Name: Kentucky Derby Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 1 cup dark corn syrup; 1/2 cup butter, melted; 4 large eggs; 2 cups chopped pecans; 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

Kentucky Derby Bars are a rich, nutty dessert packed with gooey chocolate chips and chopped pecans. These bars combine a buttery crust with a sweet, syrupy filling, making them a perfect treat for any occasion or a classic addition to Derby Day celebrations.

A stack of six pecan bars is displayed on a white cake stand with a delicate pattern, set on a white marbled surface. Each bar has three clear layers: a light golden-brown firm crust at the bottom, a thick dark brown gooey filling in the middle, and a crumbly top layer embedded with whole and chopped pecans, giving a nutty texture and glossy appearance. The bars are cut into square shapes, with some pieces resting on their sides to show the texture of the layers clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup brown sugar (packed)
1 cup dark corn syrup
1/2 cup butter (melted)
4 large eggs
2 cups chopped pecans
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions

Step 1: 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 for easy removal.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, confectioners’ sugar, and salt. Cut in the softened butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 3: Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the crust is lightly browned.
Step 4: In another bowl, combine the brown sugar, dark corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, chopped pecans, and chocolate chips. Mix well until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Pour the filling evenly over the baked crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 30 to 35 minutes until the filling is set.
Step 6: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the foil edges and slicing into squares.

Tips & Variations

For a nut-free version, omit the pecans and increase the chocolate chips or add dried fruit like cranberries for extra flavor.
Use light corn syrup if you prefer a milder sweetness.
Ensure the crust is firmly pressed to prevent it from crumbling when slicing.
Chilling the bars after cooling can make cutting cleaner and easier.

Storage

Store Kentucky Derby Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat briefly in the microwave if you prefer them warm before serving.

How to Serve

A white cake stand holds a stack of seven square bars, each showing three layers clearly: a firm light brown bottom crust, a thick dark brown middle layer that looks sticky and rich, and a crumbly golden top layer with bits of pecans mixed in, giving a rough texture. The bars are stacked unevenly, creating a slight pyramid shape, with the top bar centered and some bars tilted slightly. The background is softly blurred with warm tones and a white marbled surface below the stand. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Kentucky Derby Bars ahead of time?

Yes, these bars can be made a day or two in advance and stored at room temperature or refrigerated to save preparation time on the day you plan to serve them.

What can I substitute for pecans?

If you’re not a fan of pecans or have a nut allergy, you can use walnuts, almonds, or omit nuts altogether and add extra chocolate chips or dried fruit for texture and flavor.