Derby Day is just not complete without these mint julep brownies! I serve them over a splash of bourbon and with candied pecans for that perfect mint julep flavor. The hint of mint and bourbon creates such an interesting and addicting depth of flavor that keeps me coming back for more.
These mint julep brownies make me feel like I’m at Churchill Downs watching the Kentucky Derby – okay, not really. However, I love serving and eating them as I watch the most exciting two minutes in sports!
Years and years ago I found myself as an infield spectator (that part in the middle) at Churchill Downs racetrack for the Kentucky Derby. In all honesty, I couldn’t really see the race from the infield and it was hardly millionaire’s row, but it’s the place to like a rock star and trust me we did!
While celebrities and proper Southern women watched the race from their box seats, adorned in elaborate hats and sipping Mint Juleps, those of us in the infield were in full party mode just letting loose. Our hats were homemade hats and some were quite creative.
Why I Love This Recipe
- If I’m having a derby watch party and even if I’m not, this is a great dessert to serve.
- I love a fudgy brownie and this mint julep version doesn’t disappoint.
- The complexity bourbon adds to desserts is something I really enjoy.
Ingredients
- Dark chocolate: I opt for at least 70% cacao chocolate because semi-sweet is too sweet for this recipe, and I want that rich, deep cocoa flavor.
- Granulated sugar: It’s a key ingredient for sweetness, balancing the bitterness of the dark chocolate.
- All-purpose flour: This provides structure and texture to the brownies, ensuring they hold together well.
- Table salt: I add salt to enhance the flavor of the chocolate and balance the sweetness.
- Peppermint extract: I use this to infuse the brownies with that refreshing mint flavor reminiscent of a classic Mint Julep.
- Bourbon: It adds a distinctive depth of flavor, echoing the spirit of the cocktail these brownies are inspired by.
- Brown sugar: Its molasses content adds the subtle caramel note and sweetness to the candied pecans.
- Pecans: These add a crunch and nuttiness to each bite, complementing the bourbon and chocolate flavors perfectly. You can also purchase already made candied pecans
- Butter: It provides richness and moisture to the brownies, ensuring they’re tender and decadent.
- Eggs: These act as a binder, helping to hold the brownies together and contribute to their fudgy texture.
How To Make These Brownies
Find the complete recipe with measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Recipe Tips
Have fun making your brownies at home and picking your top three derby winners…losers have to clean the brownie pan!
More Brownie Recipes
- Layered Chocolate and Peanut Butter Brownies
- Twix Candy Bar Brownies
- Peanut Butter-Nutella Brownies
- Peppermint Patty Brownies
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
Mint Julep Brownies
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 light brown sugar
- 1/3 cup pecan halves
Garnish:
- bourbon
- whipped cream
- mint
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.1 cup butter, 4 oz dark chocolate (at least 70% cacao), broken into pieces
- 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.Â4 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
- 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.1 tbsp butter, 2 tbsps light brown sugar, 1/3 cup pecan
- 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.bourbon, whipped cream, mint
Video
Notes
Nutrition
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.