If ever a sweet treat could capture the cozy charm of Southern hospitality, it’s a batch of Lowcountry Chewies. Picture soft, pecan-studded bars rich with brown sugar and buttery goodness — the kind of dessert that practically begs for a porch swing and a tall glass of sweet tea. These beloved blondie-style bars come together with simple pantry staples, promising the perfect caramel chew in every bite. Whether you grew up on the South Carolina coast or just want a taste of that classic flavor, you’re about to fall in love with your new go-to crowd-pleaser. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how a handful of basic ingredients, each with its own magic, create the signature taste and texture of Lowcountry Chewies. Every component brings something special: rich flavor, just the right chew, or that add-in crunch you crave.
- Unsalted butter: Melted and cooled, this gives chewies their lush texture and helps everything meld together beautifully.
- Light brown sugar, packed: The star of the show – brown sugar adds that fabulous caramel depth and keeps every bite moist.
- Large eggs: At room temperature, eggs bind everything into a tender, smooth batter.
- Pure vanilla extract: Just a couple teaspoons infuse the bars with warm, fragrant undertones.
- All-purpose flour: Our sturdy base, giving structure so your bars don’t fall apart.
- Baking powder: The secret to just a touch of lift, so the bars puff up perfectly without being cakey.
- Salt: Half a teaspoon is all you need to make the sweetness sing, rather than overwhelm.
- Chopped pecans: Toast for extra flavor, or swap for walnuts if you like, but don’t skip the crunch!
How to Make Lowcountry Chewies
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Before you mix a thing, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and get your trusty 9×13-inch baking pan ready. Either lightly grease it or line with parchment paper for easy release. This step will save you a sticky headache later, so don’t skip it!
Step 2: Mix the Butter and Sugar
In a big mixing bowl, whisk your melted (but not hot) butter together with the brown sugar until the mixture looks thick, glossy, and smooth. This simple pairing is what gives Lowcountry Chewies their fabulous caramel backdrop—as soon as you see the mixture come together, you’ll understand why.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs to the sugar-butter mix one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each. This incorporates plenty of air for that signature chew, and ensures your bars bake up evenly. Pour in the vanilla extract and give everything a final quick whisk for that cozy, bakery-fresh aroma.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate small bowl, quickly whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stirring these together makes sure your baking powder and salt distribute evenly throughout the batter, giving you consistent rise and balanced flavor in every slice.
Step 5: Bring the Batter Together
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until you no longer see streaks of flour. Overmixing can make chewies tough, so stop as soon as it comes together. The batter will be thick, but that’s exactly what you want—trust the process!
Step 6: Fold In the Pecans
Stir in those chopped pecans last, saving a few for the top if you like. Toasted pecans add a deep, nutty crunch that plays perfectly against the soft, sweet chew beneath. Walnuts work here too, but pecans are pure Lowcountry magic.
Step 7: Spread and Bake
Scoop the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly—don’t worry, it’ll settle as it bakes. Slide it into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for golden edges and a slightly wrinkled, matte surface. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out mostly clean, maybe with a moist crumb or two.
Step 8: Cool and Cut
Patience pays off here! Let your Lowcountry Chewies cool completely in the pan before slicing into dreamy squares. They’ll be at their chewiest best once set, and you won’t lose any precious crumbs to overeager cutting.
How to Serve Lowcountry Chewies
Garnishes
For a picture-perfect finish, shower the still-warm bars with a dusting of powdered sugar, or press extra toasted pecans into the top for a little eye-catching crunch. A drizzle of caramel sauce certainly isn’t out of place either when you’re feeling extra fancy.
Side Dishes
If you want to serve Lowcountry Chewies alongside something special, consider a cool scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. Hot coffee or sweet tea complements these bars to perfection, making for a satisfying Southern-style treat any time of day.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack squares at different angles on a rustic cake stand, serve little bites in mini cupcake papers, or cut them into triangles for a playful twist. Wrap a few bars with brown paper and twine for a heartfelt homemade gift—everyone loves a surprise treat with a personal touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Lowcountry Chewies keep incredibly well! Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. The flavor deepens after a day or two, so don’t be afraid to bake ahead of your get-together. If stacking, place a piece of wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing
These bars are freezer-friendly champions. Arrange squares in a single layer (or with parchment between layers) in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to three months. Just bring them to room temperature before serving so every bite is at its gooey, caramelly best.
Reheating
If you love Lowcountry Chewies extra warm and soft, pop a bar or two in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. The edges get a touch crisp and the brown sugar flavor blossoms all over again. If reheating from frozen, allow to thaw first for best results and then rewarm gently.
FAQs
Can I make Lowcountry Chewies without nuts?
Absolutely! If you have a nut allergy or just want to skip the pecans, feel free to leave them out. The bars will still be deliciously chewy and rich, though the nuts do add a nice texture and classic flavor.
What’s the best way to ensure my chewies stay soft?
Be sure not to overbake—pull the bars from the oven as soon as the edges are golden and a toothpick comes out mostly clean. Also, store in an airtight container as soon as they’ve cooled to lock in that moisture.
Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light?
You can use dark brown sugar if that’s all you have! It will give the bars a deeper caramel note and slightly richer color, which some folks love for an extra-indulgent batch of Lowcountry Chewies.
Is it okay to halve the recipe?
Yes, just bake in an 8×8-inch pan and start checking for doneness at about the 20-minute mark. The bars will be just as chewy and irresistible, perfect for smaller groups or a weeknight dessert fix.
Why are my chewies dry or cakey?
The usual culprits are overbaking or adding too much flour. Always spoon and level your flour when measuring, and pull the bars from the oven as soon as the top is set. Chewies should be, well, chewy!
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to experience the sweet nostalgia of Lowcountry Chewies in your own kitchen. Share them with friends or savor a square all to yourself—either way, this classic Southern bar is sure to become a new favorite. Give them a try, and let the love (and the caramel goodness) keep rolling in!
Print
Lowcountry Chewies Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Lowcountry Chewies are a delightful Southern dessert, reminiscent of blondies, with a rich buttery flavor and crunchy pecans. These chewy bars are easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 2 cups light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Additional Ingredient:
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold into wet ingredients until just combined.
- Add Pecans and Bake: Stir in chopped pecans. Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes until edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
Notes
- For a nuttier flavor, toast the pecans before adding them.
- You can substitute walnuts for pecans if preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
