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Kentucky Derby Bars 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://savorandsimmer.com/kentucky-derby-bars-recipe/