Cyril Lignac's Brownie with Caramelized Pecans
By Wafa — 100+ tested recipes
Discover Cyril Lignac's brownie, a decadent version featuring caramelized pecans. A perfect marriage between rich dark chocolate and crunchy caramel.
Ingredients
- 120 g butter
- 140 g dark chocolate (100g for melting + 40g for texture/chunks)
- 150 g sugar
- 60 g milk chocolate
- 2 eggs
- 40 g all-purpose flour
- 2 pinches fleur de sel
- 125 g pecans
- 80 g sugar (for the caramel)
- 20 g water (for the caramel)
Instructions
- 1In a saucepan, combine the water and sugar and bring to a boil to prepare the caramelized pecans.
- 2Once the mixture is golden brown, stir in the pecans. Coat them well with the caramel, spread them out on a silicone mat or parchment paper, and let cool before roughly chopping them.
- 3Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a baking pan and line it with parchment paper.
- 4Melt the butter with 100g of dark chocolate and the milk chocolate in a double boiler (bain-marie) until smooth.
- 5In a large bowl, whisk the eggs with the sugar, then stir in the melted chocolate mixture.
- 6Add the flour and fleur de sel. Delicately fold in the caramelized pecan pieces and the remaining 40g of dark chocolate chunks. (Save a few nuts for the top to give it a more professional visual look.)
- 7Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes.
Tips
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible hot-and-cold contrast.
- The brownie is done when the top is crackly but the center is still slightly moist.
- Use a passion fruit coulis to add a touch of original acidity.
Substitutions
- pecans → peanuts — A more budget-friendly alternative.
- pecans → hazelnuts or almonds — To vary the flavors.
Nutrition
Frequently asked questions
Can I replace the pecans with another type of nut?
Yes, although the caramelized pecans are a key element of this recipe, you can replace them with walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts according to your preference.
Can I reduce the amount of sugar?
Yes, certainly. The original recipe is quite sweet, so it is entirely possible to reduce the amount of sugar in the brownie batter. This won't significantly affect the texture or the overall taste.
Can I make this recipe nut-free for people with allergies?
Absolutely, you can omit the pecans for a nut-free version. The brownie will still be delicious, though it will miss that signature crunch.
How long can I store this brownie?
The brownie generally keeps for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container at room temperature.
Can I freeze the brownie?
Yes, brownies freeze very well. Wrap it tightly and it can be stored for several months in the freezer.
Reviews
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