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Irresistible Derby Pie Bars Recipe with Bourbon and Walnuts Made Easy

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These Derby Pie Bars combine gooey chocolate, crunchy toasted walnuts, and a hint of bourbon for a rich, comforting dessert that’s quick and easy to make.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (190 g)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed (115 g)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar (50 g)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar (220 g)
  • 3 tablespoons bourbon
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (16 g)
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (175 g)
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts, toasted (100 g)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×9-inch (23×23 cm) pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
  2. Make the crust: In a large bowl, combine 1 ½ cups flour, ¼ cup sugar, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Cut in the cold cubed butter using a wooden spoon or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan to form a firm layer. Bake for 12-15 minutes until just golden around the edges.
  4. Prepare the filling while the crust bakes: In another bowl, whisk together 3 large eggs and 1 cup packed brown sugar until smooth and glossy.
  5. Add 3 tablespoons bourbon, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 2 tablespoons flour, and ⅛ teaspoon salt to the egg mixture. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
  6. Fold in 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips and 1 cup toasted walnuts gently, ensuring even distribution without breaking the nuts.
  7. Pour the filling over the pre-baked crust and spread evenly with a spatula.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly. Insert a toothpick; a few moist crumbs are okay but no wet batter.
  9. Cool completely on a wire rack for 1-2 hours to allow bars to set properly.
  10. Slice into bars using a sharp serrated knife, wiping the knife clean between cuts for neat squares.

Notes

Toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, shaking frequently to avoid burning. Add bourbon directly to the filling for consistent flavor. Use a sharp serrated knife warmed under hot water for clean slices. Cool bars completely on a wire rack to prevent sogginess. Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top after baking for a gourmet touch.

Nutrition

Keywords: Derby Pie Bars, bourbon dessert, walnut bars, chocolate bars, easy dessert, Kentucky Derby dessert, quick baking, nutty dessert

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