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Kentucky Derby Pie Bars Recipe Easy Homemade Chocolate Pecan Bars

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These Kentucky Derby Pie Bars combine rich chocolate and toasted pecans in a gooey, buttery filling on a flaky crust, perfect for celebrations or casual treats.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
  • Optional: pinch of salt on top before baking
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon bourbon

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Using a pastry cutter or two knives, cut in 1/2 cup chilled, cubed unsalted butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized bits.
  2. Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden. Let it cool slightly.
  3. While crust bakes, spread 1 cup chopped pecans on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for about 5-7 minutes, stirring halfway, until fragrant and lightly browned. Set aside to cool.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar and 2 large room-temperature eggs until smooth and glossy.
  5. Stir in 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. If desired, add 1 tablespoon bourbon.
  6. Fold in 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips and toasted pecans gently.
  7. Pour the filling evenly over the pre-baked crust. Smooth the top with a spatula. Optionally sprinkle a tiny pinch of salt on top.
  8. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes or until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly.
  9. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for 1-2 hours.
  10. Cut into squares or rectangles with a sharp knife and serve.

Notes

Do not rush cooling the bars to avoid a fudgy mess. Keep butter cold when mixing crust for a flaky base. Toast pecans to enhance flavor. Use room-temperature eggs to keep filling smooth. Folding chocolate chips and pecans gently prevents sinking. Bars taste better the next day as flavors meld. Store in airtight container at room temperature up to 3 days, refrigerate up to 1 week, or freeze for 2-3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: Kentucky Derby Pie Bars, chocolate pecan bars, easy dessert, homemade bars, Southern dessert, chocolate pecan pie bars

Find it online: https://tastytuck.com/kentucky-derby-pie-bars-recipe-easy-homemade-chocolate-pecan-bars/