Hey, y'all! These Kentucky Derby Pie Bars take everything I love about the classic Kentucky dessert and turn it into an easy-to-serve bar. A buttery graham cracker crust is topped with a rich filling loaded with pecans and chocolate, creating the perfect balance of crunch and gooey sweetness in every bite.
Kentucky Derby Pie Bars
One of the best things about this recipe is that it's much easier to slice and serve than a traditional pie. The bars hold together beautifully once they've cooled, making them a great option whenever you want a dessert that's simple to prepare but still feels like a true Kentucky favorite.
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Ingredients: Kentucky Derby Pie Bars
Graham Cracker Crust
- 3 cups crushed honey graham crackers
- ½ cup melted butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg white
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
Filling
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups chopped pecans
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1½ tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
How to Make Kentucky Derby Pie Bars
Prepare the Crust
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, egg white, and vanilla extract. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and allow the crust to cool completely.
Prepare the Filling
- In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and corn syrup until smooth.
- Add the eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, cornstarch, and kosher salt. Whisk until fully combined.
- Fold in the chopped pecans and chocolate chips.
- Spread the filling evenly over the cooled crust.
- Bake for 38–40 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Pro Tips For Making This Recipe
- Let the crust cool completely before adding the filling to keep the layers distinct.
- Toast the pecans for a few minutes before adding them for even more flavor.
- Line the baking dish with parchment paper for easier removal and cleaner slices.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting for the neatest squares.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
They're inspired by the classic Kentucky dessert but baked as easy-to-serve bars with a graham cracker crust.
Yes. They're a great make-ahead dessert and taste even better after they've cooled completely.
Absolutely. Wrap individual bars tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Absolutely! I use pecans, but walnuts are a great substitute if you prefer them!
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Recipe
Kentucky Derby Pie Bars
Ingredients
Graham Cracker Crust
- 3 cups crushed honey graham crackers
- ½ cup melted butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg white
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
Filling
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups chopped pecans
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1½ tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
Prepare the Crust
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, egg white, and vanilla extract. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and allow the crust to cool completely.
Prepare the Filling
- In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and corn syrup until smooth.
- Add the eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, cornstarch, and kosher salt. Whisk until fully combined.
- Fold in the chopped pecans and chocolate chips.
- Spread the filling evenly over the cooled crust.
- Bake for 38–40 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Let the crust cool completely before adding the filling to keep the layers distinct.
- Toast the pecans for a few minutes before adding them for even more flavor.
- Line the baking dish with parchment paper for easier removal and cleaner slices.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting for the neatest squares.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
Y'all come back now, ya hear?
My best,
JC
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