Description
Indulge in these rich and decadent Turtle Brownies featuring a fudgy cocoa base, infused with a hint of coffee, mixed with chocolate chips and chopped pecans, and topped with a luscious homemade caramel sauce, extra chocolate chips, and pecans for a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Brownies
- 10 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp instant coffee granules
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 2 large eggs, cold
- 2 tsp vanilla bean paste
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, plus more for topping
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans, plus more for topping
Caramel Sauce
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 or 8×8 inch baking pan with aluminum foil and lightly spray it with cooking spray or grease it with butter. Set aside.
- Browning Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the 10 tablespoons of unsalted butter and cook until it turns a light brown or caramel color, about 5-10 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning. Using a light-colored pan helps.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Pour the browned butter into a large bowl. Add granulated sugar, 1/2 cup light brown sugar, cocoa powder, salt, instant coffee granules, and baking powder. Stir until well combined and let rest for 5 minutes until cooled.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Stir in the two cold large eggs and 2 teaspoons of vanilla bean paste until the batter has a glossy sheen.
- Add Flour: Fold in 2/3 cup all-purpose flour gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep brownies tender.
- Add Mix-ins: Stir in 1/2 cup chocolate chips and 1/2 cup chopped pecans evenly through the batter.
- Bake Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool Brownies: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely before removing from the pan.
- Make Caramel Sauce: Combine 1 cup light brown sugar, 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, and 1/2 cup heavy cream in a saucepan over low to medium heat. Stir occasionally and cook for about 8 minutes until thickened. If thickening slows, increase heat slightly and whisk constantly. Remove from heat.
- Add Vanilla to Caramel: Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract into the caramel sauce. Transfer to a container and refrigerate to firm up and cool.
- Assemble Toppings: Drizzle the cooled caramel sauce generously over the cooled brownies. Sprinkle additional chopped pecans and chocolate chips on top.
- Chill Brownies: Place the brownies in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set the caramel and toppings.
- Serve: Once set, slice into 9 squares, serve, and enjoy your rich, nutty Turtle Brownies!
Notes
- Using browned butter adds a nutty, caramel flavor that enhances the brownies’ depth.
- Instant coffee granules intensify the chocolate flavor without making the brownies taste like coffee.
- Be careful not to overbake brownies to keep them fudgy and moist.
- Letting the caramel sauce cool and set properly prevents it from running off the brownies.
- Optional: Toast pecans before adding for extra crunch and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American