Introduction

Kentucky Derby Bars are a rich and delicious treat combining a buttery crust with a gooey, nutty filling loaded with chocolate chips. Perfect for gatherings or a sweet snack, these bars bring a taste of southern tradition right to your kitchen.

Kentucky Derby Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

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

Instructions

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

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, toast the pecans lightly before adding them to enhance their nuttiness.
Substitute semisweet chocolate chips with white or milk chocolate chips for a different twist.
Use a mix of walnuts and pecans if you prefer a variety of nuts.

Storage

Store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften the filling without melting the chocolate chips completely.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or add a small amount for better texture.

Can I freeze Kentucky Derby Bars?

Absolutely. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Kentucky Derby Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

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Kentucky Derby Bars are a rich and decadent dessert bar featuring a buttery shortbread crust topped with a gooey mixture of brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, pecans, and semisweet chocolate chips. These bars offer a perfect balance of crunchy nuts and sweet chocolate, making them an irresistible treat perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying as a delightful homemade snack.

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

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
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
4 large eggs
2 cups chopped pecans
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 13×9-inch baking pan with aluminum foil and lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Make the crust: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, confectioners’ sugar, and salt. Cut in the softened butter until the mixture becomes crumbly, resembling coarse crumbs.
Bake the crust: Press the crumbly crust mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the crust is lightly browned.
Prepare the filling: In another bowl, combine the brown sugar, dark corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, chopped pecans, and semisweet chocolate chips. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
Add filling to crust and bake: Pour the prepared filling evenly over the baked crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly soft in the center.
Cool and serve: Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan. After cooling, cut into squares and serve.

Notes

Ensure the butter for the crust is softened but not melted to achieve the perfect crumbly texture.
Allow bars to cool completely before cutting to avoid them falling apart.
For easier removal, use the edges of the foil to lift the bars out of the pan.
Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Optionally, toast the pecans before adding for enhanced nutty flavor.

Keywords: Kentucky Derby Bars, pecan bars, chocolate pecan bars, dessert bars, Southern desserts