Pecan Chewies – Buttery, Sweet, and Loaded with Nutty Goodness

If you're craving something irresistibly sweet with a buttery, nutty flavor and chewy texture, look no further than these Pecan Chewies. These delightful bars bring together the warm flavors of brown sugar and pecans with the richness of butter, creating a treat that's simple yet utterly delicious. Whether you're baking for a family gathering, holiday event, or just for yourself, these Pecan Chewies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Best of all, they're easy to make with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry!

Scroll down for the recipe!

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The Inspiration Behind Pecan Chewies

Pecan Chewies are a Southern favorite, and it's easy to see why. Pecans are a beloved staple in many Southern desserts, known for their crunchy texture and sweet, buttery flavor. These bars capture that traditional Southern essence, combining pecans with the rich taste of butter and a generous amount of brown sugar. The chewiness of these bars comes from the sugar and butter mixture, making each bite soft and decadent. The recipe is quick and easy, but the flavors are truly out of this world!

Why You’ll Fall in Love with Pecan Chewies

These bars are everything you could want in a dessert—soft, chewy, buttery, and filled with crunchy pecans. The combination of both white sugar and brown sugar gives these bars a depth of sweetness that is balanced perfectly by the nutty pecans. The best part? They're simple to make! Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe comes together in no time and is virtually foolproof. Plus, they keep well, making them the perfect make-ahead treat for any occasion.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 12 Bars):

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Protein: 3g
• Sodium: 170mg
• Fiber: 1g

While these bars are on the indulgent side, they make for a wonderful occasional treat. The pecans add a dose of healthy fats and protein, and you can always enjoy them in moderation!

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Pecan Chewies are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed on their own or with a variety of accompaniments. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert, or enjoy them with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack. For a holiday twist, drizzle some melted chocolate or caramel sauce over the bars, or top them with a sprinkle of sea salt to balance the sweetness.

If you're serving these for a gathering, they pair beautifully with other Southern desserts like pecan pie or peach cobbler. For a more balanced meal, serve these chewies as a sweet ending to a savory, hearty dinner—perhaps alongside roast chicken or a grilled steak.

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Storage and Reheating Tips

Pecan Chewies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you'd like to keep them for longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. For even longer storage, freeze the bars by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They'll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

Fun Fact: The History of Pecans in Southern Cuisine

Pecans are native to North America, and they've been a favorite in Southern cooking for centuries. Early settlers in the South quickly adopted pecans as a staple ingredient in many traditional dishes, from pies to pralines. Today, pecans remain a beloved ingredient in Southern desserts, symbolizing warmth, hospitality, and comfort.

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Cooking Tips

• Don't Overbake: The key to achieving the perfect chewy texture is to avoid overbaking the bars. They should still be slightly jiggly in the middle when you take them out of the oven, as they will continue to firm up as they cool.
• Use Fresh Pecans: For the best flavor, be sure to use fresh, high-quality pecans. If your pecans have been sitting in the pantry for a while, give them a quick toast in the oven to bring out their natural oils and enhance their flavor.
• Customize with Mix-Ins: Feel free to add in some chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra burst of flavor!

Optional Variations

• Chocolate Lover's Twist: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a rich, chocolaty variation of Pecan Chewies.
• Coconut Pecan Bars: Add ½ cup of shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical twist on this classic dessert.
• Salted Caramel Pecan Chewies: Drizzle some salted caramel sauce over the top of the bars after they’ve cooled for an extra indulgent treat.

Pecan Chewies Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs, well beaten
• 2 cups self-rising flour
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract or flavoring

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F and lightly spray a 13×9-inch light-colored metal baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Melt the Butter and Mix: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, add the sugar and brown sugar, stirring until fully blended. Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: Once the butter and sugar mixture has cooled a bit, add the beaten eggs and stir well until fully incorporated.
4. Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the self-rising flour, mixing until all lumps are gone. Then, fold in the chopped pecans and vanilla extract, ensuring everything is evenly distributed throughout the batter.
5. Pour Into Pan and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 40 to 50 minutes. The bars should still be slightly jiggly in the middle when you take them out, as they will firm up as they cool.
6. Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and enjoy them as a snack or dessert!

Pecan Chewies are the perfect dessert for any occasion. With their buttery flavor, chewy texture, and crunchy pecans, these bars are sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday dessert or enjoying them as a sweet treat during the week, these bars are simple, satisfying, and oh-so-delicious!