Derby Day Bars

Amy

The perfect treat for the Kentucky Derby. Ooey, gooey, chocolate pecan pie bars great for a crowd or family gathering.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 40

Total Time 55

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings bars

Ingredients

Shortbread Base

½ cup unsalted butter, melted
⅓ cup light brown sugar, packed
1 ½ cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon cornstarch *see recipe notes
½ teaspoon salt

Derby Bar Filling

¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1 cup brown sugar, packed
½ cup all purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs lightly beaten
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup pecans, chopped (or walnuts chopped)
1 splash Bourbon optional

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Prepare an 8 by 8 pan with parchment paper or spray with non-stick spray.
In a small bowl, mix together the base ingredients (melt the butter in the microwave): melted butter, brown sugar, flour and salt. Press into an even layer at the bottom of the pan.
Using the same bowl (or a different one if you really want to wash two bowls) add the filling ingredients: melted butter, brown sugar, flour, salt, vanilla and two eggs. Mix together with a fork or spoon until fully incorporated.
Pulse pecans in a blender or food processor a few times to chop into small pieces.
Add chocolate chips and pecans to the filling and mix together. Add a splash of bourbon if desired.
Spread the filling mixture on top of the base bar layer.
Bake for 40-45 minutes until edges are brown and the filling mixture is set. See recipe notes about length of baking time needed.
Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting and serving. Enjoy!

Notes

The bake time on these bars is about 40 minutes. Different ovens bake differently, so watch your bars. When they are no longer jiggly in the middle, they are ready to come out of the oven and cool. This may take more or less time depending on your oven.

*The original posted version of this recipe left out the cornstarch. I like a little bit of cornstarch to give the bar a smoother flavor. You can leave this out if you want.

Keyword Kentucky Derby