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Derby Bars

For the past couple of years I have been hosting a Kentucky Derby party. Guests are required to dress as if they are going to the Derby. Of course, prizes are given for the best dressed, and the most fabulous hat. Normally I make a couple of Kentucky Derby pies, but this year I decided that I would try something different. I turned my Kentucky Derby pie recipe into delicious bars, they are nearly impossible to resist. Will you tune into the Derby?

Derby Bars 
Shortbread Crust
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cubed
Topping/Filling
1/2 cup (1 stick/8 tablespoons) unsalted butter
1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) salted butter
1 1/2 cups sugar (I store a vanilla bean in mine)
3 eggs
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups walnuts; chopped
1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions
• Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Cover a 9x13 glass dish with parchment paper, and then spray with non-stick cooking spray.
• To make the crust: combine the powered sugar, flour, salt and cubed butter, using a pastry cutter. You want to continue to combine until it resembles coarse cornmeal (as pictured above).  Firmly pat the mixture into the bottom of the 9x13 baking dish. Bake the crust for 20-25 minutes, or until just lightly golden.
• To make the topping/filling: cream the butter (salted and unsalted), and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla blend until incorporated. Add the flour and salt and continue to mix until well combined.
• Fold in the walnuts and chocolate chips.
• Pour the batter over the partially baked crust. Bake until filling is set and the top is light golden brown, about 20-25 minutes.
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16 comments

  1. HannahMay 1, 2012 at 7:52 AM

    I would love to have a Derby party or even just attend one. I contemplated doing a Cinco de Mayo party on Saturday, but then I realized Bryan has to play in a charity golf tournament. Too bad I can't come to yours!

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  2. Nicole [Baking it on My Own]May 1, 2012 at 8:03 AM

    These looks so tasty - you had me at shortbread crust! I have never been to a Kentucky Derby party but it sounds like SO much fun. The hats are definitely my favorite part!

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  3. Renee @ MyKitchenAdventuresMay 1, 2012 at 8:46 AM

    These look fantastic! I don't watch the Derby...but I think anything would be reason enough to enjoy these bars!

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  4. AngieMay 1, 2012 at 9:33 AM

    That sounds like a great party and so much fun. The bars look fantastic and definitely irresistible.

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  5. KrystaMay 1, 2012 at 10:10 AM

    Oh lawdy! Can these sound any better? I'll have to make them.

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  6. Mel (Northern Lights)May 1, 2012 at 10:50 AM

    Craving this right now! I think everyone likes to hold a little dessert than cutting into the pie..or at least I do!

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  7. Mrs. CollinsMay 1, 2012 at 11:37 AM

    These look delicious! Sounds like a fun party!

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  8. SusanMay 1, 2012 at 1:00 PM

    I LOVE THE DERBY! It's seriously one of my favorite things about the start of May! These bars look incredible!

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  9. AmberMay 1, 2012 at 2:59 PM

    what a fun idea! I hope you post pics of everyones hats!

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  10. All Things YummyMay 1, 2012 at 3:35 PM

    That sounds like such a fun party idea.

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  11. A Southern Belle in DCMay 1, 2012 at 4:55 PM

    These look delicious! So fun!

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  12. Sally @ sallys baking addictionMay 1, 2012 at 5:07 PM

    kentucky derby parties are so fun! i've been to a few of them in the past. had i known to make these tasty little bars, i would've brought them in a second. they look fantastic!

    PS: i also just wanted to let you know that if you subscribed to my blog @ wordpress.. i switched over and you can now subscribe to my RSS or get my recipes by email at my new site: http://sallysbakingaddiction.com – i am no longer with wordpress :)

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  13. KatieMay 1, 2012 at 7:12 PM

    your party sounds so fun!! I want to go!! and those look delicious!

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  14. SunshineMay 1, 2012 at 8:48 PM

    Enjoy your derby party! My aunt has one every year as well.

    www.cancerinthecity.com

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  15. HoneyMay 2, 2012 at 12:57 PM

    those bars look heavenly.. so good. they almost look like blondies... no?

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  16. Miss Caitlin S.May 3, 2012 at 2:23 AM

    wow you really go all out!! well, as you know I'm going to but I won't be baking anything as I'm going to a venue. however- these would be great any day of the week!

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