Name: Gooey Caramel Coffee Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 cup light brown sugar (packed); 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons instant coffee granules or espresso powder; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling); 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

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If you’re ready to fall in love with your new favorite dessert, let me introduce you to Gooey Caramel Coffee Bars. These bars strike the perfect balance between chewy cookie dough, rich caramel, and a hint of coffee that makes every bite truly irresistible. With easy-to-find ingredients and a simple method, you’ll find yourself turning to this recipe for everything from casual gatherings to cozy nights at home. Whether you’re a caramel aficionado or a coffee lover (or both!), these dreamy bars are bound to become a household classic.

Gooey Caramel Coffee Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these ingredients is a breeze, and each one brings its own unique magic to the Gooey Caramel Coffee Bars. From deep, buttery richness to nutty crunch and the unmistakable aroma of coffee, every component plays a starring role in the final result.

Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Creates a tender, melt-in-your-mouth base and helps the bars stay moist.
Light brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds caramel-like sweetness and a subtle molasses depth.
Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Balances the brown sugar and gives the bars their classic chewy bite.
Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and add richness.
Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Lifts the flavors and brings a comforting warmth to the bars.
Instant coffee granules or espresso powder (2 tablespoons): Infuses the bars with a sophisticated coffee kick that pairs perfectly with caramel.
All-purpose flour (2 cups): Provides structure and that classic cookie bar texture.
Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the bars rise just enough for a light, tender crumb.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the sweet and savory flavors.
Caramel sauce (1 cup, plus extra for drizzling): Delivers gooey, luscious pockets of caramel in every bite.
Chopped pecans or walnuts (1/2 cup, optional): Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, but the bars are fabulous with or without them.

How to Make Gooey Caramel Coffee Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or give it a light greasing. This simple step ensures your Gooey Caramel Coffee Bars will lift out easily and have perfectly crisp edges with a tender center.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, packed light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. You’re aiming for a light, fluffy mixture—this step creates the chewy, soft texture that makes these bars so addictive.

Step 3: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Coffee

Crack in the eggs, pour in the vanilla extract, and sprinkle in your instant coffee granules or espresso powder. Mixing these in now ensures the coffee flavor is evenly distributed, giving the bars that subtle wake-up call in every bite.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This quick mix guarantees you won’t get any lumps of baking soda in your finished bars and helps everything blend together smoothly.

Step 5: Bring it All Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be gentle—overmixing can make the bars tough instead of tender and gooey.

Step 6: Layer the Dough and Caramel

Spread half of your dough into the bottom of the prepared pan, smoothing it out as evenly as you can. Drizzle the caramel sauce generously over this layer, then sprinkle on the chopped nuts if you’re using them. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough across the top, and gently spread or press it to mostly cover the caramel. Don’t worry if a little caramel peeks through—it adds to the gooey charm!

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know your Gooey Caramel Coffee Bars are ready when they’re golden brown and set in the center, with edges just beginning to pull away from the sides of the pan. Let them cool in the pan before adding the final flourish.

Step 8: Drizzle and Slice

Once the bars have cooled, drizzle with a little extra caramel sauce for that picture-perfect finish. Slice into 16 squares and get ready for the oohs and aahs!

How to Serve Gooey Caramel Coffee Bars

Garnishes

To make those Gooey Caramel Coffee Bars look as good as they taste, try a generous drizzle of warm caramel sauce and a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt. For a festive touch, add a few chocolate-covered espresso beans or a dusting of powdered sugar on top. Each bite becomes a little celebration.

Side Dishes

Pair these bars with a velvety scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a truly indulgent treat. If you’re serving them at brunch, a fresh fruit salad or a steaming mug of cappuccino rounds out the platter beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or special occasion, cut the Gooey Caramel Coffee Bars into small, bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a tiered dessert tray. You can also wrap individual bars in parchment and tie with twine for adorable homemade gifts. Serve warm with a side of caramel dipping sauce for an interactive dessert experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These bars keep wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to stay fresh even longer, pop them in the fridge, where they’ll last up to a week. The flavors deepen as they sit, making each day’s treat even more delicious.

Freezing

Gooey Caramel Coffee Bars freeze beautifully! Once cooled and sliced, wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months. When you’re craving a sweet pick-me-up, just thaw a bar at room temperature or zap it in the microwave for a few seconds.

Reheating

To revive that just-baked gooeyness, warm the bars in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. If you’re reheating a whole batch, pop the pan in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5 to 10 minutes. The caramel will get melty again, and your kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly.

FAQs

Can I use decaf coffee in these bars?

Absolutely! If you want all the flavor without the caffeine, substitute with your favorite decaf instant coffee or espresso powder. You’ll still get that wonderful coffee aroma and taste in every bite of your Gooey Caramel Coffee Bars.

What’s the best caramel sauce to use?

You can use store-bought or homemade caramel sauce—just make sure it’s pourable, so it spreads easily between the layers. Salted caramel sauce is fantastic if you like a sweet-salty contrast in your Gooey Caramel Coffee Bars.

Do I have to add nuts?

Nope! The chopped pecans or walnuts are optional, but they do add a lovely crunch. If you have nut allergies or just prefer a smoother bar, simply leave them out. The Gooey Caramel Coffee Bars will still be incredibly delicious.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The texture may be just a touch different, but the bars will still be full of flavor and just as gooey.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

Look for bars that are golden brown with edges starting to pull away from the pan, and the center set but still soft. If you insert a toothpick, it should come out with a few moist crumbs (but not raw batter). Remember, the bars will continue to set as they cool.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about sharing a batch of Gooey Caramel Coffee Bars with friends and family. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or just to treat yourself, these bars deliver cozy comfort and bold flavor in every bite. Don’t hesitate—give them a try and create your own sweet memories!

Gooey Caramel Coffee Bars Recipe

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4.9 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 16 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delight in these Gooey Caramel Coffee Bars, a luscious blend of rich coffee flavor and sweet caramel, baked into soft, chewy bars perfect for any dessert occasion. With a buttery base, a gooey caramel layer, and a hint of espresso, these bars make an irresistible treat for coffee lovers and sweet tooths alike.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 tablespoons instant coffee granules or espresso powder

Dry Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

Additional Ingredients

1 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will help create a tender texture.
Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Coffee: Incorporate eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and instant coffee granules or espresso powder. Mix until smooth and fully combined to infuse the coffee flavor throughout the batter.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening and seasoning.
Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until fully combined without overmixing to keep the bars tender.
Layer Dough and Caramel: Spread half of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Drizzle 1 cup of caramel sauce evenly over this dough layer, then sprinkle the chopped nuts over the caramel if using.
Top with Remaining Dough: Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the caramel and nuts layer. Gently spread or press the dough to cover most of the caramel, allowing some caramel to peek through for gooey pockets.
Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the bars are golden brown and set in the center, but still soft to the touch to maintain their gooey texture.
Cool and Drizzle: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before drizzling with extra caramel sauce for added sweetness and a beautiful finish.
Slice and Serve: Once cooled, slice into 16 bars and serve as a delightful dessert or coffee-time treat.

Notes

Use salted caramel sauce for a sweet-and-salty twist to enhance flavor complexity.
Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to one week to maintain freshness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American