New Orleans Praline Brownies (Printable Version)

Rich chocolate brownies with a buttery praline and pecan swirl, perfect for indulgent treats.

# What You'll Need:

→ 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

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
02 - Melt the 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 Tips:

01 -
  • The praline topping creates this incredible crackly, caramelized layer that people will obsess over
  • These brownies actually improve overnight as the flavors meld together
02 -
  • Dont overbake these, the praline continues cooking after you pull them from the oven
  • The swirl technique matters less than you think, even messy marbling tastes incredible
03 -
  • Chill the poured praline topping for 5 minutes before swirling, it holds its shape better
  • Run your knife under hot water between cuts for perfectly clean edges