Description
Kentucky Derby Bars are a deliciously rich and gooey layered dessert featuring a buttery shortbread crust topped with a sweet filling of brown sugar, dark corn syrup, pecans, and semisweet chocolate chips. This no-fuss treat is perfect for parties or holiday gatherings, offering a delightful combination of crunchy, chewy, and chocolaty flavors in every bite.
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 the 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 with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the bars later.
- Make the crust mixture: 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 evenly combined, forming a dough-like consistency.
- Bake the crust: Press the crust mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes until the crust is lightly browned and set. Remove from oven.
- Prepare the filling: In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, dark corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, chopped pecans, and semisweet chocolate chips. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
- Add the filling and bake: Pour the prepared filling evenly over the baked crust. 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 to serve.
Notes
- Ensure the crust is evenly pressed to prevent uneven baking.
- You can substitute walnuts for pecans if preferred.
- Allow the bars to cool completely to ensure clean cuts and proper set.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- For a more intense chocolate flavor, use bittersweet chocolate chips instead of semisweet.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Kentucky Derby Bars, pecan bars, chocolate pecan dessert, layered bars, easy dessert recipe, bourbon bar alternative
