Almond-Toffee-Mocha Squares

🍫☕🍰 Almond-Toffee-Mocha Squares 🍫☕🍰

What is it?
Almond-Toffee-Mocha Squares are a delectable dessert that combines the rich flavors of almonds, toffee, and mocha into a delightful treat. These squares are typically made with layers of buttery toffee, a mocha-flavored filling, and a generous sprinkle of chopped almonds on top. They offer a perfect balance of sweetness, nuttiness, and coffee-infused goodness.

History:
The exact origin of Almond-Toffee-Mocha Squares is not well-documented, but they likely evolved from various dessert traditions that celebrated the combination of coffee, nuts, and sweets. The toffee and almond elements likely draw from classic English toffee and almond confections, while the mocha flavor reflects the enduring love for coffee-flavored treats.

Components:
To make Almond-Toffee-Mocha Squares, you’ll need the following components:

• 1 cup butter
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped almonds
• 1 cup toffee bits
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tablespoons instant coffee or espresso powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Steps to Prepare:
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making these scrumptious squares:

1. Prepare the Crust:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of butter, 2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the dough comes together.
   • Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
   • Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes or until it’s lightly golden.

2. Create the Toffee Layer:

   • While the crust is baking, sprinkle 1 cup of chopped almonds and 1 cup of toffee bits evenly over the hot crust.

3. Prepare the Mocha Filling:

   • In a separate bowl, dissolve 2 tablespoons of instant coffee or espresso powder in 1 can of sweetened condensed milk.
   • Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
   • Pour this mocha mixture evenly over the almond and toffee layer.

4. Bake and Finish:

   • Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the filling is set.
   • Remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips over the hot filling.
   • Allow the chocolate chips to melt for a few minutes, then use a spatula to spread the chocolate evenly over the top.

5. Cool and Slice:

   • Let the squares cool completely in the pan.
   • Once cooled, cut them into squares or bars.

Total Time Needed:
The preparation time for Almond-Toffee-Mocha Squares typically takes around 30 minutes, and the baking time is approximately 35-40 minutes. You should allow extra time for the squares to cool before serving, so in total, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish.

These indulgent Almond-Toffee-Mocha Squares are sure to be a hit with coffee and dessert lovers alike. Enjoy! ☕🍫🍰

Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Almond-Toffee-Mocha Squares:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per square):

• Calories: 200-250 kcal
• Total Fat: 10-12 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 5-6 grams
• Cholesterol: 20-25 mg
• Sodium: 100-120 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 25-30 grams
  • Dietary Fiber: 1-2 grams
  • Sugars: 18-20 grams
• Protein: 3-4 grams

Please note that these values can vary depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used in your recipe. The numbers provided are rough estimates to give you an idea of the nutritional content.

Health Information:

1. Moderation: Almond-Toffee-Mocha Squares are delicious but tend to be high in sugar and fat due to the toffee and chocolate layers. Enjoy them in moderation as an occasional treat rather than a regular part of your diet.

2. Caloric Intake: Be mindful of the calorie count, especially if you are watching your daily caloric intake. One square can contain a significant amount of calories.

3. Saturated Fat: The saturated fat content can be relatively high due to the butter, chocolate, and toffee components. Excessive consumption of saturated fat may contribute to heart health concerns, so consume these squares sparingly.

4. Sugar Content: Almond-Toffee-Mocha Squares are sweet and contain added sugars. High sugar intake can lead to weight gain and dental problems, so be conscious of your overall sugar consumption.

5. Portion Control: Consider cutting smaller portions to help manage your calorie and sugar intake.

6. Nutritional Benefits: On the positive side, almonds provide healthy fats, fiber, and protein. However, these nutritional benefits can be overshadowed by the sugar and saturated fat in this dessert.

Remember, while Almond-Toffee-Mocha Squares may not be the healthiest option, they can still be enjoyed in moderation as an occasional treat. Balance is key when it comes to including indulgent desserts in your diet.