Lowcountry Chewies Recipe
If you’ve ever craved a dessert that perfectly blends chewy textures with nutty, coconutty flavors and a hint of chocolatey goodness, then this Lowcountry Chewies Recipe is about to become your new favorite. These bars bring together buttery richness, toasted pecans, shredded coconut, and just the right touch of sweetness, creating a treat that’s both nostalgic and delightfully addictive. Whether you’re sharing at a family gathering or treating yourself to something special, these Lowcountry Chewies stand out as an irresistible bite of Southern-inspired bliss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Lowcountry Chewies Recipe relies on a handful of simple but essential ingredients, each playing a crucial role in crafting the perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the buttery base to the nutty crunch and the subtle sweetness of coconut, every component matters for that signature chewy bite.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, melted): Provides richness and helps create the fudgy chewy texture that defines these bars.
- Brown sugar (2 cups, packed): Adds deep caramel notes and moisture to keep the bars soft and luscious.
- Large eggs (3): Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the structure.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, sweet aroma.
- All-purpose flour (1½ cups): Gives body and stability, keeping the bars tender yet not cakey.
- Baking powder (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle lift without making the bars too fluffy.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and amplifies the flavors.
- Shredded coconut (1 cup): Delivers chewy texture and a tropical note that’s signature to the recipe.
- Pecans (1 cup, chopped): Offer a crunchy contrast and nutty richness.
- Semisweet chocolate chips (½ cup, optional): Bring melty pockets of chocolate for an extra touch of indulgence.
How to Make Lowcountry Chewies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by getting your oven ready at 350°F (175°C). You’ll want to grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal later—it’s a small step that makes a big difference in keeping your bars intact.
Step 2: 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 slightly glossy. This creates the luscious base that brings all your flavors together.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add this dry mix to your wet ingredients while stirring gently. Just mix until everything is combined to avoid overworking the batter and losing that tender chew.
Step 4: Stir in Add-ins
Now comes the fun part: fold in the shredded coconut, chopped pecans, and if you’re feeling extra decadent, toss in the chocolate chips. These mix-ins create the charming texture and flavor combinations that make the Lowcountry Chewies Recipe so memorable.
Step 5: Bake the Bars
Pour your batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs clinging to it. Keep an eye toward the end to prevent overbaking and drying out the bars.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Once baked, let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely before cutting into squares. This cooling time helps everything set beautifully so your Lowcountry Chewies hold their shape and texture perfectly when served.
How to Serve Lowcountry Chewies Recipe
Garnishes
While these bars are delicious just as they are, garnishing with a sprinkle of toasted shredded coconut or a light drizzle of melted chocolate can elevate their appearance and flavor. A dusting of powdered sugar also adds a touch of elegance if you’re serving guests.
Side Dishes
Lowcountry Chewies make a great companion to a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea. Their rich, nutty, and chewy nature pairs especially well with lighter, creamy sides that balance the sweetness and texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, stack a few squares on a rustic wooden platter with fresh fruit on the side, or place them in decorative paper liners for a party spread. You can also cut them into bite-sized pieces and serve them alongside other Southern-inspired treats for a themed dessert board.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These bars stay wonderfully fresh when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen, and the texture remains chewy but tender, making them a perfect make-ahead dessert for busy days.
Freezing
Lowcountry Chewies freeze beautifully. Simply wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They keep well for up to 2 months—ideal when you want to make a batch in advance and enjoy the taste of Southern comfort anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw thawed bars at room temperature or warm them briefly in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This warms the chocolate and renews their soft, chewy texture without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I substitute ingredients in the Lowcountry Chewies Recipe?
Absolutely! You can swap pecans for walnuts or almonds if you prefer, and shredded sweetened coconut can be used if unsweetened isn’t available. Just be mindful of how substitutions may alter the texture or sweetness slightly.
Are Lowcountry Chewies gluten-free?
This particular recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free. However, you can try a gluten-free flour blend in equal amounts for a gluten-free version, keeping in mind the texture might vary slightly.
What makes Lowcountry Chewies different from other dessert bars?
It’s the unique combination of shredded coconut and chopped pecans that sets these bars apart, giving them a chewy texture with a delightful mix of nutty and tropical flavors that create a comforting Southern charm.
Can I make these bars vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative, replace eggs with flax eggs or another egg replacer, and use dairy-free chocolate chips if adding chocolate. Adjusting sugar types and ensuring they are vegan-friendly will also help.
How do I know when the bars are perfectly baked?
The best test is inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Avoid a fully dry toothpick, as that indicates overbaking and could mean your bars will be dry rather than chewy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s rich in flavor with the perfect chewy texture and a hint of Southern charm, you simply must try the Lowcountry Chewies Recipe. It’s straightforward to make, wonderfully satisfying, and sure to become a beloved classic in your dessert rotation. Give it a go—you might just find your new favorite bar!
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Lowcountry Chewies Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Lowcountry Chewies are deliciously rich and chewy bars packed with shredded coconut, crunchy pecans, and optional semisweet chocolate chips. These bars combine the warmth of brown sugar and melted butter with the perfect chewy texture, making them an irresistible treat perfect for dessert or snack time. Quick to prepare and baked to golden perfection, they offer a Southern-inspired taste that’s both nostalgic and satisfying.
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 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 add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Stir in Add-ins: Fold in the shredded coconut, chopped pecans, and semisweet chocolate chips if using, ensuring that they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. 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 attached.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool in the baking dish for about 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- For extra flavor, toast the pecans lightly before folding them in.
- Chocolate chips are optional; you can omit them for a nut and coconut-focused flavor.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- These bars can be frozen for up to 3 months for longer storage.
- If you prefer a denser bar, reduce the baking time slightly, checking for doneness regularly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
