Kentucky Derby Pie Brickle – Naked Epicurean

It’s like a Kentucky Derby Pie but in bite-sized pieces!

Although these treats are perfect for watching the race at Churchill Downs, don’t deny yourself of this Kentucky Derby Pie Brickle just because you’re not trackside.

There are many reasons for making this recipe.

Is Kentucky Derby Pie Brickle ideal for party prep procrastinators? Yes.
Is Kentucky Derby Pie Brickle sinfully addicting? Also yes.

This brickle requires very few ingredients, very little time, very little skill yet is indubitably delicious. It combines the best of both worlds: candy + bourbon. What’s not to like about that?

But fear not the spirits in this recipe. When cooking bourbon, the alcohol evaporates, leaving you with the deliciously distinct bourbon flavor without the alcohol. If alcohol is not your thing but you like the flavor of bourbon, you can use bourbon flavored vanilla. If bourbon is not your thing, substitute 1-2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.

I learned how to make this brickle from my brother when he was 8 years old. Well, sans the bourbon. But since we’re all adults here, let me tell you something: bourbon is our friend.

Use the bourbon.

Once you take these sweet treats out of the oven, you need to make a big decision:

A. Do you want your brickle completely covered in a smooth layer of chocolate?

or

B. Do you want your brickle to look like a Jackson Pollock painting?

If you choose A, follow this method: sprinkle the chocolate chips on the hot, syrupy crackers. After the chocolate melts, use a spatula to cover the crackers evenly.

If you choose Jackson Pollock (B), follow this method: Heat chocolate and ½ teaspoon of coconut oil in the microwave in a glass bowl. Remove and stir. Heat chips in microwave 30 seconds more; remove and stir. Add another ½ teaspoon of coconut oil. Heat and stir 2-3 more times until the chocolate is loose enough for a proper drizzle or to put in a piping bag (or sturdy Ziplock with a perforated corner) for drawing and writing. Be careful not to overheat your chocolate.

Here’s your safety net: If Plan A goes bad, you can always tell people you meant to apply the gestural painting method as homage to Jackson Pollock. It’s a win-win.

I hope you enjoy this Kentucky Derby Pie Brickle and share it with friends. It pairs beautifully with mint juleps and brut bubbles.

XXOO AB

If you make this Kentucky Derby Pie Brickle I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below and tag #nakedepicurean on Insta so we can celebrate together!

Kentucky Derby Pie Brickle

INGREDIENTS

14 graham cracker rectangles
1 cup chopped pecans
14 tablespoons butter
3/4 cup, plus 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons bourbon
1 teaspoon coconut oil (if you opt for Jackson Pollock)

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place graham cracker rectangles touching each other on the prepared baking sheet.
In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, melt butter and brown sugar. Add the salt. Stir constantly, bringing it to a full rolling boil. Stir in bourbon and remove from heat.
Pour brown sugar mixture evenly over graham crackers. Sprinkle crackers with pecan chips. Bake for 7 minutes. Remove from oven.

Before Step 5, you have to make your crucial decision: yes or no to the Jackson Pollock method?

I do NOT want Jackson Pollock! I want smooth chocolate!

5. Sprinkle chocolate chips on the hot crackers; bake for 1 more minute to melt the chocolate. Use a spatula to spread the melted chocolate to cover the crackers evenly.

I want Jackson Pollock! I like “drip and splash” radical abstract expressionist chocolate!

5. Heat chocolate and ½ teaspoon of coconut oil in the microwave in a glass bowl. Remove and stir. Heat chips in microwave 30 seconds more; remove and stir. Add another ½ teaspoon of coconut oil. Heat and stir 2-3 more times until the chocolate is loose enough for a proper drizzle or to put in a piping bag (or sturdy Ziplock with a perforated corner) for drawing and writing. Be careful not to overcook your chocolate. Now you may unleash your inner artist.

6. Set the pan on a rack; let cool to room temperature. If you are in a hurry, freeze or chill for 1 hour or until set. Break into small pieces for serving.

Store this brickle in an airtight container. It has the potential to last a week in the fridge, but I seriously doubt it will be around that long.