Description
Kentucky Derby Bars are a deliciously rich and nutty dessert bar featuring a buttery shortbread crust topped with a gooey pecan, chocolate, and corn syrup filling. Perfect for parties or as a sweet treat, these bars combine the classic flavors of a pecan pie in a convenient handheld form.
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
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: 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 to prevent sticking.
- Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, confectioners’ sugar, and salt. Cut in the softened butter until the mixture becomes crumbly and can be pressed evenly into the pan.
- Bake the Crust: Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly into the baking pan. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the crust is lightly browned, then remove from oven.
- Prepare the Filling: In another bowl, combine the brown sugar, dark corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, chopped pecans, and semisweet chocolate chips. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Add Filling and Bake: Pour the filling mixture evenly over the partially baked crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes until the filling is set but remains slightly soft in the center.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, lift the foil to remove the bars and cut into squares for serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter for easier mixing and better crust texture.
- Do not overbake the filling; it should be set but still slightly soft in the center for the best chewy texture.
- Line the pan with foil for easy removal and cleanup.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- For a nut-free version, omit pecans and consider adding extra chocolate chips or chopped dried fruit.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Kentucky Derby Bars, pecan bars, chocolate chip bars, dessert bars, nutty dessert, sweet bars, pecan pie bars
