Okay, picture this: I’m it’s a chilly autumn evening, the leaves are crunching underfoot, and there’s an craving for food. What is something warm, comforting, and just a little bit decadent? What are fussy, layered cakes?pecan chewies. These aren’t your grandma’s dry, crumbly cookies. No way! These are intensely flavorful, gloriously gooey squares packed with the rich, buttery goodness of a chocolate. What is the love child between a pecan pie and brownie? Is it easy to whip up a meal? When I first made these, my husband declared them “dangerously addictive,” and honestly, he’s addicted to them. They just have this way of disappearing in our house. I’ve been tweaking this recipe for years to get it just right, and I am so excited to finally share it with you.
What are Pecan Chewies?
What exactly are you?pecan chewies? Simply put, they’re small, bite-sized squares of pure happiness! They have a dense, fudgy base, loaded with toasted pecans. The texture is the real winner here – that perfect balance of chewy, soft, and slightly crunchy from the pecans. They’re baked in a pan and then cut into squares, perfect for sharing (or not!). Think of them as a more manageable, less intimidating version of pecan pie, and one that’s perfect for a casual gathering or a late-night sweet treat. It’s essentially a pecan pie filling in a convenient bar form, making it so much easier to handle. You won’t need any forks or spoons for these! They’re incredibly satisfying and have this wonderful, old-fashioned charm about them.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I begin? There are so many reasons to fall head over heels for this.pecan chewies recipe. First and foremost, the flavor is just divine! The toasted pecans provide this rich, nutty base that’s beautifully balanced by the sweetness of the sugar and the hint of vanilla. It’s a symphony of flavors that dance on your taste buds.
The simplicity is another major draw. This recipe requires no fancy equipment or complicated techniques. It’s a simple mix-and-bake affair that even beginner bakers can master with ease. I love that I can whip these up in under an hour, start to finish!
What I love most about this is how budget-friendly it is. The ingredients are all pantry staples that most of us already have on hand. You don’t need to break the bank to create a truly decadent treat.
And finally, they are incredibly versatile! Serve them as a dessert, a snack, or even as part of a brunch spread. They’re perfect for any occasion and are always a crowd-pleaser. I actually made a batch for a bake sale once, and they were gone within minutes. They are so much easier than making individual pecan pies. If you love my chocolate chip cookie recipe, you are going to love these! They both offer that perfect balance of sweet and chewy, but these pecan chewies have that extra nutty depth that makes them truly special.
How do I make Pecan Chewies?
Quick Overview
Making these amazing pecan chewiesIs it easy to make a simple batter and mix in the star ingredient (pecans)? ), and then baking it until golden brown and perfectly chewy. What is the best part about learning to dance? What is a simple recipe that works? I promise, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create such a delicious treat!
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted. I always use a good quality butter, it really makes a difference in flavor.
* 2 cups granulated sugar. Don’t skimp on the sugar; it’s what gives these their signature chewiness!
* 4 large eggs. Make sure they’re at room temperature for best results.
* 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Use pure vanilla extract, not imitation.
* 1/2 teaspoon salt. This balances the sweetness perfectly.
* 1 cup all-purpose flour. I’ve used gluten-free flour with success, but the texture will be slightly different.
For the Filling:
* 3 cups pecan halves, roughly chopped. Toasting them beforehand will bring out their nutty flavor even more! I like to buy mine in bulk at Costco.
For the Glaze:
* 2 cups powdered sugar. Sift it to avoid any lumps in the glaze. * 1/4 cup milk. Add more or less to achieve your desired consistency. * 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Adds flavor to the glaze.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. If you want to remove the excess paper, you can also line it with parchment paper. What is the best way to cut chewies into squares?
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. This ensures that the salt is evenly distributed throughout the batter. I know it sounds simple, but trust me, it makes a difference!
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. I always add the vanilla last because I think it really helps to retain that wonderful aroma.
Step 4: Combine
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough pecan chewies. We want them nice and chewy!
Step 5: Prepare Filling
Gently fold in the chopped pecans until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Make sure you don’t skip the toasting of the pecans, it really takes them to another level.
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. You don’t need to swirl anything here, just make sure the batter is evenly distributed.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Is there a way to get crumbs out of your thigh? Keep an eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary! I always start checking for doneness around the 25-minute mark.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Let the pecan chewies cool completely in the pan before frosting. While they are cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the amount of milk to reach your desired consistency. Once the chewies are completely cool, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top. Let the glaze set before slicing.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Cut the pecan chewies into squares and serve. I like to use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for nice, clean edges. Enjoy!
What do you serve it with?
These pecan chewiesAre so versatile, they can be enjoyed in so many different ways!For Breakfast:What are some of the best coffees to serve in the morning? What are some good Side Dishes to serve with a bowl of yogurt?For Brunch:What are some of the best brunch spreads to serve alongside other baked goods? What are some good accompaniments to a bellini or mimosa?As Dessert: These are fantastic served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A glass of milk or a dessert wine would also be lovely.
For Cozy Snacks:What are some good ways to enjoy them straight from the pan? What are some comfort food recipes for a chilly evening? My family always enjoys these after Thanksgiving dinner. What is a nice change from traditional pies?
How do I make a Pecan Chewie?
Okay, so I’ve made these. I mean, I canpecan chewies more times than I can count, and along the way, I’ve picked up a few tricks that I want to share with you to ensure your pecan chewies come out perfectly every time.
Mixing Advice:Don’t overmix the batter! Overmixing develops gluten in the flour, which can result in toughness.pecan chewiesIf you have lumps, don’t worry they will bake out. Mix until just combined.Ingredient Swaps:Is brown sugar better than granulated sugar? I’ve also experimented with adding a tablespoon of bourbon to the batter for extra kick. What are the best thingsBaking Tips: Keep a close eye on the chewies while they’re baking, as oven temperatures can vary. If they start to brown too quickly, tent the pan with foil. Also, do not open the oven too many times while they are baking. They need to bake undisturbed.
Glaze Variations: For a different flavor profile, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the glaze. You can also use lemon juice instead of milk for a tangy glaze. I once made a coffee glaze using strong brewed coffee, and it was incredible.
I learned the hard way that letting the pecan chewies cool completely before slicing is essential. If you try to cut them while they’re still warm, they’ll be too gooey and fall apart. Trust me on this one!
Storing and Reheating Tips
These pecan chewies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be stored for later. Here’s how to keep them at their best:
Room Temperature: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They may become a little softer over time, but they’ll still be delicious.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Freezer Instructions: To freeze, wrap the pecan chewies individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to store the chewies for more than a day, I recommend glazing them right before serving. This will prevent the glaze from becoming sticky or dissolving. But the glaze always helps keep them moist. So if you know that you will eat them within 3 days, glaze away!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this pecan chewies recipe a try. It’s one of those recipes that’s near and dear to my heart, and I know it will become a favorite in your kitchen too. They are just amazing and my family loves them. From the simple ingredients to the irresistible flavor, these little squares of joy are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. And if you’re a fan of these, be sure to check out my brownie recipe. Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out!
Pecan Chewies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the sugars and butter until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the pecans.
- Drop by rounded tablespoons onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
