If you’re a fan of Mint Julep cocktails, these decadent tasting Mint Julep Brownies, served over a splash of bourbon and with candies pecans were made for you! The hint of mint and bourbon create a very interesting and addicting depth of flavor.
Have an undeniable craving for chocolate desserts? Why not switch it up with some super simple, super delish recipes that will sooth your chocoholic self? Maybe these chocolate cookie cups will satisfy your cravings or a thick slice of this old-fashioned chocolate cake! Whichever you choose, I promise it’s going cure your sweet tooth.
Mint Julep Brownies with Candied Pecans
You’ll feel like you’re at Churchill Downs watching the Kentucky Derby with these Mint Julep Brownies. They are the perfect ending to the most exciting two minutes in sports.
Years and years ago I was lucky enough to be an infield spectator at Churchill Downs racetrack for the Kentucky Derby. In all honesty, you can’t really see the race from the infield and it’s hardly millionaire’s row, but it’s the place to party like a rock star and trust me we did.
While celebrities and proper Southern women view the race from their box seats, wearing elaborate hats and sipping their Mint Juleps, the infield crowd is partying on with reckless abandon. The hats in the infield are all homemade and have been some of the most creative head gear I’ve ever seen.
Have fun making your brownies at home and picking your top three winners…losers have to clean the brownie pan!
Ingredients for Mint Julep Brownies
Full recipe and instructions can be found at the bottom of the page.
Pantry Ingredients
- dark chocolate – use at least 70% cacao chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate is too sweet for this recipe
- granulated sugar
- all-purpose flour
- table salt
- peppermint extract
- bourbon – does not need to be an expensive bourbon
- brown sugar – light or dark works
- pecan – halves only
Fresh Ingredients
- butter – for the best flavor when baking, use European butter such as Kerrygold
- eggs
How to Make Mint Julep Brownies
Step one: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Step two: In a medium saucepan, warm butter and chocolate over low heat until melted and smooth. Remove from heat to cool slightly.
Step three: In a large bowl beat eggs on medium speed for 2 minutes. Add the cooled chocolate mixture, sugar, flour, salt, peppermint extract and bourbon and stir until fully incorporated. I thought this was a strange order in which to add ingredients but it worked well.
Step four: Pour batter into a greased 9 x 13 pan (I line my pan with parchment paper). Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Cool completely before cutting, if you can wait.
Step five: While the brownies are baking and cooling, make your candied pecans.
Step six: For the pecans, in a small sauce pan, melt butter over low heat. Add brown sugar, stirring until combined. Add pecan halves, cooking over low heat until mixture begins to darken; about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat for about 15 minutes until pecans cool and sugar hardens. Break the pecans into pieces for garnish.
Step seven: For an authentic Mint Julep presentation, splash each serving plate with some bourbon and place a brownie slice right on top. This step is optional, but it really tastes good. Garnish each slice with freshly whipped cream, candied pecans and a sprig of mint.
Recipe Tips
- Use dark chocolate that is at least 70% percent cacao or more, otherwise the brownies will be too sweet.
- I prefer to line my baking pan with parchment so I can easily lift the brownies out after baking so they cool faster.
- Drizzle each serving plate with bourbon and set a brownie on top, for extra bourbon flavor.
- Top with whipped cream and garnish with fresh mint leaves
Garnish each slice with freshly whipped cream, candied pecans and a sprig of mint.
Other Brownie Recipes You Might Enjoy
IF YOU DO MAKE SOMETHING FROM NOBLEPIG, IT WOULD BE GREAT TO SEE HOW YOURS TURNED OUT! TAG @NOBLEPIG ON INSTAGRAM WITH YOUR CREATION. DON’T FORGET TO RATE THIS RECIPE AND LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW. ALSO FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM, PINTEREST, FACEBOOK AND TWITTER FOR LOTS OF FOOD INSPIRATION AND A PEEK INTO EVERYDAY LIFE.
Mint Julep Brownies with Candied Pecans
Ingredients
Brownies:
- 1 cup butter
- 4 oz dark chocolate (at least 70% cacao), broken into pieces
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp table salt
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
- 2 tbsps bourbon
Candied Pecans:
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsps brown sugar
- 1/3 cup pecan halves
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a medium saucepan, warm butter and chocolate over low heat until melted and smooth. Remove from heat to cool slightly.
- In a large bowl beat eggs on medium speed for 2 minutes. Add the cooled chocolate mixture, sugar, flour, salt, peppermint extract and bourbon and stir until fully incorporated. I thought this was a strange order in which to add ingredients but it worked well.
- Pour batter into a greased 9 x 13 pan (I line my pan with parchment paper). Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Cool completely before cutting, if you can wait.
- While the brownies are baking and cooling, make your candied pecans.
- For the pecans, in a small sauce pan, melt butter over low heat. Add brown sugar, stirring until combined. Add pecan halves, cooking over low heat until mixture begins to darken; about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat for about 15 minutes until pecans cool and sugar hardens. Break the pecans into pieces for garnish.
- For an authentic Mint Julep presentation, splash each serving plate with some bourbon and place a brownie slice right on top. This step is optional, but it really tastes good. Garnish each slice with freshly whipped cream, candied pecans and a sprig of mint.
Nutrition
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Hilary says
Hi Cathy .. thanks for letting us know about these delicious sounding brownies .. a good alternative for us here in the UK. Kentucky Races – sounds fun ..
Thanks – Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters
KathyB. says
I am hoping you will find and post pictures of the elaborate hats, and the people wearing them! I have already printed up the brownie recipe for a special day!
Shawn says
That looks fantastic-alicious!
I’m so totally going to have to make those.
Katrina says
I have to tell you, I made the Lazy Cook’s Baklava yesterday for a baby shower. They are SOOO good and so easy! Love them! Thanks for the recipe.
gfe-gluten free easily says
Well, of course, you were in the infield partying vs being in the stuffy upper seats! 😉 OMG, these brownies … I can tell they are worthy of converting to gluten free. Will report back later!
Shirley
Lisa@The Cutting Edge of Ordinary says
Cathy those look unreal! I love brownies…all kinds!
Donna says
These sound absolutely perfect for a party such as the Derby!! Awesome choice. I enjoy mint juleps every once in a while so I am of a most certain mind, I would LOVE these!
Diaryofamadbathroom says
Chocolate and whiskey? Sounds like a good day to me.
Debi says
What a fun dessert for a Kentucky Derby party!
Jackie says
I had a friend who got a recipe from Kentucky that was called Kentucky derby Pie. Chocolate chips, bourbon, pecans, chocolate brownie type filling, OMG died and went to heaven. Have not made it in years, but it may be time to do it again. Your brownies inspired me. Maybe could add a touch of mint to the pie. Oh, the pie doesn’t really need a crust, it is brownie consistancy.
Rindy R says
These brownies would make it in no time flat to my WAIST line! They certainly look like winners!
RobinSue says
I saw these on Lisa’a site too and drooled there over these. Good choice! They do look like a winner- maybe even a triple crown.
Leslie says
ohh I forgot about the derby..I suppose I have to get out my fancy hat!!
Mental P Mama says
YUM!
Melynda says
I have the ingredients, YUM. I am glad the weekend is near.
Mama Goose says
Oh.Good.God. You’ve sabotaged my diet again…
Sara says
These look incredible. I bought a bottle of bourbon for a recipe, and only used about half of it. The other half has been sitting in my pantry waiting to be used. I’ll definitely be using it for these!
Kim says
This is my idea of a Southern dessert! Looks just divine, my you have been up to a lot of wonderful cooking.
Auds at Barking Mad says
I dont think the candied pecans would ever see the plates or anything else for that matter. I’d eat them straight out of the pan! *lol*
The brownies look amazing, even if I don’t like chocolate, I can’t seem to turn down a fresh, hot-out-of-the-oven brownie. But I’ll have to pass on the Bourbon…can’t stand the stuff!
I always love your presentation photos. So clean and crisp!
melissa says
Oh My Word! Brownies made with booze! Yum
I hope you find the pictures, they would be neat to see.
michelle says
I’m so excited that you put these brownies up here! I’m from Louisville so we’re having a HUGE Derby party and these will be perfect for me to take. Thanks so much :]
Marguerite says
I’m not sure if I’d like the brownie… but the candied pecans I KNOW I’d like!!
And the brownie looks beautiful. You take the BEST pictures!
Mary says
Now you’ve gone too far. How am I to resist this confection? It’s positively decadent.
Fun House Jennifer says
OMG I want those!!!
Also–I made the pizza recipe (cauliflower, etc.) last night and it was SO good! The kids devoured it! I will definitely make it again!
Marjie says
I get it – splash the plates with bourbon, and the hooligans will conk out so Mom can have peace and quiet to (not) pack the house…
imom says
I got so distracted by the melting butter and chocolate that I forgot to read the rest of the recipe! Not really! Those look amazing.
Marcy says
Nix the pecans, but bring on the whiskey and peppermint! LOL! other than the pecans they look great! I want to go to a horse race – ANY horse race – it sounds exciting;))
Asthmagirl says
These look great! I’m on Pioneer of the Nile!
Pam says
Now I want to have a derby party – fun hats, good food. The brownies look amazing.
Natasha - 5 Star Foodie says
I love the idea of peppermint extract and bourbon in these brownies! Delicious!
LilSis says
I love the Kentucky Derby! Opening Day here in Del Mar is a ‘big hat’ day also! We always go for that event.
These brownies look so amazing! The whipped cream, pecans, and mint sure turns the brownie into an elegant dessert. I’m bookmarking now!
Danielle says
I feel like I’ve been gone forever! (I’ve missed you!) And I open to this gorgeous brownie, yum! I wish I could wear a fancy hat and party like a rock star…but alas, this weekend will be spent catching up on everything I should have done last weekend. But it was worth it! Have a great day!
dawn says
do you watch the derby? I never got into it really, but what is that other tasty goodie that goes along with the derby? it’s a pie or a cake? supposed to be really good.
well, these brownies look really moist and dense, jst the way it should be, right.
and you know my love for pecans!
Paula says
Oh my gosh, your derby party with crazy hats sounds like great fun! Of course, if everyone was eating these gorgeous spiked brownies, how could they not be ready to party! 🙂
Maureen says
That picture is making my mouth water. I can almost taste the yummy gooey-ness through the photo.
elra says
Your brownies look incredibly good Cathy. I love the candied pecan, what an idea.
Cheers,
elra
Kayola says
Anything chocolate is bomb diggity and then add candied pecans….HOLY COW! My two favorite things in this entire world!!!!! Could you think twice about where you are moving and move to Arizona right next door to me….oh I could learn so much from you!!!! No telling what you could learn from me…hahahahaha
Jeff says
I have been to the Derby a couple times in my life and it is an insane event (infield is only place for me). Thankfully we did our betting when we got there and then proceeded to drink ourselves past stupid. The whole atmosphere is amazing and full of energy.
Any dish that feature mint juleps is a win win in my book. Nicely done!
Elizabeth says
Oh I love brownies…thanks for the recipe
Fearless Kitchen says
These look great – perfect for Derby Day. I like the party with hats idea!
Cheryl A. Clements says
I love brownies but I love the crispy edges more than the middles. To achieve that I use the Baker’s Edge Brownie pan and it rocks. I also use it for corn bread and/or Johnnie cake. A good friend was drooling over the pan I had and so I gave it to him and bought myself another one.
Bridgett says
Wow, mint julep brownies. I think I am in heaven. What a perfect recipe.
unconfidentialcook says
I always feel badly for the horses….The brownies look fantastic, so moist and rich enough for me!
Marlene says
You never, ever cease to absolutely amaze me.
I can die in peace now for you have taken my heart!
Farmchick says
Awesome recipe and I cannot wait to try it. Here in KY the derby is quite a big deal. I am looking forward to making these brownies for “derby day”, as we call it.
krysta says
oh these are being made tonight.
Bob says
Well, I’m not a big fan of horse racing, but I love brownies! Those look wicked good, but then I’ll try almost anything with bourbon in it. 😉
The Duo Dishes says
It seems like it’d be more fun to just drink mint juleps and eat fried chicken in fancy clothes than watch the horses run. Or eat these brownies!
Blond Duck says
I’d love to come to a derby party at your house!
Alisa says
You’re just trying to trick us all into showing up at your house so you can make us do all the packing.
As long as the brownies are there, I don’t mind though.
Have I mentioned lately that I love you?
Rachel (S[d]OC) says
Brownie crack good, butt crack bad?
Even though I wasn’t planning to do a Derby Day party, I was spending a lot of time this week looking at Kentucky recipes. Some great stuff out there. I love how these combine the famous mint juleps with CHOCOLATE.
I love Derby Pie and used to make it regularly until I started developing an allergy to walnuts.
Party on and enjoy the hats!
Tami Lyn says
My pick is Mint Julep Brownies with Candied Pecans, oh wait, that isn’t a horse? Oh well, I’ll just pick the brownie then! Delightful looking and can’t wait to try. Must pick up some bourbon.
Laura says
When I was in law school at Virginia, every year everyone went to some race (I forget the name now) when they all got dressed to the nines and ripping drunk. Being from the north and not from a horse racing culture I always found it odd.
tipper says
Derby or no Derby-those look yummy!!
pam says
You beat me to it! I saw this recipe too, and put it on my list!
Diane-TheWHOLEGang says
Wow, this looks so amazing. I want to dive into my computer screen. Photos are amazing. A true foodie. Thank you for sharing!
Laura Flowers says
This is such a cool recipe! I look forward to test driving it, thanks!
jennielynn says
Best.Birthday.Gift.Ever.
Fencepost says
My mouth is watering!
Gonna have to try these.
Woman in a window says
That looks amazing. Candied pecans. Nice touch.
Katie says
OMG brownies are delicious – but with bourbon in them they are heavenly!I’ve got to try these 🙂
rachel-asouthernfairytale says
Holy hell woman.
I nearly shortcircuited my computer. As a woman who’s roots are as deeply embedded in Kentucky as Texas, these speak to my very soul.
BigSis says
Wowee, do those look good! How bad could they be with booze AND peppermint?!
Claudia says
Oh those brownies are perfect. This is my favorite two minutes in spring. I love this race!
Suzanne says
Is it all right to add more than a splash of bourbon to my plate? 😉 Absolutely beautiful photos!
Cheryl says
Can’t drink the brown liquor, but never thought about “eating” it! Those look yummy and ever-so-timely.
(Plus a l’il minty kicker garnish…all that and fresh breath too!)
grace says
if you find those pictures, scan them and post them immediately!
meanwhile, your brownies are perfect for the occasion. heck, they’re perfect for any occasion, like the fact that today is thursday.
annbb says
The scariest 2 minutes of the year for me. I’m always so afraid something terrible is going to happen to the horse(s).
And that MJ Brownie? Terrifying! Looks like you’d need to eat at least two. So much for the diet!
Steph says
I love the tops of those brownies!!
Dallas from Bitchin' Lifestyle says
I can almost taste the lusciousness from here. I really can’t wait to try this cool, unique recipe this weekend.
Thanks for the great little context about the hats and flavors of the Derby.
Lisa says
Looks like I’m late to the party! I have this rule where I always pick a horse whose name starts with a vowel. To be a contender it looks like I have to pick I Want Revenge but I think I’d rather go with Chocolate Candy.
I’ve never actually been to the Kentucky Derby though I love the atmosphere in Louisville during Derby week. I get back to Kentucky at this time of year whenever I can.
And, of course, the brownies look great! I’m so glad you liked them. Thanks for giving them a try.
Biz says
Holy crap these look amazing! My hubby loves brownies – I swear I am picking up dark chocolate on my home from work tonight to make these!
Hélène says
OMG they look insane. Great pics.
Eileen @ Passions to Pastry says
These brownies look EXTREMELY good!
Lydia (The Perfect Pantry) says
Don’t know anything about race horses, but I know enough about brownies to know that these look delicious. I love brownies that are cracked on the top.
threeundertwo says
Just looking at these make me weep. Do you have a cookbook coming out?
Elia L says
Hi Kathy! I was just wondering some things about the taste of these Derby Brownies, I do hope you’ll get back to me. Are the tastes of the mint and bourbon well noticeable? Just wondering whether to add more or less or keep it same, I’d like the flavors to be light but noticeble. Also you used dark chocolate, so these brownies are very rich? Do you think semisweet baking chocolate would suffice?
Thanks!! Looking forward to making these for Saturday! 🙂
Regards,
Elia
Noble Pig says
I would not change a thing, the flavors are completely appropriate as is. Semisweet chocolate would make these too sweet, it would not be a good mix with the bourbon.
Cathy
Elia L says
Ok thank you! Happy (almost) derby day 🙂
Diane Benson says
So, so amazing! These are so incredible and so fun! Great recipe.
wilhelmina says
These were super good! Loved the flavot and how rich and fudgy they were!