Description
These Gooey Caramel Coffee Bars combine the rich flavors of coffee and caramel in a soft, chewy dessert that’s perfect for any coffee lover. Featuring a coffee-infused buttery batter layered with luscious caramel and optional chocolate chips, these bars are an irresistible treat for dessert or an indulgent snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Batter
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee granules
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Layers & Topping
- 1 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the pan and preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture in the bars.
- Add eggs and flavorings: Beat in the eggs one at a time to ensure even incorporation. Mix in the vanilla extract and dissolve the instant coffee granules fully into the wet mixture to infuse the coffee flavor evenly.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to distribute the leavening agent and salt evenly throughout the dry components.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet coffee batter, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the batter which can make the bars tough.
- Layer the batter and caramel: Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Slightly warm the caramel sauce if thick, then pour it evenly over this bottom layer.
- Top with remaining batter and chocolate chips: Carefully dollop and spread the remaining batter over the caramel layer. Sprinkle semi-sweet chocolate chips on top if using, adding a rich chocolate element.
- Bake the bars: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is golden and set but still slightly soft in the center to maintain gooeyness.
- Cool and serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 16 bars. Drizzle with additional caramel sauce before serving for extra indulgence if desired.
Notes
- For a stronger coffee flavor, increase instant coffee granules to 1 tablespoon.
- Both store-bought and homemade caramel sauces work great in this recipe.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate to extend freshness.
