The Perfect Charleston Chewies Recipe: Sweet Buttery Bliss

Sweet-toothed adventurers, these charleston chewies promise a delightful journey through Southern confectionery magic.

Chocolate meets marshmallow in a dreamy dance of pure indulgence.

Childhood memories swirl around each gooey, decadent bite.

Layers of rich flavor melt seamlessly across your palate.

Grandmothers’ cherished recipes breathe life into this classic treat.

Crumbly edges give way to soft, pillowy centers that spark pure joy.

One taste transports you to lazy summer afternoons filled with sugary bliss.

Prepare to fall head over heels for these irresistible southern delights.

Charleston Chewies That Feel Like A Southern Secret

• Speedy Sweet Satisfaction: Whip up these delightful bars in just 30 minutes, perfect for quick dessert cravings.
• Flavor-Packed Simplicity: Browned butter and roasted pecans create deep, rich flavors with minimal ingredient complexity.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Soft, gooey center with crispy edges makes these chewies irresistible for all ages, from kids to adults.
• Versatile Treat: Great for potlucks, afternoon snacks, or casual gatherings, these bars adapt to any casual entertaining need.

Charleston Chewies Baking Essentials

• Butter: Rich, nutty flavor that adds depth when browned, high-quality unsalted butter works best.
• Brown Sugar: Provides deep caramel sweetness and moisture to the dessert, light or dark varieties work well.

• Eggs: Helps bind ingredients and create structure, room temperature eggs mix more smoothly.
• Vanilla: Enhances overall flavor profile with warm, sweet undertones, pure extract recommended.

• Flour: Provides structure and texture to the chewies, all-purpose flour is standard.
• Baking Powder: Helps chewies rise and become lighter, fresh and not expired for best results.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances other flavors, fine table salt or kosher salt preferred.
• Pecans: Adds crunch and nutty flavor, roasting beforehand intensifies their taste and aroma.

How to Make Charleston Chewies

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350°F, getting it ready for some delicious baking magic.

Step 2: Transform Butter into Liquid Gold

Grab a light-colored skillet and melt butter over medium heat.

Stir constantly as it transforms, watching for those gorgeous golden-brown hints and delightful darker specks.

Pull it off the heat the moment it reaches perfection.

Step 3: Create a Sweet Foundation

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend the brown sugar with your beautifully browned butter.

Mix until they become best friends.

Step 4: Introduce Silky Moisture

Crack in the eggs and splash of vanilla.

Whisk with enthusiasm until the mixture looks smooth and inviting.

Step 5: Bring Dry Ingredients Together

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Stir just until everything is combined – no overmixing allowed!

Step 6: Welcome Crunchy Companions

Carefully fold in the roasted pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.

Step 7: Prepare the Baking Canvas

Coat a 9×9-inch metal pan with non-stick baking spray or butter, ensuring nothing sticks.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 20 minutes.

Look for crispy edges pulling away from the sides while the center remains delightfully soft.

Step 9: Cool and Slice

Let the Charleston Chewies rest for 30 minutes, then slice into irresistible bars ready to be devoured.

Chewie Tips With Charleston Classic Chew

• Carefully watch the butter while browning to avoid burning; the nutty aroma and golden color add incredible depth of flavor to the chewies.
• Toast pecans in a dry skillet before adding to enhance their natural nuttiness and create a more intense, roasted flavor profile.
• Avoid overmixing the batter after adding flour to prevent tough, dense chewies; stir just until ingredients are combined.
• Use a light-colored metal pan to help monitor browning and ensure even baking; non-stick spray or butter prevents sticking and helps create crispy edges.
• Allow chewies to cool completely for cleaner cuts and better texture development; the bars will firm up as they cool to a delightful chewy consistency.

Charleston Chewies Stored Sweet and Chewy for Later

• Store Charleston Chewies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap bars individually in plastic wrap or parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
• Place cooled bars in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm chewies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their soft, gooey texture. Alternatively, warm in a preheated 300°F oven for 5 minutes for a slightly crispy edge.
• Let refrigerated or frozen bars sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften and enhance their rich, buttery flavor.

Fun Pairings For Charleston Chewies

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Choose a robust Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon to complement the rich, nutty flavors of the browned butter and roasted pecans.
• Serve with Bourbon Vanilla Ice Cream: Scoop creamy vanilla ice cream alongside the warm Charleston Chewies to balance the dessert's sweet and buttery profile.
• Create a Coffee Companion: Brew a dark roast espresso or strong French press coffee to cut through the sweetness and enhance the dessert's deep caramel notes.
• Match with Caramel Macchiato: Prepare a smooth caramel macchiato that mirrors the browned butter's golden, toasty undertones and creates a harmonious flavor experience.

Charleston Chewy Options

• Gluten-Free Charleston Chewies: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same texture and rich nutty flavor for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Pecan Bars: Substitute eggs with 1/2 cup applesauce or 2 flax eggs, and use coconut oil instead of butter to create a plant-based version of the classic dessert.
• Nut-Free Southern Square: Remove pecans and swap with toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a crunchy alternative suitable for nut allergy sufferers.
• Low-Sugar Charleston Squares: Use a monk fruit sweetener or reduce brown sugar by half and add a mashed banana for natural sweetness while maintaining the classic chewy texture.

FAQs

• What are roasted pecans and how do they enhance Charleston Chewies?

Roasted pecans are nuts that have been heated in an oven to intensify their nutty flavor and create a deeper, more complex taste. They add a rich, toasty crunch to the dessert, providing textural contrast and enhancing the overall flavor profile of the bars.

• Why is browning butter important in this recipe?

Browning butter develops a deeper, nuttier flavor by caramelizing the milk solids. This technique transforms ordinary butter into a rich, complex ingredient that adds depth and a slightly caramel-like taste to Charleston Chewies, making them more sophisticated and delicious.

• How can I tell if the bars are properly baked?

Look for crispy, slightly pulled-away edges and a soft center. The bars should not be completely firm but have a slight jiggle in the middle. When cooled, they’ll set and have a gooey, rich texture that’s characteristic of Charleston Chewies.

• Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

While you can use salted butter, it’s recommended to use unsalted butter to control the salt content. If using salted butter, reduce or eliminate the added salt in the recipe to prevent the bars from becoming too salty.

Charleston Chewies Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Sweet Southern Charleston Chewies showcase nutty pecan magic with gooey caramel-like layers nestled in a buttery brown sugar base. Rich coconut and chocolate hints complement this classic Southern dessert that promises pure comfort in each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups packed light brown sugar
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups chopped roasted pecans
• 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)

Baking Enhancers:

• 2 large eggs (beaten)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

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Instructions

1. Transform butter into a golden-hued delicacy by gently melting it in a light skillet, stirring attentively until rich amber tones emerge with delicate darker specks. Remove from heat promptly to prevent burning.
2. In a spacious mixing vessel, unite brown sugar with the caramelized butter, creating a harmonious blend through vigorous stirring.
3. Incorporate eggs and vanilla essence, whisking until the mixture achieves a silky, uniform consistency.
4. Gently introduce flour, baking powder, and salt, folding with minimal manipulation to preserve the batter’s delicate structure.
5. Carefully integrate roasted pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
6. Prepare a 9×9-inch metal baking vessel by coating thoroughly with non-stick spray or a thin layer of butter to ensure effortless removal.
7. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a smooth, deliberate motion.
8. Position in a preheated oven set at 350°F (175°C), allowing the confection to bake for approximately 20 minutes until the edges crisp and slightly pull away from the pan walls, while maintaining a tender center.
9. Allow the baked creation to rest and cool for half an hour, enabling it to set and stabilize before slicing into delectable squares.

Notes

• Elevate the nutty flavor by toasting pecans in a dry skillet before adding them to the batter, enhancing their natural richness and creating a more complex taste profile.
• Brown butter carefully to avoid burning; watch for golden color and nutty aroma, which adds deep caramel notes and transforms the traditional recipe into a gourmet treat.
• Swap pecans with alternative nuts like walnuts or almonds for dietary preferences, maintaining the same delicious crunch and texture while accommodating different tastes.
• Line the baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean cutting, preventing sticking and allowing for picture-perfect bar presentation with minimal effort.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern (American)

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg