Prepare the caramel in advance. You can find a good caramel sauce recipe in various dessert books or online. Just make only half the quantity you’ll need for the brownies, as a little goes a long way!
Take your pecans (or regular walnuts) and cut them coarsely into large pieces. This will give you that lovely crunch in every bite.
In a saucepan, melt the dark chocolate and butter together over low heat. Stir occasionally until the mixture is completely smooth. This creates a luscious base for the brownies.
Once melted and smooth, turn off the heat and add in the sugar and dark cocoa powder. Stir well until fully combined. Allow this mixture to cool for about 10 minutes, ensuring it’s not too hot when adding the eggs.
Preheat your oven to 180 °C (356 °F). While it heats, line a 20/30 cm (8×12 inches) baking tray with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes for easy removal later.
Now, it’s time to add the eggs into the cooled chocolate mixture, one at a time. Make sure to mix well after each addition. This step helps to incorporate air, ensuring a light texture.
Next, gently incorporate the flour along with a pinch of salt and the vanilla extract. Mix at a low intensity to avoid overworking the batter, which can lead to denser brownies.
Pour half of the brownie mixture into the prepared tray. Spread it evenly to create a nice base.
Sprinkle the coarsely cut pecan nuts and drizzle the caramel on top of the brownie base. This layer will add a delightful surprise when you bite into the brownies.
Now, pour the remaining brownie mixture over the caramel and pecans. Ensure it covers the toppings completely.
Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. After that, remove it from the oven and sprinkle some chocolate chunks and additional pecans on top.
Return the tray to the oven and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes. You want a nice crust on the top, but remember, the inside should remain moist. Avoid overbaking!
Once baked, transfer the tray to a cooling rack. Once the brownies have cooled completely, cut them into portions. It’s hard not to sample a few before sharing!