If you’re a coffee lover, I’ve got a recipe that you won’t want to miss. These espresso bars are the perfect pick-me-up for any time of day. Imagine biting into a rich and chocolatey bar that’s been infused with the bold flavors of coffee…heavenly, right?

Making these bars couldn’t be easier. With just a handful of ingredients and some simple instructions, you’ll have a delicious treat in no time. From the all-purpose flour to the instant espresso powder, each ingredient is carefully chosen to ensure that each bite is packed with flavor.

But why stop at just one flavor? In this recipe article, I’ll also show you how to make variations on these bars, from caramel espresso to dark chocolate espresso. Plus, I’ll share tips on serving and pairing these delicious treats, as well as storage and reheating tips so that you can enjoy them anytime.

So go ahead and grab your coffee beans, whip out your mixing bowl, and let’s get started on these irresistible espresso bars!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Are you a coffee lover? Do you crave delicious and indulgent treats that pair perfectly with your favorite brew? Then this Espresso Bars Recipe is exactly what your taste buds need!

Not only is this recipe easy to make, but it is also incredibly versatile. You can serve these bars as a dessert, snack, or even as a quick breakfast on-the-go. They’re perfect for any occasion!

One of the things that make these bars so special is the use of instant espresso powder. It’s a key ingredient that adds an intense and rich flavor to the bars. You can opt for different variations of espresso powder to boost the depth of flavour depending on what you prefer – chocolate espresso or caramel espresso.

The mixture of buttery and sweet vanilla and the deep aroma of coffee creates an explosion of flavour in your mouth. Each bite will keep you craving for more! So why not indulge today? You’ll love how these Espresso Bars Recipe make you feel – energized and satisfied all day long.

In addition to being a delicious treat, these bars are very quick to prepare. The recipe calls for ingredients such as all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, eggs, and butter that you most likely have in your pantry – making this recipe simply irresistible!

So, whether you’re looking for something to share with friends over coffee, or just an indulgent treat to enjoy after a long day at work, these Espresso Bars are a crowd-pleasing choice you won’t regret!

Ingredient List

Start your day off right with a homemade Espresso Bar!

Let’s talk about the ingredients that you will need to prepare these delicious espresso bars:

For the base:

2 cups of all-purpose flour
1/4 cup of granulated sugar
1/4 cup of brown sugar
1 tablespoon of instant espresso powder
1/4 teaspoon of baking powder
1/4 teaspoon of salt
3/4 cup of unsalted butter, room temperature
1 egg
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

For the espresso layer:

1 cup of boiling water
2 tablespoons of instant espresso powder
1/2 cup of unsalted butter, room temperature
1 and 1/2 cups of granulated sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
2 cups of all-purpose flour

For the chocolate/espresso layer:

3/4 cup of unsalted butter, melted
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons instant coffee (or strong brewed coffee)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 and a half cups all-purpose flour
half tsp salt
one tea spoon cinnamon [if desired]
two tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder,
two tablespoons instant coffee or instant espresso powder

These are all common ingredients that should be easy to find at your local grocery store or pantry, but if you are in need of any substitutions or variations check out section (5) Substitutions and Variations.

The Recipe How-To

Espresso + Chocolate = Love at First Bite.

Now that we have covered the ingredients list, it’s time to dive into “The Recipe How-To” of making these delicious Espresso Bars! Here are step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process.

Preparation and Preheat

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Mix the Batter

In a medium bowl, mix together your all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, instant espresso powder, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt.
Mix in the unsalted butter, which should be softened but not melted.
Add the eggs and vanilla, then use an electric mixer to beat the mixture until it is smooth.
Pour in the boiling water and mix until incorporated.

Bake and Cool

Pour the mixture into your greased baking dish.
Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes or until set.
Test for doneness using a toothpick inserted into the center of the bars; if it comes out clean, they are ready!

Frosting

In another medium bowl, combine soften butter and cream cheese-the key ingredients for the frosting.
Then add powdered sugar gradually as you continue mixing them together until you get a uniform mixture.
When ready spread it on top of your cooled Espresso Bars.

Serve

Cut your Espresso Bars into equal sizes to give it that amazing look make sure it is square-shaped so that each slice is easy to cut equally.
Serve chilled with a fresh pot of hot espresso coffee.

Enjoy making these bars at home with this easy recipe that is sure to impress everyone who tries them!

Substitutions and Variations

Satisfy your caffeine and sugar cravings all at once.

One of the best things about recipes is that they are always adaptable and can be customized to your liking. Here are some substitutions and variations that you can try out with this Espresso Bars recipe:

– Flour: You can use whole wheat flour or almond flour to make these bars gluten-free or a bit healthier.

– Sugar: Try using coconut sugar instead of regular granulated sugar. You could also try honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar for something different.

– Butter: Substitute the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free option.

– Espresso Powder: Instant coffee works well as an alternative in place of espresso powder.

– Chocolate: You can use dark chocolate or milk chocolate chips to get different flavors. Cocoa powder can work in place of melted chocolate chips as well.

– Caramel Espresso Bars: Add a dollop of salted caramel sauce at the top for a richly decadent twist.

– Espresso Oatmeal Cookie Bars: You may add oatmeal into the batter, which will turn them into oatmeal espresso bars. It’s a smarter choice if you are looking for an energy boost!

– Vegan Espresso Bars: You can substitute eggs for plant-based options like flax eggs, apple sauce, or mashed banana. Use vegan butter and cream cheese substitutes for the filling.

With so many possibilities, your imagination is your only limit!

Serving and Pairing

These bars are perfect for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up.

Once your delicious espresso bars are ready, it’s time to start thinking about how best to enjoy them. These bars have a rich and indulgent flavor that pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee. You can brew a strong espresso or coffee using fresh coffee beans or instant coffee to get the most out of this delightful pairing.

Another great way to serve these bars is by topping them off with a dusting of icing sugar or a dollop of whipped cream cheese frosting. To make the frosting, simply mix together softened butter, cream cheese, and icing sugar until smooth and creamy. Add a drop or two of vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor.

The dense and chewy texture of these bars also makes them an ideal treat to pack for picnics or hikes. They’re easy to store in an air-tight container for on-the-go snacking. Additionally, they’re versatile enough to serve as dessert at your next party or gathering.

If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try pairing these bars with a rich and bold red wine? The combination of flavors is sure to impress anyone who tries it. For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, a glass of creamy milk would also go well with these decadent espresso bars.

In summary, serving espresso bars is all about complementing their rich and intense flavor with other beverage options. Whether you choose coffee, milk, wine or anything else, indulging in your espresso bars should be a decadent sensory experience that awakens your taste buds and satisfies your need for something sweet and satisfying.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

Impress your friends with your barista skills and whip up these tasty delights.

Oh my y’all! These espresso bars are not only easy to make, but they’re also perfect to make-ahead, store and reheat. This means you can have a delicious coffee-inspired treat anytime you want it!

If you are making these espresso bars ahead of time, then let them cool completely; this will take around 15-20 minutes. Once the bars have cooled, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to five days or in the freezer for up to three months.

When you’re ready to reheat the bars, take them out of the container, and let them come to room temp. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bars on a baking sheet and bake them in the preheated oven for 6-8 minutes or until they are warm and gooey again.

Another great option is to enjoy these espresso bars as a chilled treat with some icing sugar on top. Just remove them from the fridge and dust some icing sugar over the top before serving.

But wait, I’ve got more! Did you know that you can also enjoy these espresso bars for breakfast? If you’re looking for a quick energy boost or breakfast on the go, add a bit of almond butter, yogurt or your favorite basic icing on top.

And if you’re feeling really adventurous, then try mixing up some dark chocolate espresso, caramel bars with oatmeal cookie or granola bars instead of traditional flour-based cookie bars. These treats are perfect for your vegan, dairy-free or energy snack needs.

Remember that with proper storage and reheating methods, these delicious espresso bars can be enjoyed anytime and anywhere!

Tips for Perfect Results

Warning: These bars may cause extreme happiness and feelings of satisfaction.

When it comes to baking, attention to detail makes all the difference. Here are some tips to help you create perfect espresso bars every time.

First, make sure that your ingredients are at room temperature before starting. This includes your butter, cream cheese, and eggs. Room-temperature ingredients mix together more smoothly and evenly, resulting in a better texture in your finished product.

Next, be precise with your measurements. While “eyeballing it” may seem convenient, it can lead to uneven or inconsistent results. Use measuring spoons and cups to ensure accuracy while adding ingredients.

When making the bars themselves, be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can cause the bars to become tough and dense. Mix until just combined, then stop.

For the chocolate espresso topping, make sure to dissolve the instant espresso powder completely in boiling water before adding it to the mixture. This will ensure that the topping has a smooth and even consistency.

Finally, when serving your espresso bars, consider dusting them lightly with icing sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. It pairs beautifully with the rich coffee flavour of the bars.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to create delicious and consistent espresso bars each time you bake them.

FAQ

As a barista, I’ve received many questions from customers about different coffee recipes. So I’ve compiled a list of the most commonly asked questions about this espresso bars recipe to help ensure you have all the information you need to create the perfect bars. Keep reading to find out more!

What is espresso bar?

A coffee shop that has a focus on crafting espresso-based beverages is called ɛsˈprɛsəʊ bɑː.

How many BARs for a good espresso machine?

To create a flavorful and intense espresso shot, it’s important to maintain a pressure of 7-11 BARs when passing the hot water through your grounds. While some machines can exceed this range, those able to hit 9 BARs will produce a more concentrated and satisfying shot.

What is a chocolate espresso?

One of my favorite coffee drinks is made using just two ingredients: a shot of espresso and a single square of chocolate. It’s quite a sight to see the chocolate slowly melting as the hot espresso is carefully poured over it. Sometimes it’s the uncomplicated pleasures that can bring the most joy to our day!

What is espresso powder in a recipe?

For an added depth of flavor to your chocolate recipe, consider using espresso powder. This intense ingredient is derived from coffee beans that have undergone a process of roasting, brewing, drying, and grinding until it becomes a fine powder. A small amount, typically a teaspoon, is all that’s needed to elevate the taste of your recipe. Not to be confused with instant coffee, espresso powder provides a more potent and robust flavor.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, this Espresso Bars recipe is one that I highly recommend for all coffee lovers, dessert enthusiasts, and home bakers alike. With its rich espresso flavor and decadent texture, it’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth and caffeine cravings.

While this recipe may seem complex at first glance, with proper guidance and a few helpful tips, anyone can create these delicious bars in the comfort of their own kitchen. So why not treat yourself or impress your loved ones with a batch of homemade Espresso Bars?

And if you’re feeling adventurous, don’t be afraid to mix things up with some of the substitutions and variations suggested in this article. From chocolate espresso to caramel bars to oatmeal cookie bars, the possibilities are endless.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your baking supplies and get started on this Espresso Bars recipe today. And don’t forget to savor every bite and sip of your favorite coffee alongside it.

As a barista, my personal recommendation is to pair these bars with a shot of hot espresso or a creamy latte – trust me, it’s the perfect combination. And as always, enjoy your coffee with your heart, mind, and soul. Happy baking!

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