Introduction

Kentucky Derby Bars are a rich, nutty treat with a gooey filling and a buttery crust. Packed with pecans and chocolate chips, these bars offer a perfect balance of sweetness and texture, making them an irresistible dessert for any occasion.

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 for 15 to 18 minutes, or until lightly browned.
Step 4: In another bowl, combine the brown sugar, dark corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, chopped pecans, and chocolate chips. Mix until well combined.
Step 5: Pour the filling over the baked crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes, until the filling is set but still slightly soft in the center.
Step 6: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares.

Tips & Variations

For extra 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.
Swap semisweet chocolate chips with white chocolate or butterscotch chips for variety.

Storage

Store Kentucky Derby Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Reheat briefly in the microwave if you prefer a warm, gooey texture.

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 flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for better texture.

What is the best way to cut the bars without them crumbling?

Let the bars cool completely before cutting. Using a sharp knife, warm it slightly by running under hot water and drying it before slicing to get clean edges.

Kentucky Derby Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.4 from 136 reviews

Kentucky Derby Bars are a decadent dessert featuring a buttery shortbread crust topped with a rich, gooey mixture of brown sugar, dark corn syrup, eggs, pecans, and semisweet chocolate chips. These bars combine a delightful crunch with a soft, chewy center, making them a perfect treat for gatherings or a special indulgence.

Author: Maya
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
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)
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
1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)

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 of the bars.
Make the Crust: In a 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. Press this mixture evenly into the prepared pan to form the crust. Bake the crust for 15 to 18 minutes, or until it is lightly browned.
Prepare Filling: In another mixing bowl, combine the firmly packed brown sugar, dark corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, chopped pecans, and semisweet chocolate chips. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
Assemble and Bake: Pour the filling evenly over the pre-baked crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes. Remove the bars when the filling has set but remains slightly soft in the center to ensure a chewy texture.
Cool and Serve: Allow the Kentucky Derby Bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, lift them out using the foil edges and cut into squares for serving.

Notes

Be sure not to overbake the bars to keep the center soft and chewy.
Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to prevent them from falling apart.
You can substitute walnuts for pecans if desired.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Keywords: Kentucky Derby Bars, pecan bars, chocolate chip bars, nutty dessert bars, gooey pecan bars