Kentucky Derby Bars Recipe

Introduction

Kentucky Derby Bars are a deliciously rich treat combining a buttery crust with a gooey, nutty, and chocolate-studded filling. Perfect for parties or a special dessert, these bars capture the festive spirit of the Kentucky Derby in every bite.

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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Step 3: Press the crust mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until lightly browned.
4. 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.
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. The bars should be set but slightly soft in the center.
6. Step 6: Allow the bars to cool completely before lifting them out of the pan using the foil. Cut into squares and serve.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, toast the pecans lightly before adding them to the filling.
• Swap semisweet chocolate chips for butterscotch or white chocolate chips to vary the taste.
• If you prefer a crunchier crust, bake it an extra 2 minutes before adding the filling.

Storage

Store Kentucky Derby Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. Reheat briefly in the microwave to soften before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use light corn syrup instead of dark corn syrup?

Yes, light corn syrup can be used as a substitute, but the flavor will be slightly less rich and more neutral.

How do I prevent the bars from getting soggy?

Make sure to fully bake the crust before adding the filling and allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. This helps maintain texture and prevents sogginess.

Kentucky Derby Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 139 reviews

• Author: Sarah
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 24 bars 1x

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Description

Kentucky Derby Bars are a rich and indulgent dessert featuring a buttery shortbread crust topped with a gooey, sweet filling of brown sugar, dark corn syrup, pecans, and chocolate chips. This classic Southern treat combines a crunchy base with a chewy, nutty topping perfect for parties, holidays, or any occasion that calls for a decadent bar dessert.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• Pinch of 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

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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 with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy removal and prevent sticking.
2. Make Crust Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, confectioners’ sugar, and a pinch of salt. Cut in the softened butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture becomes crumbly and evenly combined.
3. Bake Crust: Press the crumbly crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the crust is lightly browned and set.
4. Prepare Filling: In a separate bowl, combine the firmly packed brown sugar, dark corn syrup, melted butter (softened butter can be gently melted if preferred), eggs, chopped pecans, and semisweet chocolate chips. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
5. Assemble and Bake Bars: Pour the prepared filling evenly over the baked crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes. Watch carefully; remove the bars when the filling is set but still slightly soft in the center to maintain gooey texture.
6. Cool and Serve: Allow the Kentucky Derby Bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the foil lining. Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

• Ensure the butter for the crust is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a crumbly texture.
• You can substitute dark corn syrup with maple syrup or honey, but the texture may vary slightly.
• For easier cleanup and removal, the pan is lined with aluminum foil and sprayed with nonstick spray.
• Cooling completely before cutting is essential to avoid bars falling apart.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Keywords: Kentucky Derby Bars, pecan bars, chocolate chip bars, Southern dessert, baked bars, pecan chocolate bars