If you are craving a sweet treat that packs a delightful crunch and a rich, buttery flavor, the Lowcountry Chewies Recipe will absolutely steal your heart. This beloved Southern bar combines the nutty warmth of pecans, the tropical touch of shredded coconut, and optional bursts of melty chocolate chips, all bound together by a luscious brown sugar and butter batter. Perfect for sharing or savoring solo, these chewy bars offer a wonderfully satisfying texture and an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen with pure comfort. If you want to enjoy a dessert that’s both simple to make and deeply satisfying, this Lowcountry Chewies Recipe is the one to try.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started on this treat is all about gathering some straightforward yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a unique role in building the flavor, texture, and overall magic of these bars.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted: Provides rich, creamy fat that keeps the bars moist and flavorful.
- 2 cups brown sugar, packed: Adds deep caramel sweetness that is key to the chewiness.
- 3 large eggs: Bind everything together while contributing to the soft, dense texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor with a fragrant, sweet aroma.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Gives structure to the bars without making them cakey.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Adds just a touch of lift for the perfect density.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- 1 cup shredded coconut: Brings a chewy tropical twist and lovely texture.
- 1 cup pecans, chopped: Adds a buttery crunch and nutty flavor that’s unmistakably Southern.
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips (optional): For those who love a subtle bit of chocolate melting in each bite.
How to Make Lowcountry Chewies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to make sure it’s ready when your batter is mixed. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper so your chewies come out cleanly without sticking.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, packed brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and glossy. This creates the luscious base that will make your Lowcountry Chewies Recipe so rich and flavorful.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. This careful mixing ensures the bars maintain a tender crumb without becoming tough.
Step 4: Stir in Add-ins
Now for the best part: fold in the shredded coconut, chopped pecans, and chocolate chips if you’ve decided to include them. These ingredients give the bars their signature chewy texture and that beautiful Southern charm.
Step 5: Bake
Pour your batter evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached. This ensures a perfectly cooked interior with that signature chewiness.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Once baked, let your bars cool for about 10 minutes in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This makes cutting cleaner and lets the flavors set. Slice into squares and get ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Lowcountry Chewies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, sprinkle a little extra toasted coconut or chopped pecans on top before serving, adding visual appeal and a bit more crunch. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a pretty, sweet finish that brightens each bite.
Side Dishes
These bars shine beautifully on their own but also pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the richness. A cup of hot coffee or tea complements the deep brown sugar flavors perfectly and makes for a cozy treat.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re bringing these bars to a party or gifting them, consider stacking them on a rustic wooden board or wrapping individual squares in parchment with a colorful ribbon. You can also serve them alongside fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a café-style feel.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Lowcountry Chewies keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for about a week. This storage method maintains their chewiness and prevents them from drying out.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these bars later, freeze them in a sealed container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving to preserve that perfect texture.
Reheating
Warm your bars gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. This reheating helps revive their soft, gooey quality and can make the chocolate chips melty and irresistible again.
FAQs
Can I substitute other nuts for pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work well and offer a different but equally delicious crunch. Just keep the same quantity for balance.
Is it necessary to use melted butter?
Melted butter helps incorporate the brown sugar smoothly and gives the Lowcountry Chewies their signature rich, chewy texture, so it’s highly recommended.
Can I omit the chocolate chips?
Yes, the chocolate chips are optional and you can easily leave them out without compromising the flavor or texture of these bars.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs, indicating the bars are cooked through but still soft and chewy.
Can I make these gluten-free?
You can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary slightly in texture. Be sure to choose a blend that includes xanthan gum for best results.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about the Lowcountry Chewies Recipe that makes it a standout favorite in any dessert lineup. Its delightful combination of chewy coconut, crunchy pecans, and sweet brown sugar fills every bite with joy and nostalgia. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just a quiet evening treat, these bars are simple, satisfying, and downright delicious. Give this recipe a try—you might just find yourself reaching for these chewy bars again and again.
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Lowcountry Chewies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American Southern
Description
Lowcountry Chewies are rich, chewy bars packed with coconut, pecans, and optional chocolate chips. With a buttery, sweet base and a perfect balance of textures, these treats bake to golden perfection in just 40 minutes, making them an ideal dessert or snack for any occasion.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups brown sugar, packed
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, packed brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually incorporate this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Stir in Add-ins: Fold in the shredded coconut, chopped pecans, and semisweet chocolate chips if using, ensuring an even distribution throughout the batter.
- Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Ensure not to overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to keep the bars tender.
- For a nut-free version, omit the pecans and add extra coconut or chocolate chips.
- The chocolate chips are optional but add a nice contrast to the chewies.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- These bars can be reheated slightly in the microwave for a soft, warm treat.
