How to Make Chewy Butterscotch Pecan Brownies
Introduction
When you think of a brownie, your first thought is probably a rich, decadent chocolate brownie—maybe loaded with nuts, maybe not. For a long time, that was my thought too. That is, until I discovered Chewy Pecan Butterscotch Brownies.
The magic of a truly great brownie rests in its texture. It should be chewy—not cakey, not dry—with rich, decadent flavor and just a little crunch, especially around the corners.
And these Chewy Pecan Butterscotch Brownies? They check every box. Melted butter, brown sugar, and butterscotch chips create a deep, caramel-like sweetness, while toasted pecans add warmth and crunch. The ingredients are simple, the method is foolproof, and the results are bakery-worthy—without fancy equipment or complicated steps. By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly how to make great chewy pecan butterscotch brownies every single time.
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What Makes a Brownie Chewy?
To achieve that irresistible chewy texture, several important elements matter:
- Use a higher ratio of brown sugar instead of granulated sugar to add moisture.
- Incorporate melted butter for richness and chew.
- Add an extra egg or egg yolk to boost texture.
- Use general all-purpose flour, not cake flour.
- Do not overmix—mix just until combined to avoid tough brownies.
- Bake at the proper temperature for a soft center.
- Do not overbake
- A toothpick should come out with moist crumbs.
- A clean toothpick means the brownies are overbaked.
- Allow brownies to cool completely before cutting for the best texture.
Once you understand these basics, chewy brownies are easy—and repeatable.
Key Ingredients for Chewy Pecan Butterscotch Brownies
Core Ingredients
- Butter (melted) – Essential for richness and chew
- Brown sugar – The real hero, adding moisture and deep caramel flavor
- Eggs (room temperature) – Bind the ingredients and improve texture
- All-purpose flour – Just enough to give structure without losing chewiness
Flavor Builders
- Butterscotch chips – Sweet, buttery, and melt beautifully into the batter
- Vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth to complement the butterscotch.
- Salt (essential, not optional) – Balances sweetness and elevates flavor.
The Pecans
- Flavor contrast – Nutty pecans pair perfectly with sweet butterscotch
- Lightly toasted – Toasting intensifies their buttery flavor.
- Roughly chopped – Adds crunch without masking the chewy base.
My Pecan Magic: Cooking and Baking with Pecans offers helpful tips for using pecans in both savory dishes and baked goods.
How to Make Chewy Butterscotch Pecan Brownies
Here’s a simple overview of the process:
- Preheat oven to 350°F
- Line your baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal, then lightly grease.
- Beat together melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla.
- Add eggs and beat until combined.
- Whisk the dry ingredients in a separate bowl.
- Gently mix wet ingredients into dry—do not overmix
- Fold in butterscotch chips and pecans.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan (thick batter is a good sign!)
- Bake just until set—overbaking is the enemy of chewiness.
See? Nothing to it. Gentle mixing and a close eye on baking time are your best tools. Set a timer about 10 minutes before the recipe’s suggested bake time, just to be safe. You’ve got this.
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The Only Chewy Butterscotch Pecan Brownie Recipe You’ll Need
A rich, buttery, moist butterscotch brownie with a pecan crunch. This is the perfect addition to your brownie obsession.
Now that you know what makes these brownies chewy and rich, let’s head into the kitchen and walk through the full recipe step by step.
Chewy Butterscotch Pecan Brownies
Equipment
- 1 spatula
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¾ cups light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup butter, melted
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 11 oz. pkg. Nestle Butterscotch Flavored morsels (chips)
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
Prep
- Preheat oven to 350℉. Lightly spray an 11×7 brownie pan, line the pan with parchment paper, allowing side overhang for easy lift removal from the pan.
Mix Batter
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium mixing bowl and set aside. Melt butter in small saucepan set aside allow to cool. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until creamy. Beat in 2 large eggs. Gradually mix the flour mixture into the sugar-butter mixture. Do not overmix. Stir in chopped pecans and butterscotch morsels. Spread into the prepared brownie pan.
Bake at 350℉
- Place in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a wooden toothpick or cake tester inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Remove the brownies from the oven and lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Use an offset spatula to loosen the brownies from the sides of the pan. Allow the brownies to cool on a cooling rack. Once they have cooled completely, place them on a flat surface. Then, using a sharp knife, cut them into your desired size. Be sure to wipe the knife after each cut for cleaner edges.
Note: It is important not to overmix or overbake brownies. I set my timer for 30 minutes for first check. Remember brownies will continue to cook slightly when removed from the oven.
If you tried this recipe, don’t forget to scroll up and tap those stars! I’d love to know how it turned out for you.”
Notes
Nutrition
Baking Success Tips for Perfectly Chewy Brownies
- Don’t overmix the batter.
- Measure flour correctly (spoon and level)
- Bake until edges are set, but the center looks slightly soft.
- Let brownies cool before cutting—chewiness improves as they set
- Use the correct pan size to avoid thin, dry brownies. I use an 11 x7 baking pan for thicker brownies.
Chewy Butterscotch Pecan Brownies: Flavor Variations & Easy Swaps
- Swap pecans for walnuts—or skip nuts entirely (though pecans and butterscotch are truly a match made in heaven)
- Add chocolate chips for a butterscotch-chocolate combo.
- Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking for a sweet-and-salty twist.
- Drizzle caramel over the baked bars for extra indulgence.
Play around and make them your own—no pressure, just fun.
How to Store & Serve Chewy Butterscotch Pecan Brownies
To keep your brownies fresh and chewy:
- Cool completely before storing.
- Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 1 week.
- Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
- Thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator
Conclusion
Chewy pecan butterscotch brownies prove that simple ingredients, handled the right way, can create something truly special. Rich, buttery, and full of butterscotch sweetness, they’re the kind of treat that feels just as good to bake as to eat. Whether you’re sharing them with family and friends or savoring a quiet moment with a warm square, these brownies deliver that perfect chewy butterscotch pecan brownie every time.
“Life is short—cut the brownie a little bigger.”
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