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Kentucky Derby Bars 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.

Ingredients

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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

  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 of the bars.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

Find it online: https://messykitchenmagic.com/kentucky-derby-bars-recipe/