Chess Bars with Pecans (Chess Squares)
Chess Bars with pecans are a nutty twist on a classic Southern dessert. The batter consists of your basic pantry staples, like melted butter, flour, and brown sugar, so you can make them anytime. Then, we add in some pecans for a little crunch. These bars are baked in the oven and cut into squares for a dessert bar like no other.
Servings 32
Calories 169kcal
Ingredients
- 2 cups light brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 16 tablespoons butter melted
- 4 eggs separated
- 1 ¾ cup flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325º. Line a 9 x 13 baking pan with parchment paper and lightly spray the sides with cooking spray.
- In a stand mixer add brown sugar and granulated sugar and melted butter. Beat until combined. Add the egg yolks and beat on medium speed until creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Add vanilla and mix to combine.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt. Add to the butter mixture, beating just until combined. Don’t overmix.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites on high speed until stiff peaks form, 3-5 minutes. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the egg whites into the batter. Add the pecans and fold them in. Place the batter in the prepared pan, even the surface with an offset spatula and bake for 30-35 minutes, until the top is browned and a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool before cutting.
Notes
- Pecans are phenomenal but not necessary.
- These can be stored at room temperature, but to stay fresh, freeze after a few days.
