If you’ve never had Charleston Chewies, get ready to fall in love with the South’s best-kept dessert secret. These brown sugar blondies are rich, chewy, and packed with buttery, nutty goodness. They have that perfect crisp edge with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth center—like a hug in dessert form!
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Whether you need a quick sweet treat, a potluck favorite, or just something to satisfy your sweet tooth, these Charleston Chewies deliver every time. Trust me, they’re dangerously addictive!
Why You’ll Love Charleston Chewies
- One-Bowl Wonder: No fancy equipment needed—just mix, pour, and bake!
- Rich & Buttery: The brown sugar gives them that deep caramelized flavor.
- Crispy Edges, Chewy Center: The best of both worlds in every bite.
- Easy to Make: Simple pantry ingredients make this a go-to dessert.
- Great for Sharing: A Southern staple that’s always a hit at gatherings!
Ingredients in Charleston Chewies
Here’s what makes these bars so irresistible:
Brown Sugar: The star of the show! It caramelizes beautifully, giving these bars their signature chewy texture and deep flavor.
Butter: Adds richness and keeps the chewies soft and decadent.
Eggs: Help bind everything together for that perfect structure.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor and adds a warm, sweet aroma.
All-Purpose Flour: The base that holds everything together.
Baking Powder: Gives just a touch of lift so the bars aren’t too dense.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
Pecans: A Southern classic! They add crunch and a buttery, nutty depth.
How to Make Charleston Chewies
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F and grease a baking dish.
Melt the Butter: In a large bowl, melt the butter, then stir in the brown sugar until smooth.
Add the Wet Ingredients: Whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Combine Everything: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Fold in the pecans.
Bake to Perfection: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish and bake for about 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
Cool & Slice: Let them cool before cutting into squares. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
How to Serve Charleston Chewies
- With Ice Cream: A warm chewy square topped with vanilla ice cream is pure bliss.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: A light sprinkle makes them extra pretty.
- Drizzle with Caramel or Chocolate: For an extra indulgent treat.
- As a Coffee Companion: Perfect for a sweet afternoon pick-me-up.
- Straight from the Pan: No judgment if you can’t wait!
Additional Tips
- Use Dark Brown Sugar: For an even deeper caramel flavor.
- Toast the Pecans: Lightly toasting them before adding enhances their nuttiness.
- Don’t Overbake: They’ll continue to set as they cool, so take them out when the center is slightly soft.
- Make Them Nut-Free: Simply omit the pecans or swap for chocolate chips!
- Store Properly: Keep them in an airtight container at room temp for up to 5 days.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different nut?
A1: Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work just as well.
Q2: Can I make these ahead of time?
A2: Yes! They taste even better the next day as the flavors settle.
Q3: Can I freeze Charleston Chewies?
A3: Yes, just wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Q4: What’s the best way to reheat them?
A4: Pop them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for a fresh-from-the-oven feel.
Q5: Can I make these gluten-free?
A5: Yes, just use a good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Q6: Do I have to use pecans?
A6: Nope! You can leave them out or replace them with chocolate chips or coconut.
Q7: Why are my chewies dry?
A7: They were likely overbaked—try taking them out a minute or two earlier next time.
Q8: Can I double the recipe?
A8: Definitely! Just use a larger baking dish and adjust the baking time as needed.
Q9: What’s the difference between blondies and Charleston Chewies?
A9: Chewies have a softer, melt-in-your-mouth texture with a distinct caramelized brown sugar flavor.
Q10: Can I add cinnamon or spices?
A10: Yes! A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg adds a warm, cozy twist.
Final Thoughts
Charleston Chewies are the ultimate Southern treat simple, sweet, and packed with rich brown sugar flavor. Whether you’re baking for a party, a cozy night in, or just because, these chewy bars will always hit the spot.
Print
Charleston Chewies
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Description
These Charleston Chewies are the perfect Southern dessert—rich, chewy, and loaded with buttery caramel flavor from brown butter and brown sugar. Topped with toasted pecans, these easy-to-make bars are an irresistible treat!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 cups packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 1/2 cups chopped roasted pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brown the butter: In a light-colored skillet, melt butter over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook for 5-6 minutes until it turns a golden brown with darker flecks. Remove from heat immediately.
- Mix the batter: In a large bowl, combine brown sugar and browned butter. Stir well.
- Add eggs and vanilla, whisking until smooth.
- Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined.
- Fold in roasted pecans.
- Prepare the pan: Grease a 9×9-inch metal baking pan with non-stick baking spray or butter.
- Bake for 20 minutes, until edges are crispy and pulling away from the sides (the center will remain soft).
- Let cool for 30 minutes, then slice into bars.
Notes
- Brown butter adds extra depth—watch it closely to prevent burning!
- For extra crunch, sprinkle coarse sea salt on top before baking.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 115mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg