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Kentucky Derby Bars for Cinco De Mayo

KentuckyDerby Bars for Cinco de Mayo


  • Author: Crystal
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A festive twist on classic Derby bars, combining buttery graham crust, spiced chocolate filling, and crunchy pecans for a sweet‑spicy treat perfect for Cinco de Mayo celebrations.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 package graham crackers, crushed (about 2 cups crumbs)
  • 5 tablespoons butter, melted (for crust)
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted (for bars)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup pecans, chopped (or walnuts)
  • 1 cup chocolate chips
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl combine graham cracker crumbs and 5 tablespoons melted butter; press mixture evenly into the pan to form the crust.
  3. Bake crust for 8 minutes, then remove and let cool slightly.
  4. In a separate bowl whisk together sugar, flour, eggs, melted butter, vanilla, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
  5. Fold in chopped pecans and chocolate chips into the batter.
  6. Spread the batter over the baked crust in an even layer.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until edges are set and the center is lightly golden.
  8. Cool completely in the pan before cutting into 12 bars.
  9. Serve at room temperature or chilled, optionally dusted with extra cinnamon.

Notes

These bars blend the classic Derby flavor with a hint of spice, perfect for Cinco de Mayo celebrations.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: Kentucky Derby,Cinco de Mayo,bars,pecan,chocolate,spicy,dessert,American