If you are a fan of rich, buttery desserts with just the right hint of coffee and caramel sweetness, then you’re going to adore this Gooey Caramel Coffee Bars Recipe. These bars bring together a perfectly tender, crisp crust with an indulgently sticky caramel coffee layer that melts in your mouth, creating an utterly delightful treat. Every bite captures a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that feels like a warm hug, whether you enjoy it with your morning coffee or as an afternoon pick-me-up. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll quickly become a beloved staple in your dessert lineup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but each plays a crucial role in building the rich flavor and irresistibly gooey texture that make the Gooey Caramel Coffee Bars Recipe so special.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a luscious, rich base and keeps the crust tender.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve a light, fluffy crust texture.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives structure to the bar’s crust.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk: The secret to achieving that thick and creamy caramel layer.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: Brings deep molasses notes and moistness to the caramel topping.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream: Adds smoothness and richness to the caramel’s texture.
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee granules: Infuses just the right amount of coffee flavor without overpowering the sweet caramel.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and complexity to the caramel topping.
- Sea salt, for sprinkling: Gives a subtle salty contrast that makes all the flavors pop.
How to Make Gooey Caramel Coffee Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Then, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creates a tender base for the bars. Next, add the flour and salt, mixing just until everything comes together to avoid overworking the dough. Press this mixture evenly into the lined pan and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the edges turn a lovely golden shade. This crust is the perfect sturdy yet tender foundation for the delightful caramel topping to come.
Step 2: Make the Caramel Coffee Topping
While the crust is baking, it’s time to whisk up the caramel coffee layer. In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, packed brown sugar, heavy cream, and instant coffee granules. Stir constantly to prevent burning and to encourage the mixture to thicken and pull away from the pan’s sides—a good 10 to 15 minutes. This stage requires patience but is absolutely worth the effort, as the result is a rich, glossy caramel infused with coffee. Once thickened, remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract to elevate the flavors.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Pour the luscious caramel coffee mixture evenly over the warm crust. Sprinkle a generous pinch of sea salt over the top while the caramel is still warm. This final touch offers a perfect balance to the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor experience. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan; this waiting step helps the caramel set properly and become beautifully gooey without being overly runny. Once fully cool, cut into squares and get ready for a taste sensation.
How to Serve Gooey Caramel Coffee Bars Recipe
Garnishes
These bars are stunning on their own, but adding a small dollop of whipped cream or a light dusting of cocoa powder can elevate them even further. For a fancy touch, you could drizzle a bit of melted dark chocolate or sprinkle chopped toasted nuts on top, adding a crunchy texture contrast that pairs beautifully with the gooey caramel.
Side Dishes
Pair your Gooey Caramel Coffee Bars with a hot beverage like your favorite coffee or tea to complement the coffee-infused caramel. A scoop of vanilla ice cream serves as a creamy, cooling side that contrasts wonderfully with the warm richness of the bars. Fresh berries also provide a bright, refreshing counterpoint to the sweet and buttery flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, arrange the bars on a rustic wooden board alongside coffee beans and small cups of cream and sugar to create a cozy coffeehouse vibe. Or serve individually with a latte or cappuccino garnish for an elegant café-style dessert experience. For a festive touch, drizzle white chocolate and sprinkle edible gold flakes on top to impress your guests visually and taste-wise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Gooey Caramel Coffee Bars, store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh and gooey. They will stay deliciously soft at room temperature for up to two days, or you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just ensure they are well covered to prevent the caramel from drying out.
Freezing
If you want to make these bars in advance or save some for a later craving, they freeze exceptionally well. Wrap individual bars or the entire batch, tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or place in a freezer-safe container. They can be kept frozen for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture.
Reheating
To revive that delicious gooey feel after chilling or freezing, warm the bars gently in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds or place them briefly in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) until warmed through. This will soften the caramel and refresh the buttery crust for an indulgently satisfying bite.
FAQs
Can I use brewed coffee instead of instant coffee granules?
Brewed coffee is thinner and contains more liquid, which affects the caramel’s thickness. Instant coffee granules dissolve easily and intensify flavor without altering texture, so it’s best to stick with them for this recipe.
Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Just make sure your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free as well. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I substitute the sweetened condensed milk?
Sweetened condensed milk is key for achieving the creamy, sticky caramel consistency, so substituting it is not recommended. However, if you must, look for a dairy-free condensed milk alternative suitable for cooking.
Why is sea salt sprinkled on top of the bars?
The sea salt adds a subtle contrast to the sweet caramel, enhancing the overall flavor and balancing the richness. It’s a simple touch that makes a big difference and elevates this Gooey Caramel Coffee Bars Recipe.
How long do these bars take to set before cutting?
Cooling completely in the pan is important to let the caramel firm up slightly but stay gooey. Ideally, allow them to cool at room temperature for at least two hours before slicing.
Final Thoughts
This Gooey Caramel Coffee Bars Recipe is one of those magical treats that feels like a special indulgence yet is surprisingly easy to make. Every bite offers a wonderful blend of buttery crust, sweet coffee caramel, and just the right hint of saltiness. Whether you’re sharing with friends or enjoying a quiet moment, these bars bring joy and comfort in every gooey square. Go ahead, give this recipe a try—you’ll thank yourself for it!
Print
Gooey Caramel Coffee Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these Gooey Caramel Coffee Bars, combining a buttery shortbread crust with a rich, creamy coffee-infused caramel topping. Perfect for coffee lovers looking for a sweet treat with a hint of espresso flavor and a touch of sea salt to balance the sweetness.
Ingredients
Shortbread Crust
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Coffee Caramel 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 Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing the edges to hang over for easy removal later.
- Mix the Crust: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a tender base.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Incorporate the all-purpose flour and salt into the creamed mixture, stirring until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Form and Bake Crust: Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden, indicating a perfectly baked shortbread crust.
- Prepare Caramel Mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, heavy cream, and instant coffee granules. Stir constantly for about 10-15 minutes, until the mixture thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pan, creating a luscious caramel.
- Finish Caramel: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract to enrich the flavor of the caramel topping.
- Assemble Bars: Pour the warm caramel over the baked crust and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the top with sea salt to add a wonderful contrast to the sweetness.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan, enabling the caramel to set fully before cutting into 16 squares and serving.
Notes
- For best results, use parchment paper to make removing the bars from the pan easier.
- Instant coffee granules can be adjusted based on how strong you want the coffee flavor.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate to extend freshness.
- Allow bars to cool completely; cutting them too soon may cause the caramel to be too soft.
- If you prefer a less sweet treat, reduce the brown sugar slightly in the caramel mixture.
