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Kentucky Derby Bars Recipe

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4.4 from 616 reviews

Kentucky Derby Bars are a decadent dessert bar featuring a buttery shortbread crust topped with a gooey, sweet filling of brown sugar, dark corn syrup, pecans, and semisweet chocolate chips. These bars are rich, nutty, and perfect for gatherings or dessert tables.

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

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 prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients for Crust: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, confectioners’ sugar, and salt to evenly distribute all dry ingredients. Then cut in the softened butter until the mixture becomes crumbly, forming the crust dough.
  3. Bake the Crust: Press the crumbly crust mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes or until the crust is lightly browned, indicating it is cooked through and ready for the filling.
  4. 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.
  5. Add Filling and Bake: Pour the prepared filling mixture evenly over the baked crust in the pan. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from oven when the filling is set but still slightly soft in the center for the perfect gooey texture.
  6. Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the foil. Cut into squares and serve as a rich, nutty dessert treat.

Notes

  • Ensure the butter for the crust is softened to achieve the right crumbly texture.
  • If you prefer a crunchier texture, bake the bars a few minutes longer but be careful not to overcook.
  • Feel free to substitute walnuts for pecans if desired.
  • Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
  • Use high-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor.

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

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