The best way to celebrate the Kentucky Derby is with a mint julep in one hand and Derby Pie Brownies in the other. Chocolate Brownies covered in bourbon, toasted pecans, and chocolate chips!
Grab your hat, your Mint Julep, and these Derby Pie Brownies. The Kentucky Derby is coming up soon and you need to get ready to celebrate!
At the Kentucky Derby, everyone is drinking bourbon, eating Derby Pie, and cheering on their favorite horse! I had the privilege to go to the Kentucky Derby in 2013 and it was such an amazing experience.
Here we are at Churchill Downs!
I had such a great time walking around looking at hats, celebrity stalking when I saw one come in, drinking Oaks Lilies (the drink of the Oaks on Friday), and feeling the horses shake the ground when they raced by. I am still not a huge fan of bourbon in my drinks, but I do love it in my food.
The best example of this is the Derby Pie. That classic combination of toasted pecans, chocolate chips, and bourbon filling a flaky pie crust. How about we take these classic flavors and add them to even more chocolate!!!
The Kentucky Derby also makes me think of bourbon balls. I stick to the Oaks Lilies vodka drinks but bourbon reigns king and so do these Bourbon Balls that my hubby’s grandma used to make.
I have seen quite a few variations on the Derby Pie while perusing Pinterest this week in anticipation of the Kentucky Derby and could only find smaller pies and cookie bars.
This cookie bar recipe from Half Baked Harvest was my jumping off point. She inspired me to make a version that I hadn’t seen before. That delicious Derby Pie nestled on top of gooey, chocolatey brownies!
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Whip up a batch of these Derby Pie Brownies, grab your big outrageous hat, and head on over to your Kentucky Derby party! Don’t forget your Mint Julep too!
Derby Pie Brownies
Yield: 24 brownies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour15 minutes
The best way to celebrate the Kentucky Derby is with Derby Pie Brownies. Chocolate Brownies covered in bourbon, toasted pecans, and chocolate chips!
Ingredients
For the Brownie Layer
4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate
3/4 cup melted butter
2 cups sugar
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup flour
For the Derby Pie Layer
1 cup brown sugar (firmly packed)
1 cup dark corn syrup
1/2 cup melted butter
4 large eggs
3 tablespoons bourbon
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 cups chopped toasted pecans
Instructions
Make the Brownie Layer
Preheat the oven to 350F.
Make the brownie layer:
Melt the butter in a glass bowl in the microwave.
Add chocolate and stir until melted.
Add the sugar, vanilla, and eggs.
Stir to combine.
Add the flour and stir until mixed through.
Pour into a 9x13 pan lined with non-stick foil or parchment paper.
Bake at 350F for 25 minutes.
Remove from oven.
Make the Derby Pie Layer
Mix brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, eggs, and bourbon until combined.
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I haven’t baked these at high altitude, I live below sea level but as a rule of thumb when baking brownies over 5000ft, decrease sugar by 1 tablespoons per cup and add 1 to 2 tablespoons of liquid, such as water, to the brownie layer. I hope this helps. If they turn out please let me know so I can add this information to my post:)
Did anyone have any problem with the length of baking time? Mine stayed so gooey jiggly so I baked it for almost another 20 minutes and it stayed gooey in the middle and too hard to chew all around the outside. It had good flavor but I had to throw them away because they just weren’t right.
Kim, I am so sorry that you had problems with the recipe and had to throw them away. That’s no good! I haven’t had anyone else say they have had problems but I can offer some suggestions. Did the brownie layer cook and just not the pie layer? First, check the temperature on your oven. I have had problems in the past with mine going out of whack and being off from the desired temp and having to adjust my knob. Next, I would try lowering the cooking temperature to 325F so they can cook longer without drying out. Last, I would try cooking the brownie layer for about 5 minutes less before adding the pie layer. I hope this helps. Please get back to me and let me know if they work. If not, I can try some other things. Thank you for being a reader! You will probably like my derby pie bites:)
Would the recipe change if I used a box mix for the brownies? Do I cook the brownies completely before I put them back in the oven with the topping? Should I use one or two boxed mixes?
You can definitely use a box mix for the brownie layer. I love the Duncan Hines dark chocolate fudge family size brand when I sub a box mix. Just make sure that you use a family size or you will have to use 2 boxes that are the 8×8 size. I would still cook them for the 25 minutes because you still need to cook them for another 35 minutes and if you cook them all the way they will be way too dry. Thanks for reading!!
Made these last night for a derby party. I am not much of a baker and my kitchen is mostly packed up for a remodeling starting next week, so I used a boxed mix for the brownies. I also was in a rush so I probably should have let them cool more before the party. And I didn’t grease the pan enough so they stuck a bit.
Despite all of this, they turned out amazing! They were still warm and gooey. The bourbon has just enough of a hint that the adults could taste it but the kids weren’t put off by it. My daughter has a peanut allergy so is sometimes suspicious of other nuts but she even came back for seconds. My husband and the others at the party are huge bourbon fans and they all raved about this dessert. I am definitely saving this recipe for the future.
I am so glad that you liked them and that they were a hit at your Derby Party! I will admit that I have used boxed mix on occasion too because we are all strapped for time! Thank you so much for being a reader and I look forward to bringing you more Derby party recipes in the future:)
So much YUM in such a small brownie! Thank you for linking up to last weeks Creative K Kids’ Tasty Tuesday. Don’t forget to link up this week, if you haven’t already!
One of these days I’m finally going to make it to a horse race…it’s on my bucket list. Until then, I’ll settle for a few of these brownies! Happy Fiesta Friday!
It certainly looks and sounds great. Lots of the girls at my school would go to the Kentucky Derby — they always came back raving about the experience. Now your pie looks like it would be an experience in itself.
I’ve been hearing a lot about Derby Pie and these bars look pretty darned special! I might have to have hat to eat them! Thanks for linking up with us at Throwback Thursday!
I’m so jealous that you actually got to go to the Kentucky Derby! It’s definitely on my list of things to do someday! I love the brownie recipe too. It looks delicious…thanks so much for sharing it with us at Share The Wealth Sunday! xoxo
I’ve never heard of Derby pies until now, and I must say: heart eyes all over this delicious treat. Definitely pinning and sharing for later. Thanks so much for joining us this week on #shinebloghop. This recipe is great and the results looks so gorgeous…almost too good to eat (ALMOST)
Wow, these look so decadent and indulgent! Will have to make these for a potluck at some point, as they definitely will need to be shared. Thanks for the inspiration. Found you at Show and Tell party.
Going to the Derby looks like so much fun. One day I would love to do it. Turing Derby pie into brownies is another great idea. What a fun way to change it up.
Becca says
Do you have to make any adjustments for high altitude?
Jennifer says
I haven’t baked these at high altitude, I live below sea level but as a rule of thumb when baking brownies over 5000ft, decrease sugar by 1 tablespoons per cup and add 1 to 2 tablespoons of liquid, such as water, to the brownie layer. I hope this helps. If they turn out please let me know so I can add this information to my post:)
BestZella says
Great recipe!
JD says
I made these for a derby party and they were so good! They were fudgy and delicious! People loved them so much they took the rest home!
Jennifer says
I am so glad that you and your guests liked them! They are my favorite too!
Kim Blackwell says
Did anyone have any problem with the length of baking time? Mine stayed so gooey jiggly so I baked it for almost another 20 minutes and it stayed gooey in the middle and too hard to chew all around the outside. It had good flavor but I had to throw them away because they just weren’t right.
chubcheeks@bellsouth.net says
Kim, I am so sorry that you had problems with the recipe and had to throw them away. That’s no good! I haven’t had anyone else say they have had problems but I can offer some suggestions. Did the brownie layer cook and just not the pie layer? First, check the temperature on your oven. I have had problems in the past with mine going out of whack and being off from the desired temp and having to adjust my knob. Next, I would try lowering the cooking temperature to 325F so they can cook longer without drying out. Last, I would try cooking the brownie layer for about 5 minutes less before adding the pie layer. I hope this helps. Please get back to me and let me know if they work. If not, I can try some other things. Thank you for being a reader! You will probably like my derby pie bites:)
Lucy says
Hello!
Would the recipe change if I used a box mix for the brownies? Do I cook the brownies completely before I put them back in the oven with the topping? Should I use one or two boxed mixes?
Thanks!
chubcheeks@bellsouth.net says
You can definitely use a box mix for the brownie layer. I love the Duncan Hines dark chocolate fudge family size brand when I sub a box mix. Just make sure that you use a family size or you will have to use 2 boxes that are the 8×8 size. I would still cook them for the 25 minutes because you still need to cook them for another 35 minutes and if you cook them all the way they will be way too dry. Thanks for reading!!
Christine says
Made these last night for a derby party. I am not much of a baker and my kitchen is mostly packed up for a remodeling starting next week, so I used a boxed mix for the brownies. I also was in a rush so I probably should have let them cool more before the party. And I didn’t grease the pan enough so they stuck a bit.
Despite all of this, they turned out amazing! They were still warm and gooey. The bourbon has just enough of a hint that the adults could taste it but the kids weren’t put off by it. My daughter has a peanut allergy so is sometimes suspicious of other nuts but she even came back for seconds. My husband and the others at the party are huge bourbon fans and they all raved about this dessert. I am definitely saving this recipe for the future.
chubcheeks@bellsouth.net says
I am so glad that you liked them and that they were a hit at your Derby Party! I will admit that I have used boxed mix on occasion too because we are all strapped for time! Thank you so much for being a reader and I look forward to bringing you more Derby party recipes in the future:)
Amanda says
So much YUM in such a small brownie! Thank you for linking up to last weeks Creative K Kids’ Tasty Tuesday. Don’t forget to link up this week, if you haven’t already!
Helen at the Lazy Gastronome says
These looks so good! Sorry it took so long to visit – I’ve been off on vacation! Thanks for sharing on the What’s for Dinner link up!
Colleen says
One of these days I’m finally going to make it to a horse race…it’s on my bucket list. Until then, I’ll settle for a few of these brownies! Happy Fiesta Friday!
Noel Lizotte says
My favorite sporting event! What a great combination of two winning desserts. I’m adding this to “baking” list.
chubcheeks@bellsouth.net says
Thanks Noel!!
Traditionallymodernfood says
I love your hat guess you had so much fun. Never heard about derbie pie. I like brown sugar flavour this looks like something my family will enjoy
chubcheeks@bellsouth.net says
The traditional derby pie is like a pecan pie but with chocolate and a little flour in it. Almost like a cookie pie. I love it with the brownies!
Amy says
Those are some phenomenal looking brownies! And since I love pecans, these are right up my alley!
chubcheeks@bellsouth.net says
Gotta have that texture!
Marisa Franca @ All Our Way says
It certainly looks and sounds great. Lots of the girls at my school would go to the Kentucky Derby — they always came back raving about the experience. Now your pie looks like it would be an experience in itself.
chubcheeks@bellsouth.net says
It truly is! I can’t get enough of them this time of year!
Adriana Lopez Martn says
How lovely this is, looks gooey and so yummy. Your outfit and that hat are so pretty you look so pretty and so elegant. I love derby events.
chubcheeks@bellsouth.net says
Thank you so much! Checking out everyone else’s hats and dresses was almost as fun as watching the horses!
Pam says
There’s a derby themed event that my friend is having in a few weeks. These brownies would be just perfect.
chubcheeks@bellsouth.net says
I hope they enjoy them! They are always a hit at my house!
peter @feedyoursoultoo says
These look delicious. Such a fun spin on a brownie. I am sure the pretzels give the perfect amount of crunch.
chubcheeks@bellsouth.net says
I love my brownies especially with some texture!
Veena Azmanov says
These look so good. I love the topping. Pecans go so well with brownies..! Yum. Can’t wait to try these.
chubcheeks@bellsouth.net says
Thanks! They do!
Megan Marlowe says
These look Heavenly and I love your hat! W’re throwing a big Derby party this year and I think I’ll just have to make these!
chubcheeks@bellsouth.net says
Thanks so much! I had such a great time and was so mad that it rained on my hat!
Petra @ CrumblesAndKale says
Oh, that topping looks like pure heaven and both of you looked stunning on the Derby!
chubcheeks@bellsouth.net says
Thank you Petra!!
Theresa says
Looks so yummy. Thanks for sharing at the Inspiration Spotlight party. Pinned & shared. See you again soon.
chubcheeks@bellsouth.net says
Thank you for a great party!
Erin says
These really lol fabulous!!
chubcheeks@bellsouth.net says
Thank you Erin!
Victoria @DazzleWhileFrazzled says
Looking forward to trying these! Pinning. Visiting from Create It Thursday.
chubcheeks@bellsouth.net says
Thanks for a great party!
Frugal Hausfrau says
I’ve been hearing a lot about Derby Pie and these bars look pretty darned special! I might have to have hat to eat them! Thanks for linking up with us at Throwback Thursday!
Mollie
chubcheeks@bellsouth.net says
No hat needed. Just an appetite:) Thanks for a great party!
Winnie says
These brownies look AMAZING !!
So rich looking
YUMMY !
chubcheeks@bellsouth.net says
Thanks Winnie!
Lisa @ Fun Money Mom says
I’m so jealous that you actually got to go to the Kentucky Derby! It’s definitely on my list of things to do someday! I love the brownie recipe too. It looks delicious…thanks so much for sharing it with us at Share The Wealth Sunday! xoxo
chubcheeks@bellsouth.net says
I am hoping to go to the Masters next! It was an adventure!
Kathryn @ Family Food on the Table says
Derby or not, I want these brownies ASAP! They look so absolutely scrumptious!
chubcheeks@bellsouth.net says
Thank you Kathryn~
Maria says
I’ve never heard of Derby pies until now, and I must say: heart eyes all over this delicious treat. Definitely pinning and sharing for later. Thanks so much for joining us this week on #shinebloghop. This recipe is great and the results looks so gorgeous…almost too good to eat (ALMOST)
chubcheeks@bellsouth.net says
Thank you for a great party!
Northern Girl says
Wow, these look so decadent and indulgent! Will have to make these for a potluck at some point, as they definitely will need to be shared. Thanks for the inspiration. Found you at Show and Tell party.
chubcheeks@bellsouth.net says
Thank you for checking me out! Love that party!
Keith @ How's it Lookin? says
They look great. What a good brownie idea, thanks for sharing
chubcheeks@bellsouth.net says
Thanks Keith!
Sabrina says
These sound like really flavorful, sophisticated brownies! Perfect for adults (and hiding them from the kids!)
chubcheeks@bellsouth.net says
Inhaling before the kids see them!
Kristina says
you had me at brownie – you can top a brownie with almost anything (well…) and I’d love it! these sound perfect for Derby or ANY day!
chubcheeks@bellsouth.net says
Thanks Kristina!
Kristen Chidsey says
Ha! Ha! I am with you–bourbon in food is so much better than bourbon in drinks! Love these brownies!
chubcheeks@bellsouth.net says
Let’s hear it for eating our cocktails!
Florian @ContentednessCooking says
Pecans are wonderful! Amazing recipe!
chubcheeks@bellsouth.net says
Thanks Florian
Citra Kale @Citra's Home Diary says
You look lovely with that hat Jennifer! 🙂 and your brownie recipe is a keeper.. bookmarked it
chubcheeks@bellsouth.net says
Thanks Citra! I loved that hat too. I felt so regal wearing it.
Christie says
Going to the Derby looks like so much fun. One day I would love to do it. Turing Derby pie into brownies is another great idea. What a fun way to change it up.
chubcheeks@bellsouth.net says
Thanks Christie:)