Nut brownies are one of those timeless desserts that balance everything we love about brownies fudgy, moist centers and a delicate crunch from toasted nuts. Whether you prefer walnuts, pecans, almonds, or a mix of your favorite nuts, this classic treat delivers both flavor and texture that make every bite satisfying.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to make nut brownies that are rich, chewy, and loaded with crunchy goodness plus expert baking tips, variations, storage advice, and answers to the most common brownie questions online.
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Quick Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Baking Time | 30–40 minutes |
| Yield | 9–16 brownies |
| Skill Level | Moderate |
| Best Nuts | Walnuts, Pecans, Almonds |
Nut Brownies Ingredients
Basic Brownie Batter
- Unsalted butter or neutral oil
- Dark chocolate (or a mix of chocolate + cocoa powder)
- Granulated sugar + brown sugar
- Eggs
- All-purpose flour
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Vanilla extract and a pinch of salt
Nuts for Nut Brownies
- Walnuts – the classic choice for brownies with nuts
- Pecans – buttery and slightly sweet, ideal for chewy nut brownies
- Almonds, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts – for flavor variety
- Mixed nuts – adds texture and visual appeal
Optional Mix-ins
- Chocolate chips or chunks for extra richness
- Sea salt or Himalayan pink salt for contrast
- Espresso powder (to enhance chocolate flavor)
- Dried fruit or toffee bits
- Gluten-free flour, flax eggs, or applesauce for vegan nut brownies
How to Make Nut Brownies
One-Bowl Nut Brownies (Easy Method)
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Melt butter and chocolate together in a microwave or over a double boiler.
- Whisk in both sugars and let cool slightly.
- Beat in eggs and vanilla until glossy.
- Sift flour, cocoa, and salt; fold gently into the wet mixture.
- Fold in chopped nuts (reserve some for the top).
- Pour into a lined baking pan, top with extra nuts, and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Box Mix Hack
Upgrade boxed brownie mix by folding in 1 cup of chopped nuts before baking — the easiest way to make brownies with nuts at home.
Variations
- Brown Butter Nut Brownies – deep, nutty aroma
- Raw or No-Bake Nut Brownies – date + nut base for a healthy twist
- Vegan Nut Brownies – almond flour + flax eggs
Nut Brownies Texture: Fudgy vs. Cakey vs. Chewy
- Fudgy Nut Brownies: more butter/chocolate, less flour, shorter bake time
- Cakey Nut Brownies: more flour and a bit of leavening
- Chewy Nut Brownies: balance of brown sugar + longer baking
The nuts add crunch and prevent the brownie from feeling too dense giving every bite the ideal contrast of moist and crisp.
Pro Tips for Perfect Nut Brownies
- Toast the nuts first. This enhances flavor and prevents sogginess.
- Chop nuts evenly. Large pieces may sink; small crumbs disappear.
- Sprinkle some nuts on top for a glossy, bakery-style crust.
- Don’t overmix once flour is added — that keeps the brownies fudgy.
- Cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling.
Nut Brownie Variations
- Walnut Brownies – the iconic version with earthy crunch
- Pecan Brownies – rich, buttery, and slightly sweet
- Triple-Chocolate Nut Brownies – add white and milk chocolate chunks
- Salted Caramel Nut Brownies – drizzle caramel and finish with sea salt
- Vegan Nut Brownies – dairy-free, egg-free, and gluten-free options
- Keto Nut Brownies – almond flour + erythritol or monk fruit
Toppings & Presentation
- Pour chocolate ganache over cooled brownies and top with nuts
- Add nut brittle or crumble for a rustic look
- Decorate with whole walnut halves on each slice
- Perfect for bake sales, dessert boxes, and gifting
Storage & Freezing Nut Brownies
- Room temperature: 2–3 days in an airtight container
- Refrigerator: up to 5 days if topped with ganache or frosting
- Freezer: wrap individual slices and freeze for up to 2 months
Nutrition & Allergens
Nut brownies are indulgent expect around 350–400 calories per slice depending on ingredients.
Nuts add healthy fats, protein, and fiber, but note common allergens: nuts, gluten, dairy, and eggs.
Classic Walnut Nut Brownies Recipe
Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 4 oz dark chocolate
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs + 1 yolk
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (162°C).
- Melt butter + chocolate; whisk in sugars.
- Add eggs, yolk, and vanilla.
- Fold in dry ingredients, then chopped walnuts.
- Pour into a lined 9x9 pan; bake for 35 minutes or until toothpick shows moist crumbs.
- Cool before slicing.
This recipe produces rich, chewy, and perfectly balanced walnut brownies every time.
Brownie Packaging: The Ultimate Guide to Boxes, Materials & Design
Nut Brownies FAQs (People Also Ask)
1. Are nuts good in brownies?
Yes, they add crunch, flavor contrast, and extra nutrients to brownies.
2. What are the best nuts for brownies?
Walnuts and pecans are the most popular; almonds and hazelnuts also work beautifully.
3. Should you toast nuts before adding to brownies?
Yes, toasting brings out aroma and keeps the nuts crisp during baking.
4. How do you keep brownies fudgy when adding nuts?
Use more fat, less flour, and fold the nuts gently to avoid overmixing.
5. Can I add nuts to boxed brownie mix?
Absolutely, fold in 1 cup of chopped nuts before baking for easy nutty brownies.
6. How should I store nut brownies?
Keep in an airtight container at room temp for 2–3 days or freeze up to 2 months.
Conclusion
Nut Brownies are the perfect dessert for chocolate and nut lovers alike rich, chewy, and irresistibly crunchy.
Whether you bake them with walnuts, pecans, or almonds, this recipe ensures a moist center and perfectly toasted nutty texture every time.
