Description
Salty Coffee Toffee Bars combine a rich, buttery toffee layer with a tender cookie crust enhanced by a hint of espresso and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. These bars balance sweet, salty, and slightly bold coffee flavors for a deliciously indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons instant espresso powder (or very fine instant coffee)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Toffee Layer
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Topping
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder (optional, boosts flavor)
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
- Make Crust: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the instant espresso powder until well combined. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing just until incorporated. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the crust is lightly golden.
- Prepare Toffee Layer: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter with the brown sugar and salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and cook for 3 to 4 minutes while stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and develops a caramel-like consistency.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the hot toffee mixture evenly over the baked crust and spread it out. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 10 to 12 minutes until the toffee is bubbly.
- Add Chocolate Topping: Remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips over the hot toffee layer. Let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the chips to melt, then spread the melted chocolate evenly. Sprinkle with the optional instant espresso powder and flaky sea salt to taste.
- Cool and Chill: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set before slicing into bars for clean cuts.
Notes
- Do not overcook the toffee layer; it should be thick and caramel-like but not dark brown.
- For added crunch and flavor, mix in 1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans before adding the chocolate chips.
- Store bars in the refrigerator for cleaner slicing. Serve slightly softened at room temperature for the best texture.
