Gourmet English Toffee Butter Pecan Brownies

GOURMET ENGLISH TOFFEE BUTTER PECAN BROWNIES

1/9/2024

Indulgence takes on a whole new meaning with these sinfully delicious Gourmet English Toffee Butter Pecan Brownies! What makes a perfect brownie? With an irresistible combination of rich chocolate, crunchy toffee bits, and buttery pecans, these brownies are pure bliss! These heavenly treats are truly meant for special occasions...and that special someone!

Gourmet English Toffee Butter Pecan Brownies

WHAT MAKES GOURMET ENGLISH TOFFEE BUTTER PECAN BROWNIES SO PERFECT?

The Magic Begins with Quality Ingredients: When it comes to creating a showstopper like Gourmet English Toffee Butter Pecan Brownies, using high-quality ingredients is non-negotiable. Opt for premium dark chocolate, organic free-range eggs, pure vanilla and butter pecan extracts to elevate the flavor profile of these brownies. Remember, the better the ingredients, the more outstanding the end result!

A Symphony of Flavors: The luscious chewy chocolate brownie base provides a velvety canvas, while the buttery toffee bits add a delightful crunch. The pièce de résistance comes from the Butter Pecan Cream Cheese Frosting and toasted pecans, which infuse every bite with a subtle nuttiness that perfectly balances the sweetness. Topped with the sheen of a dark chocolate glaze and sprinkled with even more English Toffee bits, it's a harmonious flavor combination that will leave you craving for more!

The Baking Technique: To achieve the perfect texture, follow this tried-and-true baking technique. Start by melting the dark chocolate and butter together, creating a glossy batter. Next, fold in the toffee bits and pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Bake low and slow. The result? A brownie masterpiece that's soft, gooey, and utterly indulgent!

The Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser: Gourmet English Toffee Butter Pecan Brownies are a decadent and versatile treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Perfect for a spectacular Brownie Bar, or serve with a scoop of butter pecan ice cream for a dreamy dessert, or pair with a piping hot cup of coffee for a decadent afternoon pick-me-up. If you're feeling extra adventurous, crumble them over a bowl of creamy vanilla custard for a trifle-like indulgence. The possibilities are endless! Gourmet English Toffee Butter Pecan Brownies are designed to make you the star of any occasion!

Gourmet English Toffee Butter Pecan Brownies

TIPS & TRICKS FOR THE BEST GOURMET ENGLISH TOFFEE BUTTER PECAN BROWNIES:

If I can only share one baking secret with you, always use a DIGITAL KITCHEN SCALE. You can use measuring cups and spoons for most recipes, but using a digital scale makes for the more consistent and efficient baking. Take this from someone that bakes A LOT!
For a rich and robust chocolate flavor, I recommend using only high-quality chocolate for this recipe. Since there are only a few ingredients, each one really shines through!
Don't overbeat your brownie batter! Mix your dry ingredients in with a spatula just until blended for a perfectly shiny, crispy, and crackly top - the way a brownie should be!
Be sure you don’t overbake the brownies! They should not be liquidy or jiggly when you pull them out of the oven. The brownies will firm up as they cool. Over-baked brownies will be dry and won’t be chewy or fudgy.

After removing from the oven, I suggest you place brownies on a wire rack and cool completely before chilling, prior to topping with filling or frosting. Overnight chilling is mandatory - and although waiting for this may be the hardest part, they are worth the wait!
Don’t use glass baking dishes for the best brownies or blondies – the baking times and results will vary wildly, and the heat retention of glass can lead to overbaking and dryness.

Gourmet English Toffee Butter Pecan Brownies

RECIPE VARIATIONS:

For English Toffee Almond Brownies, replace Butter Pecan Emulsion with pure almond extract and use roasted salted almonds (no pecans).
For extra chocolatey flavor, use Heath Milk Chocolate English Toffee Bits in place of the Heath Bits O’Brickle English Toffee Bits.
For GLUTEN-FREE ENGLISH TOFFEE BUTTER PECAN BROWNIES: You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by substituting your favorite 1:1 gluten free flour for the all-purpose flour - I use and recommend King Arthur, Measure for Measure Flour and Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour.

For English Toffee Butter Pecan Brownie Bites, bake in individual brownie bite pans lined with parchment liners – I usually bake for 20 to 22 minutes.

Gourmet English Toffee Butter Pecan Brownies

GOURMET ENGLISH TOFFEE BUTTER PECAN BROWNIES

Indulgence takes on a whole new meaning with these sinfully delicious Gourmet English Toffee Butter Pecan Brownies! What makes a perfect brownie? With a perfect blend of rich chocolate, crunchy toffee bits, and buttery pecans, these brownies are pure bliss! These heavenly treats are truly meant for special occasions...and that special someone!

Gourmet English Toffee Butter Pecan Brownies

INGREDIENTS:
CHOCOLATE BROWNIES:
1 cup pecans or almonds (chopped)
3 large eggs + 2 large egg yolks (room temperature)
1-1/4 cups (10 ounces) unsalted butter
¾ cup (4 ounces) 100% cacao unsweetened chocolate chips (Ghirardelli)
1-1/4 cups (7.5 ounces) 60% extra dark chocolate chips (Ghirardelli)
1-1/4 cups (250g) granulated sugar
1-1/4 cups (260g) light brown sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1-1/4 (160g) cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup English Toffee Bits (Heath Bits O’Brickle English Toffee Bits)

BUTTER PECAN CREAM CHEESE FROSTING:
6 Tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
1 (8-ounce) cream cheese (room temperature)
1-1/2 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons butter pecan emulsion (Amoretti Artisan Natural Butter Pecan Syrup)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

CHOCOLATE GLAZE:
6 Tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup (170g) 60% extra dark chocolate chips (Ghirardelli)
1 Tablespoon light corn syrup

GARNISH:
1 cup English Toffee Bits (Heath Bits O’Brickle Toffee Bits)

HOW I MAKE THESE:

ROAST NUTS: Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Spread pecans or almonds on foil-lined baking sheet and roast for 10 minutes, stirring half way thru. Remove from oven; cool to room temperature. Using a nut chopper or chef’s knife, finely chop the nuts; set aside.
PREPARE BROWNIES: Remove eggs from refrigerator and allow to come to room temperature.
Adjust oven rack to lowest position and heat oven to 325 degrees F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with foil or parchment paper, leaving about a one-inch overhang on all sides. Spray with nonstick cooking spray.
In a small heavy saucepan, cut the butter into pieces and melt over low heat. Add all chocolate chips to the melted butter, whisking together until melted and smooth. Remove pan from stove and set aside – you’ll use this same pan later on.
In a large mixing bowl, lightly whisk the eggs and egg yolks together. Whisk in the granulated sugar, brown sugar and salt.
Briefly stir the melted chocolate mixture, then gradually drizzle into the egg mixture, whisking constantly just until combined.
Whisk in the pure vanilla extract.
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt. Sprinkle directly into the batter. Stir with a silicone spatula just until blended.
Stir in the chopped roasted nuts and English Toffee bits.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly with a small offset spatula.
Bake for 34 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the slab comes out clean.
Transfer pan to a cooling rack for 1 hour; refrigerate or set in freezer for 10 minutes to quickly set and cool top of brownie slab before frosting.
PREPARE BUTTER PECAN CREAM CHEESE FROSTING: In a small mixing bowl, place room temperature butter, cream cheese and salt. Beat on medium speed until light and fluffy.
Add the powdered sugar, cinnamon, and butter pecan emulsion.
Increase speed to medium-high and beat well until light and fluffy – about 10 minutes. Frosting should be extra fluffy.
At this point, you can add more powdered sugar if the frosting is too thin or a splash of heavy cream if it’s too thick. Taste now – a pinch of salt is usually enough to offset the sweetness and bring out the flavor.
Dollop the Butter Pecan Cream Cheese Frosting over the chilled brownie slab and spread evenly with a small offset spatula. Place the brownies in the refrigerator while preparing the Chocolate Glaze.
PREPARE CHOCOLATE GLAZE: In reserved saucepan, melt the butter and corn syrup over low heat. When totally melted and combined, remove from heat and add the chocolate chips. Stir with a small silicone spatula until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
GARNISH: Sprinkle top of warm Chocolate Glaze with English Toffee bits, pressing the top gently set into place. The English Toffee bits will adhere to the top as the Chocolate Glaze sets and cools.
Refrigerate brownie slab for at least 8 hours before slicing and serving.
Brownies will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 6 months.

YIELD: 24 brownies

RECIPE VARIATIONS & SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

For English Toffee Almond Brownies, replace Butter Pecan Emulsion with pure almond extract and use roasted salted almonds (no pecans).
For extra chocolatey flavor, use Heath Milk Chocolate English Toffee Bits in place of the Heath Bits O’Brickle English Toffee Bits.
For GLUTEN-FREE ENGLISH TOFFEE BUTTER PECAN BROWNIES: You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by substituting your favorite 1:1 gluten free flour for the all-purpose flour - I use and recommend King Arthur, Measure for Measure Flour and Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour.

For English Toffee Butter Pecan Brownie Bites, bake in individual brownie bite pans lined with parchment liners) – I usually bake for 20 to 22 minutes.

RECIPE TIPS & TRICKS FOR THE BEST GOURMET ENGLISH TOFFEE BUTTER PECAN BROWNIES:

If I can only share one baking secret with you, always use a DIGITAL KITCHEN SCALE. You can use measuring cups and spoons for most recipes, but using a digital scale makes for the more consistent and efficient baking. Take this from someone that bakes A LOT!
For a rich and robust chocolate flavor, I recommend using only high-quality chocolate for this recipe. Since there are only a few ingredients, each one really shines through!
Don't overbeat your brownie batter! Mix your dry ingredients in with a spatula just until blended for a perfectly shiny, crispy, and crackly top - the way a brownie should be!
Be sure you don’t overbake the brownies! They should not be liquidy or jiggly when you pull them out of the oven. The brownies will firm up as they cool. Over-baked brownies will be dry and won’t be chewy or fudgy.

After removing from the oven, I suggest you place brownies on a wire rack and cool completely before topping with filling or frosting. Chilling overnight is mandatory - and although waiting for this may be the hardest part, they are worth the wait!
Don’t use glass baking dishes for the best brownies or blondies – the baking times and results will vary wildly, and the heat retention of glass can lead to overbaking and dryness.

Original recipe created September 2022; revised and reposted January 2024.

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