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Gooey Caramel Coffee Bars: A Sweet Indulgence for Coffee Lovers

Coffee has a magical way of transforming our mornings, giving us that much-needed jolt of energy to kickstart the day. But what if I told you that you could enjoy that same delightful flavor in a decadent dessert? Enter Gooey Caramel Coffee Bars— the ultimate fusion of rich caramel, robust coffee, and buttery crust that will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also indulge your coffee cravings. In this article, we’ll take you through the delightful journey of creating these luscious bars, perfect for sharing or indulging in all by yourself!

A Match Made in Heaven: Caramel and Coffee

When discussing flavor profiles, few combinations are more enticing than caramel and coffee. The sweetness and richness of caramel perfectly complement the bold, slightly bitter notes of coffee. This divine duo makes for a treat that transcends conventional dessert boundaries. Whether you’re an avid coffee drinker or simply someone with a penchant for sweets, Gooey Caramel Coffee Bars are bound to please.

The Ingredients: A Symphony of Flavors

Before we dive into the preparation, let’s take a closer look at what you will need. The brilliance of these bars lies in their simplicity, with a handful of ingredients working together to create a rich and deeply satisfying dessert.

The Crust

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: The foundation of our bars. Butter adds richness and acts as a binding agent for the crust.
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar: To sweeten the crust, providing that delightful hint of sweetness right from the start.
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour: The main component of the base, ensuring a sturdy yet tender crust.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.

The Gooey Caramel Filling

  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk: The star of our filling, offering creaminess and an irresistible sweetness.
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: Adds depth and a hint of molasses flavor that elevates the caramel.
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream: Contributes to the rich, creamy texture of the caramel layer.
  • 2 tablespoons instant coffee granules: Infuses the dessert with a robust coffee flavor that harmonizes beautifully with the caramel.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A must-have in baked goods, vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile.
  • Sea salt, for sprinkling: Just a pinch adds that final touch, balancing the sweetness with a hint of savory.

Preparation: Crafting Your Gooey Caramel Coffee Bars

Step 1: Prepping Your Baking Pan

To begin, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s perfectly heated when your bars are ready to be baked. Take a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper. This will not only prevent sticking but will also make it easier to lift the bars out once they’re cooled.

Step 2: Creating the Crust

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 3-5 minutes. The air that gets incorporated during this time will give your crust a lovely texture.

Next, add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing until just combined. Be cautious not to overmix here, as that could result in a denser texture.

Once your dough is ready, press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Use the back of a measuring cup or your fingers to ensure it’s evenly distributed. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

Step 3: Preparing the Caramel Filling

While the crust is baking, it’s time to create the luscious caramel filling. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, heavy cream, and instant coffee granules. Stir the mixture constantly for about 10-15 minutes as it heats up.

You’ll know it’s ready when it thickens beautifully and starts to pull away from the sides of the pan. This step is critical as it ensures your caramel will have that signature gooey texture. As soon as you remove the saucepan from the heat, stir in the vanilla extract, giving your filling that warm, inviting aroma.

Step 4: Combining and Baking

Pour the caramel mixture evenly over the baked crust. Don’t forget to spread it out to ensure that every bite is as gooey as the last. To finish, sprinkle a light layer of sea salt over the top. This not only adds visual appeal but also enhances the flavor by balancing the dessert’s sweetness.

Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Cooling and Serving

Once your baking time is up, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely. This could take a couple of hours, but it’s well worth the wait. Cooling allows the caramel to set and the bars to achieve that ideal texture for slicing.

Once cooled, carefully lift the parchment paper to remove the bars from the pan. Cut them into squares or rectangles, as desired. The bars are rich, so small pieces can go a long way in satisfying your sweet cravings!

Nutritional Information and Serving Suggestions

Each serving of the Gooey Caramel Coffee Bars yields about 310 calories, with a total of 16 servings. They make for a delightful afternoon snack paired with a cup of coffee or can be served at gatherings alongside a variety of other desserts.

Enjoying the Experience

Gooey Caramel Coffee Bars are not just about satisfying a sweet tooth; they’re about the experience. The process of making them is an adventure that culminates in a sweet reward. Friends and family will gather around as the enticing aroma fills your kitchen, and each bite will have them coming back for more. They’re perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy coffee date, a festive gathering, or simply an indulgence to enjoy at home.

Conclusion

In the world of desserts, Gooey Caramel Coffee Bars stand out as a delightful fusion of flavors that brings together the warmth of caramel and the invigorating essence of coffee. They are easy to make, yet they leave a lasting impression on your taste buds. So gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps outlined, and prepare to impress everyone with this delectable treat! Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or stored for later, these bars are sure to become your new favorite indulgence.

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