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Golden chewy Alabama Chew Bread squares featuring a crinkly paper-thin top crust and chopped nuts.

Alabama Chew Bread

Rebecca Blumer
Alabama Chew Bread bakes into rich brown sugar bars with firm set edges, a paper-thin crinkly crust, and a dense, chewy center filled with chopped nuts.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Bar, Dessert
Cuisine American, Southern
Servings 16 squares
Calories 235 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Electric Mixer
  • 9x13 inch baking pan

Ingredients
 

  • 1 stick margarine (1/2 cup), melted
  • 1 box light brown sugar
  • 2 cups self-rising flour
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup chopped nuts

Instructions
 

  • Heat the oven to 350 degrees before mixing the batter. The oven should be fully hot so the bars begin setting evenly as soon as the pan goes in.
  • Combine the melted margarine, brown sugar, self-rising flour, eggs, and chopped nuts in a mixing bowl, then use an electric mixer briefly to bring everything together. Stop as soon as no dry streaks remain because prolonged beating can make the finished bars cakier.
  • Prepare a 9-inch by 13-inch baking pan with thorough grease or a parchment lining, then spread the batter into an even layer. Use a spatula to reach the corners so the bars bake at a consistent thickness.
  • Bake the pan for 25 minutes at 350 degrees. The top should be golden and lightly crinkled, the edges should feel firm, and the center should be set rather than liquid.
  • Leave the baked bars in the pan until completely cool, then cut them into squares. A tester in the center should show moist crumbs, and cooling first helps each square hold its shape.

Notes

Mixing tip: Beat the batter only until combined. Stop as soon as dry streaks disappear to prevent over-mixing, which makes the bars cakey instead of dense and chewy.
Cooling guidance: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing so each square holds its shape cleanly.
Storage: Keep cooled squares in an airtight container at room temperature with parchment between layers. Avoid refrigeration, which can make brown sugar bars firm and less chewy.
Nutrition information is an estimate based on common ingredients and serving sizes. Values may vary depending on brands, portions, and substitutions.

Nutrition

Calories: 235kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 3gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 55mgFiber: 1gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 120IUCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Alabama Chew Bread, brown sugar bars, chewy bar cookies
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