Description
Lowcountry Chewies are a sensational dessert that brings the heart of the South right into your kitchen. With their rich buttery flavor and crunchy pecans, these chewy bars are often likened to blondies but offer a unique twist that is sure to captivate your taste buds.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is perfect for baking your Lowcountry Chewies, allowing them to rise beautifully and achieve that sought-after soft center while ensuring that the edges become perfectly golden.
- In a large mixing bowl, introduce melted unsalted butter and packed light brown sugar. Using either a whisk or a hand mixer, beat these together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Once combined, add the two room-temperature eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is thoroughly mixed before adding the next. This process helps maintain the desired consistency of the batter. To finish this step, mix in the pure vanilla extract, which adds a warmth and depth of flavor to the bars.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is important for evenly distributing the leavening agents throughout the batter. Once well mixed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Use a spatula to fold in the flour mixture until just combined, taking care not to over-mix, as this can result in denser bars.
- Now that your batter is ready, fold in the chopped pecans until they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly with the spatula. Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The smell will be heavenly, and the anticipation will build as you wait for them to cool.
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven, and allow it to cool completely in the pan. This cooling period is crucial as it will help you achieve clean cuts when you eventually slice the bars into squares. After cooling, use a sharp knife to cut into squares. Enjoy these delightful Lowcountry Chewies warm or at room temperature!
Notes
Ensure your butter is melted and then slightly cooled before mixing, as hot butter can cook the eggs. Don’t overmix the batter; folding gently keeps it light and chewy. The chewies will continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t be alarmed if they look a bit soft when you take them out of the oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 220 per bar
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Protein: 2 g