Quick & Gooey Pecan Chewies Recipe: Perfect Sweet Treats

Sweet, gooey pecan chewies represent a Southern-inspired dessert that melts in your mouth with rich, caramelized complexity.

Packed with nutty depth and buttery undertones, these delectable squares promise pure comfort in every single bite.

Crafted from simple pantry staples, they elevate basic ingredients into something extraordinary and memorable.

Their texture balances soft, chewy centers with slightly crisp edges that hint at complex flavor profiles.

Home bakers adore these treats for their straightforward preparation and crowd-pleasing results.

Compact yet intensely satisfying, they deliver maximum pleasure with minimal effort.

Prepare to fall in love with this irresistible sweet sensation.

Tips for Chewier, Richer, Toastier Pecan Chewies

• Select Fresh Pecans: Choose plump, fragrant pecans that are free from any rancid smell or discoloration for the best flavor and texture.
• Perfectly Toast Nuts: Lightly toast pecans in a dry skillet before adding to the batter to enhance their nutty richness and bring out deeper flavor notes.
• Nail the Moisture Balance: Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent tough, dense bars; mix just until ingredients are combined for a tender, chewy texture.
• Check Doneness Carefully: Look for golden edges and a slightly firm center; a toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs to ensure maximum chewiness.
• Cool Completely: Allow bars to cool entirely in the pan to set properly and develop their signature chewy consistency before cutting into squares.

How to Store and Reheat Pecan Chewies Without Drying Them Out

• Store Leftovers in an Airtight Container: Carefully place cooled Pecan Chewies in a sealed container with a tight-fitting lid to maintain freshness. Layer pieces between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking and preserve their soft texture.
• Refrigerate for Extended Preservation: Keep the container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cool environment helps maintain the bars' delicate crumb and prevents potential spoilage.
• Reheat for Best Flavor: Warm individual bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their soft, chewy texture. Alternatively, let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to bring out the rich pecan and butter flavors.

Best Drinks and Sweets to Pair with Pecan Chewies

• Brew a Comforting Coffee Companion: Rich, medium-roast coffee balances the sweet and nutty pecan chewies perfectly, cutting through the dessert's richness with its warm, robust flavor.
• Pair with Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream creates a delightful temperature contrast, enhancing the warm, chewy texture of the pecan bars while adding a cool, creamy element.
• Sip Southern-Style Sweet Tea: A classic sweet tea complements the pecans' earthy sweetness, offering a refreshing drink that echoes the Southern charm of these delectable bars.
• Match with Caramel Drizzle Whiskey: For an adult twist, a smooth caramel-noted whiskey intensifies the dessert's nutty and sweet notes, creating a sophisticated flavor experience that elevates the pecan chewies.

Tasty Spins on Traditional Pecan Chewies to Try

• Chocolate Chunk Chewies: Swap pecans for rich chocolate chunks, creating a decadent dessert bar with melty chocolate pockets throughout.
• Coconut Crunch Chewies: Add shredded coconut and toasted coconut flakes for a tropical texture and nutty undertone that complements the sweet base.
• Salted Caramel Chewies: Drizzle homemade caramel sauce over the baked bars and sprinkle flaky sea salt for a sophisticated sweet-salty profile that elevates the classic recipe.
• Maple Walnut Chewies: Replace pecans with chopped walnuts and swap some sugar with pure maple syrup to introduce a deep, rich woodland flavor to the traditional dessert.

Why Pecan Chewies Are the Southern Sweet Everyone Needs

• Create Effortless Sweetness: These pecan chewies deliver incredible flavor with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for bakers of all skill levels who want delicious results without complicated techniques.
• Texture Sensation: Expect a delightful contrast between crispy edges and soft, chewy center that melts in your mouth, providing a luxurious mouthfeel enhanced by crunchy pecan pieces.
• Quick Dessert Solution: Requiring just 35 minutes from start to finish, these bars solve sudden sweet cravings and work wonderfully for unexpected guests, potlucks, or casual family gatherings.
• Nutritional Balance: Packed with moderate protein and controlled sugar levels, these treats offer a more mindful dessert option that satisfies your sweet tooth without excessive guilt.

What Goes into These Irresistible Pecan Chewies

• Butter: Rich, creamy base that adds flavor and helps bind the ingredients together. Unsalted butter works best for controlled sweetness.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and help create a chewy texture. Dark brown sugar offers deeper caramel notes.
• Eggs: Act as a binding agent and contribute to the soft, chewy consistency of the bars.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, sweet undertones. Pure vanilla provides the best taste.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates structure and helps hold the bars together. Use fresh, sifted flour for smooth texture.
• Baking Powder: Provides light lift and helps the bars rise slightly. Fresh baking powder ensures proper rising.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile. Fine sea salt blends most evenly.

• Pecans: Add crunch, nutty flavor, and rich texture to the bars. Fresh, high-quality pecans with no rancid smell work best.

How to Bake Pecan Chewies That Stay Soft and Nutty

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by greasing it thoroughly with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Create a Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, melt the butter and blend it with sugars until the mixture becomes smooth and well combined. Stir in vanilla extract and eggs, mixing until the ingredients are fully incorporated.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Ensure the dry ingredients are evenly mixed to prevent clumping.

Step 4: Blend and Enhance

Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring carefully to create a consistent batter. Gently mix in chopped pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to create a smooth surface.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Look for a golden-brown color and a slight firmness to indicate the bars are fully cooked.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the pecan chewies cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, slice into squares and serve.

Pecan Chewies Recipe

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4.9 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Southern comfort meets sweet indulgence in these irresistible Pecan Chewies. Rich caramel notes blend with buttery pecans, creating a melt-in-your-mouth treat that brings warm memories of home-style baking and pure delight.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups (480 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (226 grams) butter (2 sticks)
• 1 cup (200 grams) white sugar
• 1 cup (220 grams) brown sugar

Flavoring and Seasoning:

• 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt

Nuts:

• 1 cup (100 grams) chopped pecans

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly coat a 9×13 inch (23×33 centimeter) baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, gently melt butter until smooth, then whisk together with brown and white sugars until fully incorporated and creamy.
3. Add vanilla extract and eggs to the butter-sugar mixture, stirring until the ingredients create a uniform, glossy consistency.
4. Sift flour, baking powder, and salt together in a separate bowl, ensuring no lumps remain.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring carefully to create a cohesive batter without overmixing.
6. Gently incorporate chopped pecans into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
7. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to spread it into an even layer that reaches all corners.
8. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, watching for a golden-brown top and slightly crisp edges.
9. Remove from the oven and allow the pecan chewies to cool completely in the baking dish for at least 1 hour before cutting into squares.
10. Slice into desired serving sizes and enjoy the rich, nutty dessert at room temperature.

Notes

• These gooey treats have Texas roots, often shared at family gatherings and potlucks.
• Pecans transform ordinary bar cookies into a rich, decadent southern-style dessert.
• Perfect for making ahead, they stay moist and delicious for several days when stored in an airtight container.
• Toasting pecans before adding intensifies their nutty flavor and creates deeper complexity.
• Experiment with dark or light brown sugar to customize the caramel-like undertones.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 160mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 50mg