Kentucky Derby Bars
Celebrate the Kentucky Derby with these easy and delicious Kentucky Derby Bars. These sweet treats are perfect for any occasion, bringing together traditional flavors like butter, eggs, pecans, and chocolate. With a rich and gooey filling on a buttery crust, Kentucky Derby Bars are sure to impress your guests at parties, picnics, or even just as a delightful dessert at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: The straightforward steps make it simple for bakers of all skill levels to whip up these bars.
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The blend of chocolate and pecans provides a rich taste that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
- Perfect for Sharing: With 24 servings, these bars are ideal for gatherings and celebrations, making them a favorite choice for parties.
- Versatile Dessert: Enjoy them warm or chilled; they are delightful in any form!
- Classic Appeal: Inspired by the famous Derby Pie, they offer a nostalgic touch to your dessert table.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools for an efficient baking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 13×9-inch baking pan
- Aluminum foil
- Nonstick cooking spray
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk or pastry blender
Importance of Each Tool
- 13×9-inch baking pan: This size is perfect for evenly baking the bars to achieve that delightful texture.
- Aluminum foil: Lining the pan with foil makes removing the bars easier after baking.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup after enjoying your tasty Kentucky Derby Bars.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
For the Filling
- 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 1 cup dark corn syrup
- 1/2 cup butter (melted)
- 4 large eggs
For Topping
- 2 cups chopped pecans
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
How to Make Kentucky Derby Bars
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 13×9-inch baking pan with aluminum foil, allowing excess foil to hang over the edges. Spray the foil with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
In a large mixing bowl:
1. Whisk together the flour, confectioners’ sugar, and salt until combined.
2. Using a pastry blender, cut in the softened butter until the mixture resembles sandy crumbs.
3. Transfer this mixture to your prepared pan and press it firmly into the bottom.
4. Bake in your preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes or until lightly browned.
Now you’re ready to build on this delicious base! Follow further steps in our recipe for adding that irresistible filling and topping.
How to Serve Kentucky Derby Bars
Serving Kentucky Derby Bars is a delightful experience that can elevate any gathering, especially during the festive Kentucky Derby season. Here are some creative ways to enjoy these treats.
Individual Portions
- Use a sharp knife to cut the bars into squares for easy serving.
- Place each square in cupcake liners for a fun, portable option.
With Whipped Cream
- Top each bar with a dollop of freshly whipped cream.
- This adds a light and creamy texture that complements the richness of the bars.
A La Mode
- Serve warm Kentucky Derby Bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- The heat from the bars will slightly melt the ice cream for a delicious contrast.
Topped with Nuts
- Sprinkle extra chopped pecans on top before serving.
- This adds an extra crunch and enhances the nutty flavor.
Drizzled with Chocolate
- Melt chocolate chips and drizzle over the bars.
- This creates an elegant presentation and intensifies the chocolate flavor.
Paired with Coffee
- Serve alongside a cup of fresh coffee or espresso.
- The bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness of the bars perfectly.
How to Perfect Kentucky Derby Bars
Perfecting your Kentucky Derby Bars can make all the difference in your baking success. Follow these tips for optimal results.
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality butter and chocolate chips for better flavor.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to keep your bars tender and avoid toughness.
- Check Oven Temperature: Ensure your oven is properly calibrated; an inaccurate temperature can affect baking time.
- Cool Before Cutting: Allow bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting to prevent crumbling.
- Use Fresh Pecans: Toasting pecans brings out their natural oils, enhancing their flavor before adding them to the mixture.
Best Side Dishes for Kentucky Derby Bars
Pairing side dishes with Kentucky Derby Bars can create a more rounded dessert table. Here are some delicious options to consider.
- Mint Julep: A classic cocktail made with bourbon, mint, and sugar, perfect for celebrating the Derby.
- Deviled Eggs: These savory bites complement sweet desserts beautifully, providing a balance of flavors.
- Southern Coleslaw: A crunchy, tangy slaw adds freshness alongside rich desserts like Derby Bars.
- Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins bring comfort and pair well with desserts at any gathering.
- Pimento Cheese Spread: Serve this cheesy dip with crackers as a savory contrast to sweet Kentucky Derby Bars.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits helps cleanse the palate between bites of rich dessert.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Kentucky Derby Bars, it’s easy to overlook some key steps that can affect the end result. Here are common mistakes and tips to ensure your bars turn out perfectly.
- Skipping the lining – Failing to line your baking pan can lead to a sticky mess. Always use aluminum foil and spray it with nonstick cooking spray.
- Overmixing the crust – Overmixing can make the crust tough. Mix just until combined for a flaky texture.
- Not properly measuring ingredients – Using too much or too little of an ingredient can ruin the bars. Always measure ingredients accurately using dry measuring cups for solids and liquid measuring cups for liquids.
- Ignoring baking time – Baking for too long can lead to dry bars. Keep an eye on them and remove from the oven as soon as they are lightly browned.
- Cutting before cooling – Cutting into warm bars can cause them to fall apart. Allow them to cool completely in the pan before slicing.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Kentucky Derby Bars in an airtight container.
- They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Freezing Kentucky Derby Bars
- Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- These bars will stay fresh for up to three months in the freezer.
Reheating Kentucky Derby Bars
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave – Heat individual bars for about 15-20 seconds until warm; do not overheat.
- Stovetop – Place on a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, flipping carefully to warm evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Kentucky Derby Bars, along with helpful answers.
What are Kentucky Derby Bars?
Kentucky Derby Bars are delicious dessert bars made with pecans, chocolate chips, and a rich filling, inspired by the classic Derby Pie.
Can I customize my Kentucky Derby Bars?
Absolutely! You can add dried fruits, swap nuts, or even try different types of chocolate to tailor them to your taste.
How should I store leftover Kentucky Derby Bars?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freeze them for later enjoyment.
How long do Kentucky Derby Bars last?
When refrigerated, they last about a week; if frozen, they remain good for up to three months.
Final Thoughts
Kentucky Derby Bars are a delightful dessert that captures the spirit of the iconic race. Their combination of rich chocolate and crunchy pecans makes them irresistible. Feel free to customize these bars with your favorite mix-ins or toppings. Give this recipe a try at your next gathering—your guests will love it!
Kentucky Derby Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful taste of Kentucky Derby Bars, a perfect blend of chocolate and pecans on a buttery crust. These irresistible treats are inspired by the classic Derby Pie and are ideal for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating the Kentucky Derby or enjoying a cozy night at home. With their rich, gooey filling and crunchy topping, these bars promise to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. Easy to prepare and perfect for sharing, Kentucky Derby Bars will become a staple in your dessert repertoire.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 1 cup dark corn syrup
- 1/2 cup butter (melted)
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups chopped pecans
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 13×9-inch baking pan with aluminum foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, confectioners' sugar, and salt. Cut in softened butter until crumbly.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 15-18 minutes until lightly browned.
- In another bowl, combine brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, and eggs until smooth. Stir in chopped pecans and chocolate chips.
- Pour filling over the baked crust and return to the oven for an additional 25-30 minutes or until set. Allow cooling before cutting into squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (45g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
