Lowcountry Chewies are a Southern classic dessert that combines simple ingredients into irresistibly chewy, buttery, brown sugar bars. Every bite is a celebration of nostalgia and comfort, with their golden tops and gooey centers stealing the show at any gathering—whether it’s a family reunion, bake sale, or just a Tuesday night craving. If you’ve never had the pleasure of tasting authentic Lowcountry Chewies, get ready for your new go-to treat that’s as easy to bake as it is to love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Lowcountry Chewies lies in a handful of pantry staples, each playing a starring role in bringing that perfect chewy texture and rich, caramelized flavor. You don’t need anything fancy—just a few classic ingredients that let the flavors shine.
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, melted): Provides a rich, buttery base for the perfect soft texture.
- Light Brown Sugar (2 cups, packed): Gives the chewies their signature caramel notes and deep color.
- Large Eggs (2): Help bind everything together and give the bars structure.
- Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): Brightens up the sweetness with warm, aromatic undertones.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): Creates just the right body without making the bars cakey.
- Baking Powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle lift so the bars aren’t too dense.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances all that sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- Chopped Pecans (1 cup, optional): Lend satisfying crunch and a hint of toasted nut flavor—feel free to sub in walnuts or skip them for a nut-free version!
How to Make Lowcountry Chewies
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C)—the sweet spot for golden edges and a chewy center. Get your 9×13-inch baking pan ready with a bit of grease or a sheet of parchment paper, so your bars pop out easily and don’t leave any deliciousness behind.
Step 2: Mix Butter and Brown Sugar
Pour your melted butter into a large mixing bowl, then whisk in the brown sugar. The goal here is to create a gorgeous, glossy mixture without any streaks of butter—this combo will be the soul of your Lowcountry Chewies, providing that rich flavor and perfectly chewy bite.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in the eggs, add the vanilla extract, and stir until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Take a moment to inhale the aroma—that hint of vanilla paired with brown sugar is pure dessert bliss already!
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisking first ensures everything is evenly distributed, so you never bite into a pocket of baking powder or salt.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. This is your moment to avoid overmixing—too much stirring can make the bars tough instead of chewy. If you’re adding pecans, fold them in now!
Step 6: Spread and Bake
Transfer your batter to the prepared baking pan, spreading it into an even layer with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is just set, golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are perfect). The aroma at this stage is absolutely intoxicating!
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Let your Lowcountry Chewies cool completely in the pan—this helps them set up for that irresistible chewy texture. Once cool, use a sharp knife to slice into 24 squares. Get ready to taste a bite of the Lowcountry.
How to Serve Lowcountry Chewies
Garnishes
For an extra-special finishing touch, try a gentle dusting of powdered sugar over the cooled bars, or zigzag a drizzle of melted chocolate on top. If you want an even more decadent twist, scatter a few extra chopped pecans before serving or drizzle with salted caramel—the options are endless!
Side Dishes
Lowcountry Chewies hit the spot with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee. If you want to amp up the Southern vibes, serve them alongside bowls of seasonal fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. These treats are also divine on a dessert platter with mini lemon bars or your favorite homemade cookies.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your Lowcountry Chewies party-ready by cutting them into mini bites and threading onto skewers with berries, or serving in colorful cupcake liners for an easy grab-and-go option. Stack and tie with ribbon for charming edible gifts, or create a blondie sundae bar by offering toppings like whipped cream, toasted pecans, and caramel sauce for DIY dessert fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Lowcountry Chewies keep beautifully at room temperature for up to 4 days. Just store them in an airtight container to keep them soft and fresh, layering parchment or wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the baked and cooled squares. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature whenever a chewy craving strikes!
Reheating
To recapture that freshly-baked magic, pop a square in the microwave for about 10 seconds until just warm. This brings out the gooiness and makes the flavors sing, especially if you’re serving with a scoop of ice cream.
FAQs
Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar?
Absolutely! Dark brown sugar will give your Lowcountry Chewies an even deeper molasses flavor and a slightly darker color. It’s a delicious twist if you want a bolder taste.
Are Lowcountry Chewies supposed to be gooey in the middle?
Yes, the best Lowcountry Chewies have a satisfyingly chewy (not cakey) center. They’ll continue to set as they cool, so don’t wait for the center to be completely firm before removing them from the oven.
Can I leave out the nuts for a nut-free version?
Of course! The pecans are optional and the bars are still incredibly tasty (and extra chewy) without them. You can also substitute with your favorite mix-ins, like chocolate chips or dried cranberries.
What’s the best way to cut Lowcountry Chewies neatly?
For clean, crisp squares, let them cool completely in the pan. Run a sharp knife under hot water and wipe dry before each cut. This helps prevent dragging and leaves beautiful, tidy edges.
Can I make Lowcountry Chewies gluten-free?
You sure can! Just swap the all-purpose flour for a good-quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture remains luscious and chewy, perfect for those avoiding gluten.
Final Thoughts
If you’re longing for a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing dessert, Lowcountry Chewies are ready to rise to the occasion. This is a slice of Southern tradition you’ll want to share—and with every gooey, golden bar, you just might create a new family favorite. Happy baking!
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Lowcountry Chewies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 squares
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Lowcountry Chewies are a classic Southern dessert bar known for their chewy texture and rich, buttery flavor. These brown sugar blondies are easy to make and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
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
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth and combined.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs and vanilla extract, stirring until well incorporated.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Optional pecans: Fold in chopped pecans if using.
- Bake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and cut: Allow to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
Notes
- These bars get chewier as they cool.
- For extra richness, sprinkle the top with a light dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate.
- You can also swap pecans for walnuts or leave them out entirely.
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