Espresso Bars Recipe 🍫☕
Description:
Indulge in the rich flavors of espresso with these delectable Espresso Bars, perfect for any coffee enthusiast! Topped with a light frosting of coffee cream cheese, these dark, moist bars are reminiscent of savoring a cup of freshly brewed espresso. Don’t worry if you can’t find instant espresso; regular instant coffee works just as well. This delightful recipe is sourced from HOMEMAKER’S magazine, ensuring a tried and tested treat for your taste buds.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 226.5
- Fat Content: 11.4g
- Saturated Fat Content: 7g
- Cholesterol Content: 56.9mg
- Sodium Content: 87.2mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 30.5g
- Fiber Content: 1.1g
- Sugar Content: 25.3g
- Protein Content: 2.5g
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 tbsp | Boiling water |
| 2/3 cup | Butter |
| 1/2 cup | Granulated sugar |
| 2 | Eggs |
| 1 tsp | Vanilla |
| 2/3 cup | All-purpose flour |
| 4 oz | Cream cheese |
| 2 tbsp | Butter (for frosting) |
| 2 tsp | Instant espresso powder |
| 1 tsp | Vanilla (for frosting) |
| 1 1/2 cups | Icing sugar |
| – | Cocoa powder (for dusting) |
Instructions:
-
Prepare Espresso Mixture:
- Dissolve espresso powder in boiling water; set aside.
-
Prepare Batter:
- In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs, prepared espresso mixture, and vanilla; beat just until blended.
- Sift together all-purpose flour and cocoa powder; stir into the batter until well combined.
-
Bake:
- Spread the batter evenly in a greased 9-inch square baking pan.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until a tester comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
-
Prepare Frosting:
- Using an electric mixer, beat together cream cheese, butter (for frosting), espresso powder, and vanilla (for frosting) until smooth.
- Gradually beat in enough icing sugar until the frosting reaches a spreading consistency.
-
Frost and Garnish:
- Once the bars are cooled, spread the prepared frosting evenly over the top.
- Lightly dust the frosted bars with cocoa powder using a small sieve.
-
Serve or Store:
- These Espresso Bars can be served immediately or stored for later enjoyment.
- If storing, wrap them airtight and keep at room temperature for up to 1 day, or freeze for longer preservation.
-
Enjoy!
- Cut the bars into squares and savor the rich, coffee-infused flavors with each bite.
Recipe Yield: 15 bars
These Espresso Bars are the perfect treat to accompany your morning coffee or as an indulgent dessert for any occasion. Enjoy the delightful combination of dark chocolate and espresso flavors in every moist and creamy bite!
