If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the richness of caramel with the bold kick of coffee, then this Gooey Caramel Coffee Bars Recipe is about to become your new obsession. These bars deliver a perfect balance of buttery crust, luscious caramel infused with coffee, and a sprinkle of sea salt to elevate each bite. Whether you’re sharing with friends or sneaking a piece for yourself, they’re a decadent treat that melts in your mouth, offering a deep coffee flavor wrapped in sweet, gooey goodness that’s hard to resist.

Gooey Caramel Coffee Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is delightfully straightforward yet packed with ingredients that each play a crucial role in building that luscious texture and flavor. From the buttery base that gives you that tender crumb to the rich coffee caramel topping, every element is essential in creating these irresistible bars.

Unsalted butter, 1 cup (softened): The foundation for a tender, flaky crust that holds everything together beautifully.
Granulated sugar, 1/2 cup: Adds sweetness and helps create a light, fluffy texture in the crust.
All-purpose flour, 2 cups: Provides structure and the perfect crumbly texture for the base.
Salt, 1/2 teaspoon: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness with a subtle savory note.
Sweetened condensed milk, 1 can (14 oz): The secret to that irresistibly gooey, rich caramel layer.
Brown sugar, 1/2 cup (packed): Adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness that intensifies the caramel flavor.
Heavy cream, 1/4 cup: Gives the caramel a luscious, creamy texture that’s simply dreamy.
Instant coffee granules, 2 tablespoons: Infuses the caramel with that signature coffee kick without bitterness.
Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon: Rounds out the flavors with a warm, comforting aroma.
Sea salt (for sprinkling): A final touch that makes the flavors pop and adds a delightful contrast.

How to Make Gooey Caramel Coffee Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure your bars come out clean and easy to cut. This simple prep step guarantees fuss-free removal and neat squares every time.

Step 2: Make the Buttery Crust

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until your mixture is light and fluffy. This gives the base a delicate texture that will perfectly balance the rich topping.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

Gently mix in the all-purpose flour and salt until just combined. Over-mixing can make the crust tough, so keep it light and easy. This delicate dough will bake into a crispy-but-tender bottom layer.

Step 4: Bake the Crust

Press the dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. This step is key: even thickness ensures consistent baking. Bake for about 15 to 20 minutes or until the edges turn a light golden brown, signaling a perfectly baked crust.

Step 5: Prepare the Coffee Caramel

While the crust bakes, combine the sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, heavy cream, and instant coffee granules in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly to prevent burning and watch as the mixture thickens and starts to pull away from the pan’s sides—this usually takes around 10 to 15 minutes. Your kitchen will start to smell divine, with that rich coffee caramel aroma filling the air.

Step 6: Flavor the Caramel

Remove the caramel from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. This touch of vanilla elevates the flavor, creating a smooth, warm sweetness that pairs perfectly with the coffee.

Step 7: Assemble the Bars

Pour the hot caramel mixture over your baked crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula for full coverage. Then sprinkle sea salt across the top. This salty finish brilliantly highlights the caramel’s sweetness and the depth of the coffee.

Step 8: Cool and Cut

Allow your Gooey Caramel Coffee Bars Recipe to cool completely right in the pan before slicing into squares. The cooling lets the caramel set just enough to hold its shape without losing that luscious gooey texture you crave.

How to Serve Gooey Caramel Coffee Bars Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra special touch, dust your bars lightly with cocoa powder or a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted nuts. Both add a lovely contrast in texture and flavor that pairs beautifully with the caramel and coffee notes.

Side Dishes

These bars are delightful on their own but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream can elevate the experience to dessert perfection. A cup of freshly brewed black coffee or a creamy latte alongside will complement the coffee flavor in the bars perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the bars on a rustic wooden board garnished with coffee beans or a few caramel drizzles. For gatherings, present them in mini muffin liners for charming individual treats. You can also serve warm with a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an irresistible finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, keep your bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps preserve the perfect balance of gooey caramel and crisp crust. If you want them firmer, refrigerate for a few hours before eating.

Freezing

You can freeze these bars for up to 2 months. Simply wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature for a few hours to return that lovely gooey texture.

Reheating

If you prefer your bars warm, pop them in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or briefly in a low oven. This revives the caramel’s softness and enhances the coffee aroma to bring back that fresh-baked flavor sensation.

FAQs

Can I use brewed coffee instead of instant coffee granules?

Instant coffee granules work best here as they dissolve completely and help thicken the caramel. Using brewed coffee could add too much liquid, affecting the final texture. If you only have brewed coffee, reduce the heavy cream slightly to compensate.

Is it possible to make these bars vegan or dairy-free?

Substituting ingredients for a vegan or dairy-free version is tricky due to the condensed milk and butter, both key to the texture and flavor. However, you can try using coconut condensed milk and a plant-based butter alternative, though the taste and consistency may vary.

Why do the bars need to cool completely before cutting?

Cooling allows the caramel to set properly so it holds its shape when sliced, while still keeping that gooey texture. Cutting too soon will cause the caramel to run, making a messy presentation.

Can I use regular sugar instead of brown sugar in the caramel?

Brown sugar adds a natural molasses flavor that deepens the caramel’s richness. Using regular sugar will still work but the caramel will be less flavorful and slightly lighter in color.

How long do these bars last at room temperature?

Stored in an airtight container away from heat, the bars will stay fresh for up to 3 days. After that, the caramel may start to dry out or the crust lose its crispness, so enjoying them sooner is best for that perfect gooey experience.

Final Thoughts

If you love the idea of coffee and caramel joining forces in a dessert that’s both rich and tender, this Gooey Caramel Coffee Bars Recipe will quickly become a favorite in your collection. It’s simple enough for an afternoon baking session but impressive enough to serve at any gathering. Give it a try and prepare for your friends and family to ask for the recipe again and again!