Sure, let’s dive into the world of Chocolate Mocha Almond Bars, a delectable treat that combines the richness of chocolate with the aromatic essence of mocha and the crunch of almonds, all in a convenient bar form perfect for sharing or indulging in solo moments of bliss. 🍫☕️🌰
Recipe Name: Chocolate Mocha Almond Bars
Recipe Category: Bar Cookie
Keywords: Dessert, Cookie & Brownie, Fruit, Nuts, Christmas, < 60 Mins, Oven
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Recipe Yield: 40 Bars
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 169.8
- Fat Content: 10.3g
- Saturated Fat Content: 5g
- Cholesterol Content: 42.2mg
- Sodium Content: 72.7mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 18.2g
- Fiber Content: 1.5g
- Sugar Content: 9.9g
- Protein Content: 3.1g
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Flour | 2 1/2 cups |
| Baking powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Butter | 1 cup |
| Sugar | 1 cup |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Almond paste | 8 ounces |
| Butter (for middle layer) | 2 tablespoons |
| Sugar (for middle layer) | 1/2 cup |
| Egg white | 1 |
| Eggs (for middle layer) | 2 |
| Baking chocolate | 1 ounce |
| Heavy cream | 3 tablespoons |
| Powdered instant coffee | 4 teaspoons |
| Chopped almonds | 1/4 cup |
Instructions:
-
Bottom Layer:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, blend together 1 cup of butter and 1 cup of sugar until creamy and well combined.
- Add 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, and mix until smooth.
- Gradually incorporate 2 1/2 cups of flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt into the mixture, ensuring thorough mixing between each addition.
- Press the resulting dough evenly into a greased 10 1/2 x 15 1/2 x 1-inch jelly roll pan.
-
Middle Layer:
- In another mixing bowl, combine 8 ounces of almond paste, 2 tablespoons of butter, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1 egg white, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Beat the mixture until smooth and creamy.
- Add 2 eggs to the almond paste mixture and mix well.
- Spread this almond paste mixture evenly over the dough layer in the pan.
-
Baking:
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack.
-
Frosting:
- In a saucepan over low heat, melt 1 ounce of baking chocolate along with 3 tablespoons of heavy cream and 4 teaspoons of powdered instant coffee, stirring continuously until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the chocolate mocha frosting evenly over the cooled bars in the pan, spreading it out to cover the entire surface.
-
Finishing Touches:
- Sprinkle 1/4 cup of chopped almonds over the top of the frosting.
- Allow the frosting to set for approximately 30 minutes.
- Once set, cut the bars into desired sizes using a sharp knife.
These Chocolate Mocha Almond Bars are a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, perfect for serving at holiday gatherings, potlucks, or as a special treat for yourself and your loved ones. Enjoy the indulgent combination of chocolate, coffee, and almonds in every bite! 🍫☕️🌰
