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)
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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
