Description

Kentucky Derby Bars are a rich and decadent dessert bar featuring a buttery shortbread crust topped with a gooey filling of brown sugar, dark corn syrup, eggs, chopped pecans, and semisweet chocolate chips. Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet treat, these bars combine a crisp base with a chewy, nutty, and chocolaty topping.

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
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 13×9-inch baking pan with aluminum foil and spray it generously with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.
Make the Crust: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, confectioners’ sugar, and salt to evenly distribute the ingredients. Cut in the softened butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Bake the Crust: Press the crumbly crust mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake it for 15 to 18 minutes until the crust turns lightly browned and sets nicely.
Prepare the Filling: In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, dark corn syrup, melted butter, and eggs. Mix well until smooth. Stir in the chopped pecans and semisweet chocolate chips until they are evenly incorporated into the filling.
Assemble and Bake Bars: Pour the prepared filling mixture over the pre-baked crust and spread it evenly. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly soft in the center.
Cool and Serve: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, lift the bars out using the foil edges and cut into squares for serving.

Notes

Ensure the butter is softened but not melted when making the crust for the best crumbly texture.
Do not overbake the filling; it should be set but slightly soft to maintain chewy texture.
For easier slicing, refrigerate bars after cooling completely.
Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Chopped pecans can be toasted beforehand to enhance their flavor if desired.

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, southern dessert, sweet bars, baking recipe