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Decadent Derby Pie Brownies Recipe with Chocolate Bourbon Walnut Swirl Made Easy

Derby Pie Brownies - featured image

Rich, fudgy brownies infused with a chocolate bourbon walnut swirl, blending southern Derby pie charm with classic brownie comfort. Easy to make and perfect for special occasions or a cozy treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • ¾ cup (75 g) unsweetened cocoa powder, preferably Dutch-processed
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup (90 g) semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup (120 g) chopped walnuts, toasted
  • 4 oz (115 g) dark chocolate, melted
  • 3 tbsp (45 ml) bourbon (can substitute with whiskey or omit)
  • 2 tbsp (25 g) brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp (14 g) butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
  2. Toast the walnuts on a baking sheet for 5-7 minutes until fragrant. Let cool.
  3. Melt 1 cup unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan. Set aside to cool slightly.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter until smooth and glossy.
  5. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract until creamy and slightly thick.
  6. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
  7. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula, just until combined. Avoid overmixing.
  8. Stir in the chocolate chips gently.
  9. In a small bowl, mix melted dark chocolate, toasted walnuts, bourbon, brown sugar, and 1 tbsp melted butter until well combined.
  10. Pour half the brownie batter into the pan and spread evenly.
  11. Drop spoonfuls of the chocolate bourbon walnut swirl over the batter, then top with the remaining brownie batter.
  12. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the mixture, creating a marbled effect.
  13. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  14. Let the brownies cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before slicing.

Notes

Toast walnuts carefully for 5-7 minutes to avoid burning. Use room temperature eggs for better batter consistency. Be gentle when swirling to avoid dense brownies. Let brownies cool completely before slicing for cleaner cuts. For thicker brownies, use an 8×8-inch pan and adjust baking time accordingly. You can omit bourbon or substitute with vanilla extract or strong coffee for a kid-friendly version. For gluten-free, swap all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend.

Nutrition

Keywords: Derby pie brownies, chocolate bourbon brownies, walnut swirl brownies, southern dessert, fudgy brownies, bourbon dessert, easy brownies recipe