Kentucky Derby Bars Recipe

Introduction

Kentucky Derby Bars are a rich, nutty treat packed with chocolate and a gooey, sweet filling. Perfect for parties or an indulgent snack, these bars combine a buttery crust with a luscious pecan and chocolate topping that melts in your mouth.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 cup dark corn syrup
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups chopped pecans
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 13×9-inch baking pan with aluminum foil and spray it lightly with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, confectioners’ sugar, and a pinch of salt. Cut the softened butter into the flour mixture until it forms a crumbly texture.
3. Step 3: Press this crust mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the crust is lightly browned.
4. Step 4: In another bowl, combine the brown sugar, dark corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, chopped pecans, and semisweet chocolate chips. Mix well until fully incorporated.
5. Step 5: Pour the filling evenly over the baked crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes, until the filling is set but still slightly soft in the center.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely before cutting into squares to serve.

Tips & Variations

• Use toasted pecans for a deeper nutty flavor.
• Swap semisweet chocolate chips for white or milk chocolate for a different twist.
• For extra richness, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the filling mixture.

Storage

Store Kentucky Derby Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be refrigerated for up to a week; bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture. These bars can be frozen for up to 2 months—wrap them well and thaw overnight in the fridge.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use another type of nut instead of pecans?

Yes, walnuts or almonds work well as substitutes and provide a nice crunch and flavor similar to pecans.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The filling should be set around the edges and just slightly soft in the center. It will firm up more as it cools, so avoid overbaking to keep them gooey.

Kentucky Derby Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.5 from 62 reviews

Kentucky Derby Bars are a rich and indulgent dessert featuring a buttery shortbread crust topped with a gooey filling of brown sugar, dark corn syrup, pecans, and chocolate chips. This classic treat, reminiscent of the flavors enjoyed during the Kentucky Derby, combines nutty, sweet, and chocolaty notes in every bite.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 24 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Filling

• 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 cup dark corn syrup
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups chopped pecans
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 13×9-inch baking pan with aluminum foil and spray it lightly with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the bars.
2. Make the crust mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, confectioners’ sugar, and salt. Cut in the softened butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture becomes crumbly, resembling coarse crumbs.
3. Bake the crust: Evenly press the crumbly crust mixture into the prepared baking pan, ensuring it is packed firmly. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the crust is lightly browned and set.
4. Prepare the filling: In another mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, dark corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, chopped pecans, and semisweet chocolate chips. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated into a smooth filling.
5. Assemble and bake: Pour the prepared filling evenly over the hot baked crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from oven when the filling is set but still slightly soft in the center to maintain gooey texture.
6. Cool and serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting out using the foil edges. Cut into squares and serve to enjoy the perfect balance of crisp crust and rich filling.

Notes

• Make sure to use dark corn syrup to achieve the characteristic rich flavor and texture.
• Chilling the crust mixture briefly before pressing into the pan can help with even baking.
• Let the bars cool completely to ensure clean slicing and the best texture.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• You can substitute walnuts for pecans if desired.

Keywords: Kentucky Derby Bars, pecan bars, chocolate pecan bars, buttery crust dessert, American dessert, nutty chocolate bars