Sweet and Salty Coffee Nut Bars Recipe
Attention all coffee lovers! Do you love coffee and want to take your caffeine fix to the next level? Then look no further than this delicious Coffee Nut Bars recipe.
As a barista, I know that coffee is not just a drink, it’s an experience. And these bars are one of the best ways to experience the richness, nuttiness, and ultimate satisfaction that coffee can offer. This recipe is perfect for a quick snack or for indulging in as a treat with your morning coffee.
The secret to these bars is the perfect balance of rich, warm flavors from the instant coffee and brown sugar mixed with the crunchiness of pecans and velvety chocolate. The heavenly aroma will draw you into the kitchen and have you craving more.
Whether you’re looking for an energy boost or simply searching for a new dessert recipe that combines the delicious taste of coffee with nuts, this Coffee Nut Bar recipe is definitely worth trying. So let’s get ready to make this delectable snack and fall in love with all its flavor-packed goodness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Coffee Nut Bars Recipe
Imagine biting into a bar with a crispy exterior that gives way to a chewy, nutty center infused with the rich flavor of coffee. That’s exactly what you’ll experience when you try this Coffee Nut Bars recipe.
Here’s why I think you’re going to fall in love with this recipe:
First, it’s made with wholesome ingredients. We’re talking rolled oats, pecans, dark chocolate, and instant coffee for that caffeine kick you need to jumpstart your day. The combination of these ingredients creates a balance between sweet and nutty flavors that will make your taste buds dance with delight!
Secondly, it’s an easy recipe to follow. You don’t need any special kitchen gadget or advanced cooking skills. All you need are measuring cups, mixing bowls, and a baking dish. You can have this recipe whipped up in no time!
But what I love most about this Coffee Nut Bars recipe is its versatility. It makes the perfect breakfast on-the-go, mid-day or pre-workout snack, or even dessert! It’s also perfect for sharing with friends and family during gatherings.
And did I mention that this recipe is vegan and gluten-free? So all my friends with dietary restrictions can join in the fun!
Trust me; this Coffee Nut Bars recipe is one that you will turn to again and again because it delivers on taste, ease of preparation and nutrition- everything you’re looking for in a bar recipe.
Ingredient List
Here are the recipe ingredients you will need to make these coffee nut bars:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon hot water
Toppings:
- 3 cups chopped pecans
- 4 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
These ingredients can be easily found at any grocery store. Many of these ingredients such as the rolled oats and pecans can also be purchased in bulk or pre-packaged for your convenience. Before starting to cook, always double-check that you have all the ingredients within reach to avoid having to interrupt the cooking process.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to make some coffee nut bars! Follow these instructions carefully, and soon you’ll have a batch of delicious bars that are perfect for anytime snacking.
Mixing the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Firstly, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper. In a small bowl, dissolve 1 tablespoon of instant coffee powder in 1 tablespoon of hot water.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of melted butter, 3/4 cup of brown sugar, and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar until smooth. Beat in one large egg and then add the dissolved coffee along with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, mix together the dry ingredients: 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
Adding the Coffee Nut Mixture
To create the crunchy texture, stir in 1 cup of chopped pecans into the batter. Then fold in half a cup of rolled oats or granola.
In another small bowl, mix together another tablespoon of instant coffee powder with two tablespoons of hot water. Add this along with dark chocolate chips into the batter by folding gently.
Baking Your Coffee Nut Bars
Press the mixture evenly into prepared pan, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for two hours or overnight to allow it to firm up. Remove plastic wrap and bake for around 22-25 minutes or until golden brown on edges and set. Once done remove from oven let cool down completely before transferring them onto cutting board.
Cutting and Serving
Once cooled take a sharp knife and slice into even squares. You can serve them plain or drizzle with peanut butter, melted chocolate or chocolate coffee icing. These bars are perfect for a mid-afternoon snack, paired with a cup of coffee.
Enjoy the satisfying crunch of these tasty coffee nut bars that will have you craving for more!
Substitutions and Variations
As a barista and coffee lover, I am all about experimenting with flavors and ingredients. So, here are some suggestions for substitutions and variations to try for our Coffee Nut Bars recipe.
For those who are looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute the purpose flour with almond flour, coconut flour or oat flour. You can also use gluten-free rolled oats for that chewy texture.
If you’re more health-conscious, you can make this recipe vegan by using coconut oil or vegan butter instead of regular butter. You can also swap the eggs with 1/4 cup of apple sauce or mashed banana.
For a decadent touch, try adding dark chocolate or peanut butter chips to the mixture. The combination of chocolate and coffee is always a winning one!
If you prefer your bars to be nuttier, you can replace pecans with walnuts or hazelnuts, or add some chopped almonds for extra crunch.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not turn this recipe into a granola bar? Just add some shredded coconut or your favorite dried fruits to the mix.
Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different flavors! It’s all about personalizing this recipe and making it yours.
Serving and Pairing
The Coffee Nut Bars are perfect with a glass of cold milk or a steaming cup of coffee. They are ideal for a quick and easy breakfast on-the-go, an afternoon snack, or even as dessert after dinner.
For a scrumptious breakfast, enjoy a couple of pieces with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The combination will give you the right amount of caffeine and creaminess to start your day.
For an afternoon snack, these bars go well with fruit smoothies, iced tea, and chocolate milk. The nutty flavor combined with the light sweetness of the bars blends perfectly with the rich taste of chocolate milk.
As a dessert, you can crumble some bars over ice cream or mix them in with some whipped cream for added crunchiness and richness. You can also serve them warm, topped with a decadent scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzled with some homemade caramel sauce.
Additionally, you can enjoy these bars as part of your homemade protein bars or energy bars, giving you that much-needed boost during your workout session or hike.
You can also serve them at parties as snacks or use them as gifts for friends and family during holiday seasons. They’re perfect for everyone, whether they follow special diets such as vegan or gluten-free since they contain no animal products and are made from rolled oats instead of wheat flour.
In summary, these chewy café mocha nut bars pair excellently with a wide range of beverages making them ideal for all occasions.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Coffee Nut Bars are the perfect treat to make ahead of time for those busy mornings when you’re rushing out the door with no time for breakfast. To store them, simply let them cool completely and then tightly wrap them in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can keep them at room temperature for up to 3 days but if you want them to last even longer, store them in an airtight container in the fridge and they’ll stay fresh for up to a week.
If you’re planning on freezing the bars, let them cool completely first and then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in an airtight container or freezer-safe Ziplock bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When it’s time to thaw them out, simply leave them at room temperature for a few hours or microwave them for about 30 seconds until they’re heated through.
Reheating the Coffee Nut Bars is easy too! Just pop one (or two) in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds until they’re warm and gooey again. If you prefer a crunchy texture, heat them in the oven or toaster oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy these bars is with a cup of coffee, of course! The rich coffee flavor combined with the sweet nuttiness of pecans and dark chocolate makes these Coffee Nut Bars a perfect pairing with any coffee beverage. So go ahead and indulge yourself with this quick and delicious snack that satisfies your cravings any time of day!
Tips for Perfect Results
One of the keys to making an excellent batch of Coffee Nut Bars is getting the baking temperature and time just right. Here are some tips to help you make perfect bars every time.
First, be sure to use room temperature ingredients. This will allow the ingredients to blend together more easily, resulting in a smoother texture.
Second, use good quality, fresh ingredients. Fresh eggs, butter and nuts will give your bars a richer flavour that will bring out the coffee notes.
Third, make sure you mix your dry ingredients thoroughly in a separate bowl before adding them to your wet mixture. This helps the dough to cook evenly throughout.
When you’re spreading the dough in the pan, be sure to press it down firmly for even baking. If you don’t pack it down enough, the middle of the bars may not cook thoroughly.
Be mindful not to overbake your Coffee Nut Bars, as this can result in dryness and loss of flavour. The bars should be golden brown and firm when they come out of the oven.
Finally, let the bars cool completely before slicing them into individual servings. This allows them to set and firm up properly, giving you that delicious chewy texture that makes these bars irresistible.
Follow these tips and you’ll have perfect Coffee Nut Bars every time! Enjoy your yummy creation with a cup of coffee or serve them as an after-dinner dessert with a scoop of ice cream.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Coffee Nut Bars recipe is an excellent option for anyone who loves coffee and nuts. Whether you are looking for a quick and easy snack or a sweet dessert to share with your family and friends, this recipe will not disappoint.
With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation steps, anyone can make these bars with ease. Plus, with the substitution and variation options provided, you can customize the recipe to fit your dietary and taste preferences.
So go ahead, try making a batch of Coffee Nut Bars today. You’ll love how the aroma of coffee fills your kitchen as you bake them, not to mention how tasty they are once they come out of the oven. Plus, you might just discover a new favorite snack or dessert that you can enjoy anytime.
Coffee Nut Bars Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee
- 1 tablespoon hot water
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 cup pecans, chopped (I've also used chocolate chips)
- 1/3 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- Dissolve coffee in hot water; set aside. Put butter and sugars in mixing bowl and combine. Stir in egg and vanilla.
- Sift in flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda alternately with coffee.
- Spread evenly into 8x8 pan. Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes or until done.
- Cool in pan then dust with powdered sugar. (I like to cover my pans not long after coming out of oven to keep the moisture in for chewiness). :).
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