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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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 with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy removal and prevent sticking.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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