If you love treats that blend rich coffee flavor with indulgent sweetness, you are going to fall head over heels for this Gooey Caramel Coffee Bars Recipe. These bars are the perfect marriage of a buttery, tender crust topped with luscious, gooey caramel infused with just the right amount of coffee kick. Each bite melts in your mouth, delivering a perfect balance of sweetness, smooth caramel, and a hint of bold coffee that will keep you reaching for one more piece. Whether it’s for an afternoon snack or a special dessert, these bars will quickly become your go-to for satisfying your sweet tooth with an elegant coffee twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, pantry-staple ingredients come together beautifully in this Gooey Caramel Coffee Bars Recipe, each adding its own magic—from the buttery crust to the creamy caramel coffee topping. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful treat:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and a tender crumb to the base.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a fluffy, light crust texture.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The structure for our soft, buttery bar base.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor throughout.
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk: The luscious foundation for the silky caramel layer.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: Introduces deep molasses notes and softness in the caramel.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream: Adds extra creaminess to that luscious caramel texture.
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee granules: Infuses the caramel with a bold coffee flavor, elevating the bars.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor complexity with a warm, sweet touch.
- Sea salt, for sprinkling: Finishes the bars with a delicate salty contrast to the caramel’s sweetness.
How to Make Gooey Caramel Coffee Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This simple prep ensures your bars will come out perfectly every time without sticking. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in presentation and ease of cutting later on.
Step 2: Create the Buttery Base
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This beating step is crucial as it incorporates air, giving the base a delicate texture. It’s the foundation that will carry the gooey topping beautifully.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Next, add the all-purpose flour and salt to your creamed butter mixture, mixing just until everything comes together. Avoid overmixing here to keep the crust tender and crumbly rather than dense. This step transforms your wet and dry ingredients into a soft dough ready for baking.
Step 4: Bake the Crust
Press the dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Make sure it’s spread out uniformly for even baking. Pop it into the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the edges turn a beautiful light golden shade. This pre-baked base gives a satisfying crunch that holds up wonderfully under the caramel topping.
Step 5: Make the Coffee Caramel
While the crust bakes, bring together the sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, heavy cream, and instant coffee granules in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously as the mixture gently thickens and begins to pull away from the pan’s sides—this usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Your kitchen will fill with the most incredible caramel aroma mingled with a hint of rich coffee.
Step 6: Add Vanilla for Warmth
Once thickened, remove the caramel from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. This extra step is the secret to adding warmth and depth, rounding out the flavors and giving the bars a nuanced, sophisticated touch.
Step 7: Assemble the Bars
Pour the luscious coffee caramel evenly over the pre-baked crust and carefully spread it with a spatula. For the perfect final burst of flavor and texture, sprinkle sea salt over the top while the caramel is still warm. These contrasting salty-sweet notes will keep your taste buds intrigued.
Step 8: Let Them Cool Completely
Allow the bars to cool fully in the pan before slicing. Patience here is key because it lets the caramel set just enough to be gooey yet hold its shape when cut—making every bite a perfect blend of chewy and soft.
How to Serve Gooey Caramel Coffee Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Topping your Gooey Caramel Coffee Bars with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt is a must, but you can also experiment with a light dusting of cocoa powder or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for an extra wow factor. A few crushed coffee beans scattered on top add a charming and crunchy coffee flair.
Side Dishes
These bars pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance their dense, caramel richness. A fresh fruit salad or lightly roasted nuts make excellent accompaniments, cutting through the sweetness with their fresh or nutty profiles.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or special occasions, cut the bars into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a platter with edible flowers or fresh coffee beans for an elegant touch. You can also layer them with fresh berries in a trifle dish to create a stunning coffee caramel dessert parfait that will wow any guest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store your Gooey Caramel Coffee Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them moist yet firm enough to enjoy that signature gooey texture without losing any flavor or appeal.
Freezing
If you want to keep these bars longer, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze them for up to 3 months. When properly thawed, they maintain their luscious consistency and remain just as tasty as freshly made.
Reheating
To enjoy them warm and melty again, simply microwave a bar for about 15 to 20 seconds or reheat briefly in the oven at low temperature. This brings back the gooey caramel effect that makes this Gooey Caramel Coffee Bars Recipe pure delight every time.
FAQs
Can I use brewed coffee instead of instant coffee granules?
Brewed coffee will add liquid to the caramel mixture, which can affect the consistency. Instant coffee granules dissolve without adding moisture, ensuring the caramel thickens properly and the flavor is concentrated, so it’s best to stick with instant coffee granules for this recipe.
Is there a way to make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to keep the crust sturdy and balanced.
Why does the caramel need to pull away from the sides of the pan?
This is a visual cue that the caramel has thickened enough to hold its shape and won’t be runny. It ensures the perfect gooey texture when cooled without leaking or being too soft.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
You can, but just skip or reduce the added salt. Since sea salt is sprinkled on top for contrast, controlling the salt balance helps keep the bars perfectly balanced in flavor.
How long does it take for the bars to cool completely?
It usually takes about 1 to 2 hours at room temperature for the caramel to set properly. For faster cooling, you can refrigerate the bars, but allow them to come to room temperature before cutting to avoid cracking.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a new dessert that feels both luxurious and comforting, the Gooey Caramel Coffee Bars Recipe is a total winner. It’s a sweet celebration of coffee and caramel that’s surprisingly easy to make but impressive in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try these bars and share them with friends because this recipe truly turns any moment into a special occasion.
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Gooey Caramel Coffee Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
Description
These Gooey Caramel Coffee Bars combine a buttery shortbread crust with a rich, coffee-infused caramel topping, creating a delightful dessert that’s perfect for coffee lovers. With a crisp base and a luscious caramel layer sprinkled with sea salt, these bars offer a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors and a hint of coffee kick.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Caramel Coffee Topping:
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee granules
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars later.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which aerates the dough and ensures a tender crust.
- Add dry ingredients: Mix in the all-purpose flour and salt gently until just combined, taking care not to overmix to keep the crust tender.
- Form and bake crust: Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden, indicating the crust is fully baked.
- Make caramel coffee topping: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, heavy cream, and instant coffee granules. Stir constantly to prevent burning, cooking until the mixture thickens and begins to pull away from the sides of the pan, approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
- Finish caramel: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract, enhancing the depth of flavor.
- Assemble bars: Pour the caramel topping over the baked crust and spread it evenly. Sprinkle sea salt over the top to balance the sweetness and add a savory touch.
- Cool and cut: Let the bars cool completely in the pan to allow the caramel to set firmly before cutting into 16 squares for serving.
Notes
- Make sure to stir the caramel constantly to prevent it from burning or sticking to the pan.
- Use parchment paper to line the baking pan for easy removal and cleaner edges.
- Allow the bars to cool fully to ensure clean cuts and prevent the caramel from oozing out.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- For a stronger coffee flavor, add an extra tablespoon of instant coffee granules to the caramel.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
