Charleston Chewies
There’s something magical about a dessert that feels like a warm hug. Charleston Chewies are just that—sweet, chewy bars that bring a smile to your face with every bite.
Whether you’re looking for a quick solution for a busy day or a delightful treat to impress your loved ones, these bars are perfect.
With a simple mix of butter, brown sugar, and a delightful crunch from pecans and coconut, they come together effortlessly.
Trust me, once you try making Charleston Chewies, they’ll become a staple in your dessert repertoire!
Why You’ll Love This Charleston Chewies
Charleston Chewies are the ultimate dessert for anyone who craves something sweet without spending hours in the kitchen.
They come together in just 45 minutes, making them a fantastic option for last-minute gatherings or a cozy night in.
The combination of buttery richness, nutty crunch, and chewy coconut creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.
Plus, they’re versatile enough to adapt to your taste, ensuring everyone will love them!
Ingredients for Charleston Chewies
Creating Charleston Chewies is a delightful journey, and it all starts with the right ingredients.
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these sweet bars:
- Unsalted butter: This is the base of your bars, providing richness and flavor. Melt it for a smooth batter.
- Brown sugar: Packed brown sugar adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
- Large eggs: Eggs bind everything together, giving the bars their chewy texture. They also add moisture.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the overall flavor, making each bite even more irresistible.
- All-purpose flour: This is the backbone of your batter, giving structure to the bars while keeping them soft.
- Chopped pecans (or walnuts): These nuts add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. Feel free to swap them for your favorite nuts!
- Shredded coconut: Coconut brings a tropical twist and chewy texture that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
- Baking powder: This leavening agent helps the bars rise slightly, giving them a light texture.
For those looking to mix things up, consider adding chocolate chips for a decadent twist or substituting nuts with dried fruits like cranberries or raisins.
You can find the exact measurements for each ingredient at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!
How to Make Charleston Chewies
Making Charleston Chewies is a straightforward process that yields delicious results. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of sweet bars ready to impress!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
This step is crucial because it ensures even baking.
While the oven heats up, prepare your 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
This will make it easy to remove the bars later.
Step 2: Mix Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter and packed brown sugar.
Stir them together until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
This combination creates a rich base for your Charleston Chewies, giving them that delightful sweetness and chewy texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, crack in the large eggs and pour in the vanilla extract.
Mix everything until fully incorporated.
The eggs not only bind the ingredients but also add moisture, while the vanilla enhances the overall flavor, making each bite irresistible.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder.
This step is essential for evenly distributing the leavening agent and ensuring your bars rise perfectly.
Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
Avoid overmixing to keep the texture light and chewy.
Step 5: Fold in Nuts and Coconut
Now it’s time to fold in the chopped pecans and shredded coconut.
Gently mix these ingredients into the batter until they are evenly distributed.
This step is important because it ensures every bite of your Charleston Chewies has that delightful crunch and tropical flavor.
Step 6: Pour and Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
Make sure to smooth the top for a nice finish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes.
You’ll know they’re done when the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Cut
Once baked, allow the Charleston Chewies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
This makes them easier to handle.
Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
When they’re cool, cut them into squares or bars.
Enjoy the sweet, chewy goodness!
Tips for Success
- Use room temperature eggs for better mixing and texture.
- Don’t skip the parchment paper; it makes removal a breeze.
- For extra flavor, toast the pecans before adding them to the batter.
- Keep an eye on the baking time; ovens can vary.
- Let the bars cool completely for cleaner cuts.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls: A large bowl for wet ingredients and a smaller one for dry. Any size works!
- Whisk: A whisk is ideal for mixing, but a fork will do in a pinch.
- Baking pan: A 9×13-inch pan is perfect; you can use any similar-sized dish.
- Parchment paper: Optional, but it makes cleanup easier.
- Cooling rack: Helps cool the bars evenly; a plate can work too!
Variations
- Chocolate Chip Charleston Chewies: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a rich, chocolatey twist that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
- Nut-Free Option: Substitute the pecans or walnuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version that still packs a crunch.
- Fruit-Infused Chewies: Mix in dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, or chopped apricots for a burst of flavor and added chewiness.
- Gluten-Free Charleston Chewies: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these bars suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Spiced Chewies: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor that’s perfect for fall.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with Coffee: Serve Charleston Chewies alongside a hot cup of coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
- Ice Cream Delight: Top a warm chewie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Presentation: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate for an elegant touch.
- Fresh Fruit: Serve with fresh berries for a refreshing contrast to the sweetness.
FAQs about Charleston Chewies
What are Charleston Chewies?
Charleston Chewies are sweet, chewy bars made with a delightful mix of butter, brown sugar, eggs, pecans, and coconut. They’re a perfect dessert for any occasion, combining rich flavors and a satisfying texture.
Can I make Charleston Chewies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare Charleston Chewies a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and delicious, making them a great option for parties or gatherings.
How do I store leftover Charleston Chewies?
To keep your Charleston Chewies fresh, store them in an airtight container. They can last up to a week at room temperature or up to two weeks in the fridge. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving!
Can I freeze Charleston Chewies?
Yes, you can freeze Charleston Chewies! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to three months. Just thaw them in the fridge before enjoying.
What can I substitute for pecans in Charleston Chewies?
If you’re not a fan of pecans, you can easily substitute them with walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds. Each option will give your Charleston Chewies a unique twist while still maintaining that delightful crunch!
Final Thoughts
Baking Charleston Chewies is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience that fills your kitchen with warmth and sweet aromas.
Each bite transports you back to simpler times, where desserts were made with love and shared with family.
These chewy bars are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual gathering or a cozy night in.
The joy of watching friends and family savor your creation is truly priceless.
So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let the magic of Charleston Chewies bring a little sweetness into your life!
Print
Charleston Chewies: Discover the Sweetest Recipe!
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Charleston Chewies are deliciously sweet bars made with butter, brown sugar, eggs, and a delightful mix of pecans and coconut.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts)
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar. Stir until well blended.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped pecans and shredded coconut until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the chewie bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cut into squares or bars.
Notes
- For a chocolatey twist, add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the batter before baking.
- Substitute the nuts with dried fruit like cranberries or raisins for a different flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
