If you’re craving a treat that brings together lush caramel, the boldness of coffee, and melty chocolate chips, Gooey Caramel Coffee Bars are about to become your new obsession. These bars strike the ultimate balance between chewy and fudgy, with swirls of rich caramel and aromatic coffee woven through every bite. Whether you’re sharing them at a potluck or enjoying a quiet coffee break at home, these decadent bars deliver comfort and a little touch of café magic in every square. Let’s dive into this irresistible sensation together!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a complicated shopping list to make Gooey Caramel Coffee Bars, but every ingredient earns its place. From deep brown sugar notes to the shimmer of caramel on top, each one is essential for the rich, layered flavor and the signature gooey texture that sets these bars apart.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Adds richness and ensures every bite is perfectly tender and melt-in-your-mouth.
- Light brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Imparts a deep, molasses-kissed sweetness and enhances that amazing chewy texture.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Lends a sweet balance, keeping the bars just the right amount of gooey.
- Large eggs (2): Bind everything together for the perfect dense, fudgy bar structure.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Brings a cozy warmth and rounds out the bittersweet flavors.
- Instant coffee granules (2 tablespoons): Delivers a bold, sophisticated edge that sets these bars apart from the average dessert.
- Hot water (2 tablespoons): Helps dissolve the coffee granules for even flavor throughout.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Forms the sturdy-yet-tender backbone of the bars.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Gives a bit of lift, ensuring a soft but satisfying crumb.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Heightens every sweet and savory note—never skip it!
- Caramel sauce (1 cup, plus extra for drizzling): Swirls through the center and on top for gooey richness in every bite—store-bought or homemade both work wonders.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Add pools of molten chocolate that play perfectly with coffee and caramel.
How to Make Gooey Caramel Coffee Bars
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F so it’s nice and hot when your batter is ready. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper—this little step makes removing the gooey bars a breeze (plus, there’s minimal cleanup!).
Step 2: Bloom the Coffee
In a small bowl, dissolve your instant coffee granules in hot water. This quick bloom ensures the coffee flavor is bold and aromatic without any gritty bits hiding in your bars. Set aside to let the aroma develop while you prep the rest.
Step 3: Cream the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is fluffy and light. This step is what makes Gooey Caramel Coffee Bars so luscious and soft.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavor Boosters
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and your dissolved coffee. The coffee transforms the bar base into something a step above the ordinary—combine until everything’s thoroughly integrated and scrumptiously fragrant.
Step 5: Bring in the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into your butter-sugar-coffee blend, mixing until just combined. You want to preserve that tender crumb, so don’t overmix!
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips
With a gentle hand, fold in your semi-sweet chocolate chips. Each scoop of batter will now hold pockets of chocolatey goodness—trust me, every nibble is worth savoring.
Step 7: Assemble with Caramel
Spread half of the dough into your lined dish, smoothing it into an even layer. Pour the caramel sauce over this base, making sure to get to the edges for that gooey payoff. Dollop and carefully spread the rest of the dough over the caramel layer—some caramel will peek through, and that’s part of the charm.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Slide the pan into your hot oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden and a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). Don’t overbake; a slightly underdone center leads to that perfect gooeyness.
Step 9: Cool, Cut, and Drizzle
Let the bars cool completely in the pan—this is the hardest part, but patience is rewarded with clean cuts and that signature chewy-gooey layering. Once cooled, lift them out with the parchment, cut into generous bars, and don’t forget that extra caramel sauce drizzle for pure indulgence!
How to Serve Gooey Caramel Coffee Bars
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after drizzling the caramel sauce for a punch of flavor contrast. Chopped toasted pecans or walnuts make a lovely crunchy topping, while a light dusting of espresso powder can give coffee lovers even more reason to swoon.
Side Dishes
Let Gooey Caramel Coffee Bars shine beside a freshly brewed mug of your favorite coffee or rich hot chocolate. For a creamy counterpoint, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a velvety dollop of whipped cream—dessert bliss truly amplified.
Creative Ways to Present
For casual gatherings, stack bars on a rustic wooden board with little labels or flags. At a festive event, arrange them on a tiered platter and drizzle the caramel sauce in dramatic zig-zags just before guests arrive. Squares packaged in parchment and ribbon also make delightful edible gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Gooey Caramel Coffee Bars in an airtight container at room temperature; they’ll stay moist and chewy for up to four days. Separate layers with a bit of parchment to prevent sticking, though honestly, they rarely last that long!
Freezing
To save some treats for later (or keep yourself from devouring the whole pan!), wrap individual bars tightly and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to two months. Just thaw at room temperature whenever a gooey caramel-coffee craving strikes.
Reheating
If you love a warm, oozy center, pop a bar in the microwave for about 10 seconds or until just melty. The chocolate chips get luscious, and the caramel turns satisfyingly gooey all over again—totally worth that extra step!
FAQs
Can I use homemade caramel sauce?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade caramel recipe, go for it. Both homemade and quality store-bought caramel work beautifully—the key is making sure it’s thick enough to hold its own layer in the bars.
Do I have to include coffee?
If you prefer a more classic caramel bar, you can omit the coffee, but keep in mind it adds both flavor depth and a touch of sophistication. Decaf coffee granules work as a great caffeine-free alternative too!
What’s the best way to cut Gooey Caramel Coffee Bars cleanly?
Let the bars cool completely, then use a sharp knife wiped with a damp cloth between cuts. For extra-perfect slices, refrigerate for 20 minutes before cutting—easy and tidy!
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
You bet! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even toffee pieces are delicious stirred in with the chocolate chips for extra crunch and flavor. Just keep total mix-in volume about the same for best texture.
Why is my caramel layer disappearing?
If your caramel layer seems to dissolve into the bars, it might be too thin or slightly overbaked. Make sure to use a thick caramel sauce and avoid overbaking for that unmistakable gooey layer.
Final Thoughts
If you love desserts that are decadent, a little bit messy, and impossible to resist, you truly need to bake a batch of Gooey Caramel Coffee Bars. They’re the kind of treat friends will beg you to make again and again—so go ahead, grab your apron and savor every last sticky, coffee-kissed bite!
Print
Gooey Caramel Coffee Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the irresistible combination of gooey caramel, rich coffee, and decadent chocolate with these Gooey Caramel Coffee Bars. Perfect for a sweet treat or dessert, these bars are sure to satisfy any craving.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee granules
- 2 tablespoons hot water
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Filling:
- 1 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Dissolve coffee: In a small bowl, dissolve instant coffee granules in hot water and set aside.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and coffee: Add the eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract and the dissolved coffee.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until fully combined.
- Add chocolate chips: Fold in chocolate chips.
- Layer and bake: Spread half of the dough into the prepared baking dish. Pour caramel sauce evenly over the dough, then spread the remaining dough on top. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
- Cool and serve: Let cool completely before cutting into bars. Drizzle with extra caramel sauce if desired.
Notes
- You can use store-bought or homemade caramel sauce.
- For a stronger coffee flavor, add an extra tablespoon of instant coffee.
- Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
