If you’re craving a sweet treat that perfectly balances chewy textures with a nutty crunch, the Lowcountry Chewies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This classic southern dessert captures the essence of cozy gatherings with its rich combination of melted butter, brown sugar, shredded coconut, and pecans, all baked into irresistibly gooey bars. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at something new, these Lowcountry Chewies bring warmth, flavor, and a burst of southern charm to any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Lowcountry Chewies Recipe lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each component plays an essential role, whether it’s providing moisture, sweetness, or texture, making this recipe both satisfying and approachable.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted: The buttery base gives the bars their rich and soft chewiness.
- 2 cups brown sugar, packed: Adds deep caramel sweetness and moisture.
- 3 large eggs: Binds everything together while contributing to the soft texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, fragrant touch.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure without weighing down the bars.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Lightens the texture just slightly to keep bars from being too dense.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and brightens the flavors.
- 1 cup shredded coconut: Infuses tropical aroma and chewy texture.
- 1 cup pecans, chopped: Adds a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips (optional): For a melty, chocolatey surprise that pairs perfectly with coconut and pecans.
How to Make Lowcountry Chewies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Pan
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Choose a 9×13-inch baking dish, lightly grease it or line it with parchment paper to ensure an easy release once your chewies are baked and cooled. This step sets the stage for perfect bars without sticking drama.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together your melted butter and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Then beat in the eggs and vanilla extract. This combination is crucial because it creates a luscious, caramel-like base that your Lowcountry Chewies embrace beautifully.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt to distribute the rising agent and seasoning evenly. Gradually incorporate these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing here can lead to tougher bars, so a light hand is key.
Step 4: Fold in Coconut, Pecans, and Chocolate Chips
Now comes the fun part. Gently fold in shredded coconut, chopped pecans, and if you like, semisweet chocolate chips for that melty burst of flavor. These add-ins give the bars their signature texture and that lovable, addictive chew.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour your batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Pop it into the oven for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for a toothpick that comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs – this ensures your chewies are baked through without drying out.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Once out of the oven, let your Lowcountry Chewies cool for about 10 minutes right in the pan before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the bars set up nicely for clean, satisfying slices that show off their chewy, nutty goodness.
How to Serve Lowcountry Chewies Recipe
Garnishes
Although these chewies shine on their own, you can jazz them up with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate. A few extra toasted pecans sprinkled on top also add an elegant crunch and a beautiful finish if you’re serving guests.
Side Dishes
Lowcountry Chewies pair exceptionally well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to contrast their dense, chewy texture. For a southern-inspired twist, serve alongside sweet tea or a bold cup of coffee to round out your dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the bars into bite-sized squares and skewering them with fresh berries for a party-friendly finger food. Another fun idea is to sandwich them with a layer of frosting or marshmallow fluff for a dessert bar with even more indulgence and visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Lowcountry Chewies keep beautifully when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They maintain their chewy texture and rich flavors for up to 4 days, making them a great make-ahead treat for busy days or unexpected guests.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these bars later, wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen Lowcountry Chewies stay fresh for up to 3 months, perfect for a sweet stash that lasts through the seasons.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked sensation, warm your bars in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds, or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. This revives their chewy softness and melty chocolate chips delightfully.
FAQs
Can I substitute nuts in the Lowcountry Chewies Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of pecans or have allergies, walnuts or almonds make excellent substitutes that maintain the crunchy texture and nutty flavor the recipe calls for.
Is it okay to leave out the chocolate chips?
Yes, the chocolate chips are optional and the chewies are heavenly without them. Coconut and pecans alone provide plenty of texture and flavor that’s authentic to the original Lowcountry Chewies Recipe.
How do I know when Lowcountry Chewies are fully baked?
Look for golden edges and a toothpick inserted into the center coming out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Avoid pulling them out too early to keep that perfect chewy consistency.
Can these bars be made gluten-free?
You can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup, but make sure it contains xanthan gum for structure. This way, your Lowcountry Chewies Recipe stays delicious and accessible.
What’s the best way to cut the bars without crumbling?
Cool the bars completely before slicing. Use a sharp knife, preferably warmed slightly under hot water and wiped dry, to make clean cuts without crumbling apart.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both comforting and packed with flavor, you simply have to try the Lowcountry Chewies Recipe. Each bite brings the perfect harmony of chewy coconut, crunchy nuts, and buttery sweetness that feels like a hug from the South. Once you make these bars, they’ll become your go-to treat for sharing with friends and family or indulging in a little self-care moment.
Print
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 deliciously chewy bars loaded with coconut, pecans, and optional chocolate chips, baked to perfection for a sweet and nutty treat. With a buttery, brown sugar-infused base, these bars are perfect for dessert or a snack and come together quickly with simple ingredients.
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). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper to prepare it for the batter.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined without overmixing.
- Stir in Add-ins: Fold in the shredded coconut, chopped pecans, and semisweet chocolate chips if using, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top. 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 12 squares to serve.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, omit the pecans and increase the shredded coconut if desired.
- Chocolate chips can be substituted with white chocolate or omitted entirely for a classic chewies flavor.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Ensure not to overbake to keep the bars soft and chewy rather than dry.
- Use parchment paper for easier removal and cleaner cuts.
