Introduction

Kentucky Derby Bars are a rich and decadent treat, combining a buttery crust with a gooey, nutty filling studded with chocolate chips. Perfect for parties or as a sweet snack, these bars bring classic Southern flavors to your kitchen with ease.

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
Pinch of salt

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 for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the crust is lightly browned.
Step 4: In another bowl, combine the brown sugar, dark corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, chopped pecans, and chocolate chips. Mix well until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Pour the 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 slightly soft in the center.
Step 6: Allow the bars to cool completely before lifting them out and cutting into squares.

Tips & Variations

For a deeper flavor, toast the pecans lightly before adding them to the filling.
Substitute dark corn syrup with maple syrup or honey for a different sweetness profile.
Add a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of vanilla extract to the filling for extra warmth and complexity.
Use walnuts in place of pecans if preferred or to suit what you have on hand.

Storage

Store Kentucky Derby Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm gently in a microwave or oven until just soft.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for best texture.

Can I prepare these bars in advance?

Absolutely. Kentucky Derby Bars actually taste better the next day once the flavors meld. Bake them ahead, store properly, and serve at room temperature for best results.

Kentucky Derby Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

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Kentucky Derby Bars are a rich, indulgent dessert bar featuring a buttery shortbread crust topped with a gooey pecan, chocolate chip, and corn syrup filling. These bars offer a perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors, inspired by the classic flavors of the Kentucky Derby. Easy to make and perfect for parties or dessert trays, they combine a crisp base with a chewy, chocolate-studded topping.

Author: Dylan
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
4 large eggs
2 cups chopped pecans
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

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 thoroughly with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cut in 1 cup softened unsalted butter until the mixture becomes crumbly but holds together when pressed.
Bake the Crust: Press the crumbly crust mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan, creating a uniform layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until it turns lightly browned and firm to the touch. Remove from the oven.
Prepare the Filling: In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup brown sugar, 1 cup dark corn syrup, 2 tablespoons melted butter, and 4 large eggs. Mix well until smooth and well combined. Then fold in 2 cups chopped pecans and 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips evenly throughout the mixture.
Pour and Bake Filling: Carefully pour the pecan and chocolate filling over the hot baked crust, spreading it evenly. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes. The bars should be set around the edges but slightly soft in the center when done.
Cool and Serve: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, lift the bars out using the foil, cut into squares, and serve.

Notes

Make sure to cool the bars completely before cutting; this helps them set properly and ensures clean slices.
Chopping pecans coarsely adds a nice texture contrast but you can adjust size based on preference.
Substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with milk or dark chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
For easier removal, ensure foil is overhanging the edges of the pan when lining it.
If you want a nuttier taste, you can toast the pecans lightly before adding to the filling.

Keywords: Kentucky Derby Bars, pecan bars, chocolate chip bars, dessert bars, easy baking, corn syrup bars, nutty dessert