Pecan Chewies

I love keeping a stash of easy dessert recipes on hand for last-minute sweets emergencies—maybe an invite to a friend’s house or a family member who needs a pick-me-up? Pecan chewies are the latest addition to that collection. Simply combine the ingredients in one bowl, pour the mixture over melted butter in a baking dish, and bake to chewy, sweet, buttery perfection. It’s like classic pecan pie without the fuss.

Dessert emergencies aren’t the only time to make these nutty bars. They’re a simple and delicious treat to take to potluck dinners or serve alongside vintage Christmas desserts. Package the bars in small boxes to give away as food gifts. And any time you need an easy bake sale recipe, these chewy pecan squares are a clincher; they’ll be one of the first things to go.

Pecan Chewies Ingredients

• Butter: Butter is key to these bars, so use one of the best butter brands for the best flavor.
• Pecans: Chop your own pecans to ensure the freshest flavor. It’s a cinch to chop nuts with tools like a knife or a food processor.
• Brown sugar: This recipe uses more brown sugar than most because it gives the bars a deep caramel flavor. Use light brown sugar or, for a stronger flavor, dark brown sugar.
• Eggs: Bring your eggs to room temperature for more consistent baking results.
• Flour: Use all-purpose flour and measure flour correctly, a crucial step in any baking recipe.
• Vanilla extract: This is a great dessert to try out your homemade vanilla, especially if you made it with bourbon or rum.
• Baking soda: This leavener helps lift and lighten the texture of the bars. Acidic ingredients like brown sugar activate it.
• Salt: A little salt added to the batter brightens the overall flavor of the chewy pecan squares.
• Confectioners’ sugar: It’s optional, but a dusting with confectioners’ sugar is perfect when the bars come out of the oven.

Directions

Step 1: Start with melted butter

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Pour the melted butter into a 13×9-inch baking pan.

Editor’s Tip: Line the pan with parchment before adding the butter to make it easier to remove the baked bars. The Taste of Home Instagram reel demonstrates how to cut and line any size pan.

Step 2: Add the batter

In a large bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, eggs, vanilla, baking soda and salt. Mix in the chopped pecans.

Pour this mixture over the melted butter in the pan and spread it into an even layer.

Step 3: Bake and cool

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven. If desired, dust the top with confectioners’ sugar. Let it cool completely, then cut into bars.

Editor’s Tip: If you used parchment, remove the baked bars from the pan to a cutting board and cut them into individual bars. The confectioners’ sugar will melt and disappear on the hot bars. Let the bars cool before dusting them if you want it to be a decorative topping.

Pecan Chewies Variations

• Substitute other nuts: If pecans aren’t your favorite, try making these bars with chopped walnuts, almonds or hazelnuts.
• Use other flavor extracts: The pecans and brown sugar work well with rum, orange or maple extracts.
• Add dried fruits: Stir in raisins, dried cherries or cranberries with the other bar ingredients.
• Top with cream cheese frosting: Spread a thin layer of cream cheese frosting over the tops for a pretty finish. The tang of the cream cheese is a nice balance with the sweet ingredients.

How to Store Pecan Chewies

Transfer the sliced pecan chewies to an airtight container to keep them fresh. Store them at room temperature for up to five days.

Can you freeze pecan chewies?

Yes, you can freeze pecan chewies for future sweet tooth attacks. Slice the bars and freeze them in a single layer on a tray. Once they’re solid, transfer them to freezer containers. Store the chewy pecan bars in the freezer for up to three months. To thaw them, move the container to the refrigerator to defrost overnight.

Pecan Chewies Tips

Should you toast the nuts for pecan chewies?

Toasting the pecans for pecan chewies isn’t a necessary step, but it is a way to deepen and enhance the flavor of the nuts and therefore the bars. We have four ways to toast nuts easily using tools like a microwave or a skillet. Because the top layer of pecans will toast further in the oven, check them during baking so they aren’t getting too dark. If necessary, drape a piece of foil over the top of the pan.

How should you serve pecan chewies?

Keep things simple: Set out a plate of pecan chewies to enjoy with a glass of cold milk, a cup of hot tea and good conversation. To make a special dessert, serve them with vanilla or butter pecan ice cream and a drizzle of salted caramel sauce.