Pecan Chewies Recipe

Pecan Chewies are a Southern classic—a simple, sweet, and chewy dessert bar filled with crunchy pecans and a rich caramel-like flavor. These treats are incredibly easy to make and are perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or just a sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea. With a crisp top and a soft, chewy interior, Pecan Chewies are sure to become a favorite in your household. The combination of brown sugar and butter gives these bars their signature chewy texture and deep flavor, while the pecans add a delightful crunch that makes every bite satisfying.

Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is easy to follow and doesn’t require any special equipment. The ingredients are likely already in your pantry, making this the ideal dessert to whip up at a moment’s notice. Pecan Chewies are versatile, too—you can easily customize them with different mix-ins to suit your taste. The balance of sweetness, buttery richness, and nutty pecans makes these bars a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Table of Contents

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Tips for Perfect Pecan Chewies
• Recipe Variations
• Serving Suggestions
• FAQs
• Conclusion

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups light brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar. Stir until well combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.
4. Fold in Pecans: Fold in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the batter. The pecans should be well-coated by the batter to ensure they are evenly spread throughout the bars.
5. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be slightly crisp, while the inside remains soft and chewy.
6. Cool and Serve: Allow the Pecan Chewies to cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares. This cooling step is important to ensure the bars hold their shape. Serve and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Pecan Chewies

• Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix until just combined to avoid making the chewies tough. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a denser texture.
• Cool Completely: Let the bars cool completely before cutting to ensure they hold their shape and have a chewy texture. Cutting them too soon may result in crumbly edges.
• Use Fresh Pecans: Fresh, high-quality pecans will enhance the flavor of these bars. Lightly toasting the pecans before folding them into the batter can add an extra depth of flavor. To toast pecans, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs are at room temperature before adding them to the batter. This helps ensure they mix evenly with the other ingredients, resulting in a smoother batter.
• Line the Baking Dish: Using parchment paper to line the baking dish makes it easier to lift the entire batch out for even slicing and easier cleanup.

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Chip Pecan Chewies: Add 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolatey twist. The combination of pecans and chocolate makes these bars even more decadent.
• Butterscotch Pecan Chewies: Substitute 1/2 cup of the brown sugar with butterscotch chips for an even richer flavor. The butterscotch adds a caramel-like depth that complements the pecans beautifully.
• Coconut Pecan Chewies: Fold in 1/2 cup of shredded coconut for an added texture and tropical flavor. The coconut adds a bit of chewiness and pairs wonderfully with the pecans.
• Maple Pecan Chewies: Add 1 tablespoon of pure maple syrup to the batter for a subtle maple flavor that pairs perfectly with the pecans. You can also drizzle a little maple glaze on top after baking for extra sweetness.
• Spiced Pecan Chewies: Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced version of these classic bars. The spices add a cozy flavor that’s perfect for fall.

Serving Suggestions

• With Ice Cream: Serve warm Pecan Chewies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. The contrast between the warm, chewy bars and the cold, creamy ice cream is irresistible.
• Drizzled with Caramel Sauce: Drizzle homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the Pecan Chewies for an extra touch of sweetness. This is especially delicious if serving them at a dinner party.
• Coffee Companion: Enjoy a bar with your morning coffee or afternoon tea for a delightful treat. The flavors of the pecans and brown sugar pair beautifully with a hot beverage.
• Holiday Treat: These bars make a wonderful addition to any holiday dessert spread. Cut them into smaller squares and serve them alongside other holiday treats like cookies and fudge.

FAQs

Q: How do I store Pecan Chewies?
A: Store Pecan Chewies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. To serve, let them thaw at room temperature.

Q: Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar?
A: Yes! Dark brown sugar will give the chewies a deeper, more caramel-like flavor due to its higher molasses content. It will make the bars slightly richer in taste.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Pecan Chewies taste even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. Just be sure to store them properly in an airtight container. You can also freeze them if making them well in advance.

Q: Can I substitute the pecans with another nut?
A: Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts if you prefer. Each nut will give a slightly different flavor, but all will work well with the chewy base.

Q: How do I know when the chewies are done baking?
A: The Pecan Chewies are done when the edges are golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake, as you want the interior to remain chewy.

Pecan Chewies are an easy, delicious dessert that everyone will love. Their chewy texture, rich brown sugar flavor, and crunchy pecans make them irresistible. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, these bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. They’re easy to make, versatile, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. With a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a dessert that’s full of flavor and perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade Pecan Chewies!