Lowcountry Chewies are a delightful Southern classic that combines rich, chewy textures with the irresistible flavors of pecans, coconut, and optional chocolate. These bars sit somewhere between a cookie and a brownie, making them the perfect dessert for any occasion—from family gatherings to picnics.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how simple yet indulgent these bars are. They deliver a satisfying mix of sweet and nutty, thanks to the coconut and pecans, while the optional chocolate chips add a touch of decadence. With minimal prep and a quick bake time, they are the ideal treat when I want something homemade but easy.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cups brown sugar, packed
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup shredded coconut
1 cup pecans, chopped
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips (optional)
Directions
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined.
Add 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.
Stir in the Add-ins:
Fold in the shredded coconut, chopped pecans, and chocolate chips (if using). Stir until everything is evenly incorporated.
Bake:
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs (but not wet batter).
Cool and Slice:
Let the Lowcountry Chewies cool in the baking dish for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, cut into squares or bars and serve.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 12 bars
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
Nut-Free: Replace the pecans with sunflower seeds or omit them entirely.
Extra Sweetness: Drizzle the cooled bars with caramel or chocolate sauce.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.
Tropical Twist: Add 1/2 cup of dried pineapple or mango for an island-inspired flavor.
White Chocolate: Swap semisweet chocolate chips for white chocolate chips to complement the coconut.
Storage/Reheating
Store the Lowcountry Chewies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, I recommend freezing them in a single layer before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving. To reheat, warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-10 minutes or microwave individual bars for about 15 seconds.
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FAQs
What makes these “Lowcountry” Chewies?
The term “Lowcountry” refers to the coastal region of South Carolina, known for its rich culinary heritage. These bars highlight the region’s flavors with pecans and coconut, two popular Southern ingredients.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, they are perfect for making ahead! I bake them a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container until ready to serve.
Can I use sweetened shredded coconut?
Absolutely! Sweetened coconut will make the bars slightly sweeter and enhance their chewy texture.
How do I prevent the bars from sticking to the pan?
Lining the baking dish with parchment paper makes it easy to lift the bars out without sticking. Greasing the pan works well too, but parchment is my go-to method.
Can I substitute the pecans with another nut?
Yes, walnuts or almonds are great alternatives, or you can use a mix of nuts for added texture and flavor.
Conclusion
Lowcountry Chewies are a quick and versatile dessert that brings the comforting flavors of the South to your kitchen. With their rich, chewy texture and nutty-sweet taste, they’re sure to be a hit at your next gathering or as a treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee. I can’t wait to hear how much everyone loves these delightful bars!
📖 Recipe:
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Lowcountry Chewies
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Lowcountry Chewies are a Southern classic dessert that combines the chewy richness of pecans, coconut, and optional chocolate chips. Perfect for any occasion, these easy-to-make bars are a delightful treat with a sweet, nutty flavor. A cross between a cookie and brownie, Lowcountry Chewies offer the ideal balance of comfort and indulgence, making them the go-to dessert for family gatherings and picnics.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cups brown sugar, packed
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
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.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Add Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Stir in Add-ins: Fold in shredded coconut, chopped pecans, and chocolate chips (if using).
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared dish and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean or with a few crumbs.
- Cool and Slice: Let the bars cool for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Once completely cool, cut into squares and serve.
Notes
Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature. For long-term storage, freeze for up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating: To reheat, warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-10 minutes or microwave for 15 seconds per bar.
Substitutions: Use gluten-free flour or substitute pecans with other nuts like walnuts or almonds. You can also add dried tropical fruits or use white chocolate chips for a different flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Bars, Southern
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 bars
- Calories: 240 kcal
