Kentucky Derby Bars for a Delicious Spring Dessert
Kentucky Derby Bars are rich, buttery dessert bars loaded with semi-sweet chocolate chips and crunchy pecans in a soft, chewy cookie-like base. They’re an easy, crowd-pleasing treat that’s perfect for spring gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing into squares and serving.
Notes
- Use dark chocolate chips for a richer chocolate flavor.
- Add a splash of bourbon for a traditional Kentucky-inspired variation.
- Mix white chocolate chips with semi-sweet chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
- Stir in shredded coconut for added texture.
- Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the bars after baking for a sweet and salty finish.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
- Freeze for up to 3 months with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- Warm briefly in the microwave before serving if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 240 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
