If there’s ever been a Southern treat that instantly conjures up homey comfort and sweet nostalgia, it’s a warm pan of Lowcountry Chewies. These humble bars are rich, buttery, and loaded with pecans, boasting a legendary chewy bite that will make you fall in love at first taste. Whether you’re new to this coastal classic or it’s a beloved staple from your childhood, Lowcountry Chewies are the kind of dessert that brings folks together around the kitchen table, one irresistible brown sugar bite at a time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making Lowcountry Chewies is delightfully simple, but each ingredient plays an important role in creating that unforgettably gooey texture and deep caramel-like flavor. Here’s what you’ll need for this Southern classic and why each addition matters:
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup): Melted butter gives these bars their rich, tender base and helps that golden crust develop beautifully.
- Light Brown Sugar (2 cups, packed): The secret to chewiness—brown sugar adds bold caramel notes and keeps the bars perfectly soft.
- Large Eggs (2): Eggs bind the ingredients and contribute to that fudgy, soft structure we crave.
- Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): A pop of true vanilla brings warmth and balance, enhancing every other flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): The framework of the recipe—just enough to hold everything together without becoming cakey.
- Baking Powder (1 teaspoon): Provides a slight lift, keeping the bars from becoming too dense.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Vital for rounding out the sweetness and accentuating the brown sugar.
- Chopped Pecans (1 cup): Nutty, buttery, and with just the right crunch—pecans are the signature touch in Lowcountry Chewies.
How to Make Lowcountry Chewies
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot when your batter’s ready. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and either give it a light greasing or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. This step ensures your bars lift out with minimal fuss and maximum chewy perfection!
Step 2: Mix the Buttery Brown Sugar Base
In a big mixing bowl, stir together the melted butter and light brown sugar until smooth and beautifully glossy. The warmth from the butter slightly melts the sugar, helping develop that signature chewy texture once baked.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in the eggs one at a time and add the vanilla extract, mixing until everything is fully incorporated. This is when the magic happens—your mixture will turn rich and thick, ready to bind with the flour and give your Lowcountry Chewies their luscious bite.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mixing them before adding to the wet mixture ensures even distribution of the leavening and seasoning, so every bite is spot-on.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Gradually stir the dry mixture into your wet ingredients, just until combined. Overmixing can make your chewies tough, so keep things gentle—stop as soon as you don’t see any more streaks of flour. Gently fold in the chopped pecans for bursts of nutty flavor throughout.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Spread the thick batter evenly into your prepared baking dish and slide it into the oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, watching for those glorious golden brown edges. They’re ready when a toothpick poked in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs—don’t overbake if you want that signature chew!
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Let your Lowcountry Chewies cool completely in the pan. Patience pays off here: cutting too soon can lead to messy bars, but when cooled, they slice into perfect squares, each one gleaming with butter and studded with pecans.
How to Serve Lowcountry Chewies
Garnishes
Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar across the cooled bars for a lovely finish, or drizzle with melted chocolate for a rich twist. A scattering of extra pecan pieces on top just before serving gives a fresh crunch and a bit of Southern flair.
Side Dishes
Lowcountry Chewies are delightful on their own, but pair beautifully with fresh summer berries or a side of vanilla ice cream. Serve them after a hearty Southern meal alongside hot coffee or sweet tea for the ultimate treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the bars in a rustic tin for a charming picnic, or wrap them individually with twine for easy gifting. For parties, cut them smaller for bite-size treasures—your Lowcountry Chewies will disappear in record time!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover chewies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days—they’ll stay soft and delicious. If your home is particularly warm, you can refrigerate them, just let them come to room temp before enjoying.
Freezing
Lowcountry Chewies freeze exceptionally well. Simply wrap bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a resealable freezer bag; they’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight on the counter when you’re ready to serve.
Reheating
If you like your Lowcountry Chewies slightly warm (and who doesn’t?), pop a square in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This will restore a just-baked texture and bring those caramel aromas wafting back to life.
FAQs
Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! While pecans are traditional, chopped walnuts make a fine substitute and will give your Lowcountry Chewies a slightly different, delicious flavor.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Look for golden edges and a center that’s just set—a toothpick inserted should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. Avoid overbaking if you want that signature chewy texture.
Can I add chocolate chips or other mix-ins?
You certainly can. Chocolate chips, white chocolate chunks, or even a pinch of cinnamon all pair beautifully and add a personal twist without overpowering the classic taste.
Are these similar to blondies?
They’re related, but Lowcountry Chewies are extra chewy thanks to their brown sugar base and lack of leavening beyond a touch of baking powder—a little gooier and more caramel-rich than most classic blondies.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Feel free to use a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend. The texture may be slightly different, but you’ll still get that beautiful chew and deep flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sharing a pan of Lowcountry Chewies—each bite brings warmth, tradition, and simple sweetness to your table. If you haven’t tried this Southern favorite yet, let this recipe be the one that wins you over. Happy baking, and be prepared to make new memories with every chewy, buttery square!
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Lowcountry Chewies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Lowcountry Chewies are a delightful Southern dessert featuring a chewy, buttery base with a hint of pecan crunch. These bars are a perfect combination of sweet and nutty flavors, making them a favorite for any occasion.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, combine melted butter and brown sugar. Add eggs and vanilla, mix well. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet mixture. Fold in pecans.
- Bake: Spread the batter in the pan and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
- You can substitute walnuts for pecans if desired.
- Avoid overbaking for a chewier texture.
- Adding cinnamon can enhance the flavor profile.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 195
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
