Brown Sugar Bars With Chocolate Chips
These Brown Sugar Bars with Chocolate Chips are soft and cake-like, loaded with melty chocolate chips and crunchy pecans. They’re easy to customize with your favorite mix-ins.
These brown sugar bars are soft, cake-like, and packed with chocolate chips and pecans. They bake in a single large pan, making them perfect for potlucks, parties, or anytime you need a crowd-friendly dessert that comes together quickly.
The melted butter gives the bars a rich texture, while the whipped eggs keep them light and tender. They’re easy to customize with your favorite nuts, different chips, or even a swirl of caramel or fruit jam.
What You’ll Like About This Recipe
One-pan convenience. The batter mixes easily and bakes in a single sheet pan for quick prep.
Soft, cake-like texture. Whipped eggs create a tender crumb that stays moist.
Loaded with mix-ins. Chocolate chips and pecans add richness, crunch, and sweetness.
Perfect for sharing. Makes a generous batch ideal for gatherings or gifting.
Ingredient Notes
- Flour – Provides structure; measure accurately to avoid dense bars.
- Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- Baking powder – Gives the bars lift and a cake-like texture.
- Eggs – Whipped until light, they help create a tender crumb.
- Brown sugar – Adds moisture and caramel-like sweetness.
- Melted butter – Makes the bars rich and easy to mix.
- Milk – Adds moisture and keeps the batter smooth.
- Pecans – Add crunch and flavor; walnuts work too.
- Chocolate chips – Semisweet chips melt slightly and create pockets of chocolate.
Steps to Make Brown Sugar Bars With Chocolate Chips
- Whisk the flour, salt, and baking powder together in a bowl and set aside.
- Beat the eggs until light and foamy, then mix in the vanilla, brown sugar, milk, and melted butter.
- Blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until combined.
- Fold in the pecans and chocolate chips.
- Spread the batter into a prepared pan and bake until the bars are golden and set.
Tips
- Don’t overmix. Blend just until combined to maintain a soft, tender crumb.
- Check early. Ovens vary, so start checking a few minutes before the suggested time.
- Cool fully. Let the bars cool before cutting so they slice cleanly.
Recipe Variations
- Add coconut. Stir in sweetened shredded coconut for an extra chewy texture and tropical flavor.
- Try dried fruit. Chopped dates, dried cherries, or cranberries make these bars even more special.
- Switch the nuts. Use walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts as alternatives to pecans.
- Make them extra chocolatey. Swap half the semisweet chips for white or milk chocolate.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as an afternoon snack. Perfect with coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk.
- Add to dessert platters. They pair well with cookies, brownies, and other bars.
- Turn them into an indulgent dessert. Warm a bar in the microwave and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Pack for gifts. Wrap in parchment and tie with twine for a sweet homemade treat.
How to Store
Store the cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 to 4 days. Keep parchment or waxed paper between layers to prevent sticking.
For longer storage, freeze the bars in a tightly wrapped slab or cut and freeze individually. They keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Brown Sugar Bars With Chocolate Chips
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups flour, about 11 1/2 ounces
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 5 large eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup butter, melted
- 3/4 to 1 cup chopped pecans
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: • Preheat the oven to 350°F. • Grease and flour a 10x15x1-inch jelly roll pan or sheet cake pan.
- Make the Batter: • Combine the flour, salt, and baking powder in a bowl. Stir to blend, then set aside. • In a mixing bowl, using an electric mixer on high speed, beat the eggs for about 2 to 3 minutes, until they are light and foamy. Gradually beat in the vanilla, the brown sugar, milk, and melted butter.• With the mixer on low, add the flour mixture until well incorporated. • Fold the chopped pecans and chocolate chips into the batter.
- Bake: • Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. • Bake for 22 to 27 minutes, until nicely browned and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
