling.
Enjoy your scrumptious pecan brownies with family and friends!
Substitutions and Variations
Now, let’s talk about substitutions and variations for this Smoked Pecan Brownies Recipe. If you’re looking to switch things up or have specific dietary needs, there are a few modifications you can make. Here are some of my recommendations:
– Gluten-free: You can swap out the flour for a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these brownies gluten-free.
– Nut-free: If you or someone you’re cooking for has a nut allergy, you can omit the pecans altogether or substitute them with something like dried fruit or seeds.
– Caramel Pecan Brownies: For an extra decadent twist, try adding some caramel sauce over the top of your Smoked Pecan Brownies.
– Maple Pecan Brownies: You can also experiment with the flavor by adding maple syrup to the batter and sprinkling some chopped bacon on top.
– Bourbon Pecan Brownies: Another way to add some oomph to your brownies is with a dash of bourbon in the batter. This will give them a warm and boozy flavor that pairs perfectly with the smoked pecans.
– Chocolate Chip Pecan Brownies: If you want to crank up the chocolate even more, try adding some semi-sweet chocolate chips or dark chocolate chunks to the batter. Blueberries would also be an interesting addition if you would like a fruity kick in your brownie.
Remember, these are just suggestions! Feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own.
Serving and Pairing
Once your smoked pecan brownies have cooled off, it’s time for the best part: serving and pairing. These gooey delights are truly a dessert masterpiece, and they can be enjoyed on their own or paired with some tasty accompaniments.
To serve, you can either cut the brownies into squares or scoop them out with a spoon for a more rustic look. Either way, be sure to sprinkle some smoked salt on top of each piece for an extra pop of flavor.
As for pairing, you have a few options depending on your preferences. If you’re a fan of sweet and salty combos, try serving these brownies alongside some sea salt caramel ice cream or drizzle some homemade caramel sauce on top. For those who prefer a boozy touch, pair the brownies with a glass of bacon bourbon or smoked porter for a rich and indulgent experience.
If you’re feeling creative, you can even crumble up the brownies and use them as a tasty topping on your morning oatmeal or yogurt bowls. Add in some fresh fruit like blueberries or sliced bananas for an extra burst of flavor.
No matter how you choose to serve and pair these smoked pecan brownies, they’re sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting seconds (or thirds!).
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Few sweets can claim to be as indulgent and delicious as these smoked pecan brownies. However, it’s their nature to hold a short shelf-life, and they’re best served fresh out of the oven.
But this pecan brownie recipe can be made ahead with ease without compromising their taste or look. Once baked and cooled, these beauties can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the fridge for up to a week.
If you have a big event coming up or merely want to get ahead on your baking game, this recipe batter freezes exceptionally well. Pour the batter into an airtight bag or container, then freeze it for up to two months before using.
When reheating these decadent treats, you’ll want to wrap them in foil and warm them in the oven at around 300°F for about ten minutes until they appear soft and pliable.
Smoked pecan brownies go well with bourbon as they are decadent enough to keep pace with the liquor’s potency. To add a touch of pizzazz during the holidays, dress them up with powdered sugar sprinkles or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Give your taste buds something new to rave about today with this exceptional smoked pecan brownie recipe that is easy to make, stores well, and reheats perfectly!
Tips for Perfect Results
If you want to have the perfect smoked pecan brownies, here are some tips and recommendations that will help you have the best experience while making and enjoying them.
Firstly, make sure to use high-quality ingredients. This is especially important when it comes to chocolate. Using high-quality sweet or semi-sweet chocolate chips can make a huge difference in the taste of your brownies.
Another important ingredient is the pecans. Try using fresh pecans and roast them before adding them to your recipe. Or better yet, use smoked pecans to enhance the smoky flavor of your brownies.
When it comes to flour, the type you use also matters. For a denser texture, use all-purpose flour. If you prefer a lighter and fluffier texture, cake flour is an excellent option.
To enhance the smoky flavor further, sprinkle some smoked salt over your brownies after they’re done baking. Smoked salt adds a unique dimension to the flavor profile of these brownies.
It’s also important to preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking your brownies. This temperature allows for even cooking throughout the pan, and reduces the chances of burning or undercooked spots.
Lastly, let your brownies cool for at least 15 minutes before cutting them into squares. This allows for easier slicing and prevents crumbling of the cake-like texture.
By following these tips, you’ll have a plate of delicious smoked pecan brownies with flavors that are out of this world!
Bottom Line
Now that you’ve had a chance to read about my smoked pecan brownies recipe, I hope you’re as excited to try it out as I am. With its rich blend of flavors – from the smoky pecans to the sweet and savory caramel glaze – this dessert is the perfect treat for any occasion.
Whether you’re looking for a new twist on traditional brownies or simply want to impress your friends and family with a unique and delicious dessert, my smoked pecan brownies recipe is definitely worth trying. And with so many options for substitutions and variations, you can customize this recipe to your personal taste preferences.
So, what are you waiting for? Preheat your oven to 350 degrees, gather all of your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy the most decadent and flavorful smoked pecan brownies you’ve ever had. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
Smoked Pecan Brownies Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 -3 wood chips
- 2 ounces pecans, chopped
- 4 ounces unsalted butter
- 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 large eggs
- 2 ounces pastry flour
- 1 ounce cocoa powder
- 6 1/2 ounces granulated sugar
Instructions
- Put wood chips on stove or grill until smoking.
- Place pecans in a bowl, then place it in a much larger bowl. Drop the wood chips into the larger bowl, surrounding the pecan bowl. Cover immediately with foil and let smoke for five minutes.
- Melt butter and chocolate chips over a double boiler. Slowly whisk in eggs.
- Sift together remaining ingredients and pecans. Gently incorporate into the chocolate.
- Pour final mixture into a cast-iron skillet (or regular ol’ pan), filling about two inches deep.
- Bake at 325° for approximately 40 minutes.
- Serve warm, topped with your favorite ice cream.
YOUR OWN NOTE
Nutrition
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Shara @The Bird BBQ
Shara loves to experiment with different flavors and techniques when it comes to BBQ. She has been perfecting her craft for years and loves hosting backyard BBQs with friends & family. She often comes up with creative recipes that her guests rave about.