Kentucky Derby Dessert Bars with Classic Southern Flavors

If you enjoy desserts that combine rich chocolate, buttery pecans, and the warmth of brown sugar, then Kentucky Derby dessert bars are something you need to try.

Inspired by the traditional Derby pie served during the famous Kentucky horse race, these bars bring all those iconic flavors into a simple, sliceable treat.

You’ll start with a flaky shortbread crust that bakes up golden and crisp.

Then comes a luscious filling of brown sugar, eggs, chocolate chips, and chopped pecans — baked until set but gooey in the center.

I prefer a splash of vanilla and a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness and bring out the nutty notes.

These bars are rich, satisfying, and an excellent way to honor Southern dessert traditions.

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Recipe Overview

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Ingredients

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Tools You’ll Need (with Alternatives in Brackets)

• 8×8 inch baking pan (or 9×9 for thinner bars)
• Mixing bowls (or any large bowl)
• Whisk or fork (or hand mixer)
• Measuring cups/spoons (or kitchen scale)
• Oven
• Parchment paper (or greased foil)
• Spatula or spoon

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How to Make Kentucky Derby Dessert Bars

These dessert bars are all about building rich flavor in simple steps. Here’s how to make them, starting with a buttery base and finishing with a gooey pecan-chocolate layer.

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Step 1: Preheat and Line the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.

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Step 2: Prepare the Shortbread Crust

In a bowl, combine softened butter, flour, and a pinch of salt. Mix until a soft dough forms.

Press this dough evenly into the bottom of the pan and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let cool slightly.

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Step 3: Make the Gooey Filling

In another bowl, whisk together eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla until smooth and glossy.

Fold in chopped pecans and chocolate chips. Stir just until combined — don’t overmix.

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Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour the filling mixture over the cooled crust. Spread it evenly with a spatula.

Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25–28 minutes, or until the top is set and the center doesn’t jiggle much.

Let cool completely in the pan — at least 1 hour — before slicing.

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Decoration & Serving Tips

• Dust the bars with powdered sugar before serving
• Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for a lighter finish
• For a Derby-day twist, top each piece with a bourbon-glazed pecan
• Add a small scoop of vanilla ice cream for a plated dessert look

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Variations to Try

• Bourbon Twist: Add 1 tbsp bourbon to the filling for extra depth
• Nut-Free Option: Use sunflower seeds or leave nuts out entirely
• Double Chocolate: Stir in cocoa powder for a brownie-like layer
• Coconut Crunch: Sprinkle shredded coconut on top before baking

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Storing Tips

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days
• Refrigerate for up to 5 days
• Freeze wrapped bars for up to 2 months

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Extra Tips

• Let bars cool completely before cutting — they’ll hold together better
• Toast pecans beforehand for a deeper nutty flavor
• Use parchment with overhang to easily lift and slice neatly
• Cut with a sharp knife cleaned between slices for best presentation

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Common Mistakes & Fixes

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Let’s Make and Share These Kentucky Derby Dessert Bars

Whether or not you watch the race, Kentucky Derby dessert bars are worth making year-round.

Their rich pecan filling and classic flavor combo are hard to resist. Try them and let me know your favorite variation!