River Oaks Brownies
Rich, fudgy brownies packed with cocoa and pecans deliver deep chocolate flavor with crunchy nut texture, perfect for dessert lovers and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Lightly grease a 9 x 13 x 2-inch metal pan.
- Line the pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, sift together cocoa and flour.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over low heat.
- Remove from heat.
- Stir in sugar.
- Add eggs, 2 at a time, stirring well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- Add the cocoa-flour mixture to the wet ingredients.
- Beat until evenly combined.
- Add pecan pieces and fold into the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 50 minutes, until brownies are slightly moist in the center.
- Let cool in the pan.
- Invert the pan to remove the brownies.
- Turn right side up and cut into bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using high-quality cocoa powder. If you want to reduce the sweetness, try using dark chocolate instead of cocoa or reducing the sugar slightly. Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation. If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the pecans or substitute with chocolate chips for added richness.
Serving Suggestions
These brownies are delicious on their own but can be elevated with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk. For a delightful dessert spread, consider serving them alongside Nell'S Banana Pudding for a sweet contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave a portion for 10-15 seconds or enjoy them cold for a fudgy treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of River Oaks Brownies contains roughly 211 calories, with 7g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but you might want to reduce the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavors. Salted butter will give a different depth to the brownies, so taste as you go.
What can I substitute for pecan pieces?
If you're looking for a substitute for pecan pieces, walnuts or almonds work well and add a nice crunch. You can also use chocolate chips for a more decadent brownie without the nuts.
How can I tell when the brownies are done baking?
To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies. It should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. Keep in mind that the brownies will continue to set as they cool.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).