Delicious Coffee Crunch Bars: An Irresistible Treat

Greetings, coffee lovers! Are you ready to indulge in a heavenly treat that combines the beloved crunch of candy bars with the rich flavor of coffee? Look no further than my Coffee Crunch Bars recipe. Whether you need a quick pick-me-up or a delectable dessert for a special occasion, these bars are sure to satisfy your cravings.

As a barista and coffee enthusiast, I understand the importance of quality ingredients in creating an unforgettable coffee experience. That’s why my recipe includes instant coffee powder to enhance the flavor and give you that much-needed caffeine boost. These bars are also gluten-free, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this crunchy delight.

I first discovered this recipe from Molly Wizenberg’s blog, Orangette, and I’ve made some delicious tweaks to make it even better. The combination of chocolate and coffee crisp makes for an irresistible texture that is reminiscent of your favorite candy bar.

Trust me when I say that these Coffee Crunch Bars are absolutely worth making. Let yourself be transported to sweet bliss with every bite – there really is no excuse not to try this recipe. So preheat your ovens and prepare to indulge in one of the most delicious desserts you’ll ever taste!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Listen up coffee lovers, because you’re not gonna want to miss out on this one. Introducing the Coffee Crunch Bars recipe, a delectable treat that combines the rich flavor of espresso and the satisfying crunch of a candy bar all in one bite.

First off, let’s talk about the star of the recipe- instant coffee. Just a couple tablespoons of this magical ingredient can transform any dessert into a coffee-lover’s dream come true. And when paired with brown sugar, butter, and flour, it creates a heavenly mix that combines both sweet and bitter notes to create a balance simply too perfect to resist.

What really sets these bars apart is their satisfying crunch factor. The recipe calls for a unique combination of baking powder and salt in just the right amounts which creates that light and crispy texture that we all love in our favorite candy bars.

But wait! There’s more. This recipe is versatile and adaptable to your needs. If you’re gluten-free or looking for healthier options, you can easily replace regular flour with gluten-free flour for optimal results.

Not convinced yet? These bars are also perfect for any occasion- whether it’s for your morning coffee break or as a dessert complement for your holiday cookie spread. They’re also great as gifts! Package them up in cute gift boxes or treat bags to share with family and friends.

So come on, folks! Head to your kitchen and whip up a batch of these Coffee Crunch Bars today. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

Ingredient List

Let’s Gather Our Ingredients

Before starting with the recipe, it’s important to have all the ingredients ready. Below is a list of ingredients needed to make Coffee Crunch Bars, a delicious and crunchy treat that combines coffee and sugar in the best possible way.

• 2 sticks + 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons instant coffee or espresso powder (you can adjust this amount depending on how strong you prefer the coffee flavor)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (for a gluten-free option, use an all-purpose gluten-free flour blend instead)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup toffee bits or chopped up Crunch bars (you can also use chocolate chips or cocoa nibs if you prefer a chocolate flavor)
• Optional: whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving

Make sure you measure out all of your ingredients accurately to ensure the best possible outcome for your Coffee Crunch Bars.

The Recipe How-To

Now, it’s time to bring these delicious Coffee Crunch Bars to life. Don’t worry; this recipe is straightforward to follow. So let’s get started!

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Before anything, make sure to preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Combine ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Mix the ingredients together and set the bowl aside.

Step 3: Beat butter and sugar

Using an electric mixer, beat 2 sticks plus 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and ¾ cup of packed light brown sugar on medium speed until the mixture is creamy and fluffy.

Step 4: Add instant coffee mixture

In another medium bowl, stir together 2 tablespoons of instant coffee with 1 tablespoon of hot water until they are smooth. Then add the espresso mixture and beat well.

Step 5: Combine everything together

Reduce the mixer speed to low, add half the flour mixture that you set aside in step two, beat it in. Then pour in your wet ingredients –butter sugar mixture and espresso mixture – continue mixing until they come together. Finally, add in the rest of your flour mixture into the bowl and mix until everything is well combined.

Step 6: Pour batter into prepared pan

Prepare a baking dish or pan by greasing thoroughly with butter or cooking spray. Once you have prepped your dish or pan, pour your batter into it.

Step 7: Bake until golden brown

Bake for around 30-35 minutes, or until the bars turn golden brown at the edges and feel firm to the touch. Check if they’re fully baked by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs sticking to it, then they’re ready.

Step 8: Let cool before slicing

Once out of the oven, allow them to cool completely while still in their pan on a wire rack for about 20 minutes before slicing them up into bite-size pieces.

Keep stored at room temperature in an air-tight container for up to five days, but I bet you can’t wait that long before digging in!

Substitutions and Variations

Alright people, let’s talk about taking this coffee crunch bar recipe to the next level with some simple substitutions and variations. Now, I know some of you out there will want to tinker with the recipe a bit, and that’s okay! Here are some suggestions:

1. Gluten-Free: If you are gluten intolerant, don’t fret! You can use a gluten-free flour like rice or almond flour in place of all-purpose flour.

2. Espresso Powder: If you’re looking for an extra jolt of caffeine, swap out the instant coffee for espresso powder. The coffee flavor will be more intense and your taste buds will thank you.

3. Toffee Crunch: Want to add some extra texture? Sprinkle some toffee bits on top of the batter before baking. The toffee shards will add a delightful crunch to each bite.

4. Chocolate Chips: For a more chocolatey twist, mix in a handful of chocolate chips along with the butter and brown sugar mixture. The ooey-gooey goodness of melted chocolate will elevate these bars to new heights.

5. Candy Bar Inspired: Get creative and incorporate your favorite candy bar into this recipe – think chopped Nestle Coffee Crisp or Hershey’s Toffee Crunch bar. Go ahead and indulge in those sweet-tooth cravings!

Remember folks, always have fun experimenting in the kitchen and don’t be afraid to take some risks. Who knows what delicious creations you might come up with by simply switching up a few ingredients!

Serving and Pairing

Now that you’ve made these irresistible Coffee Crunch Bars, it’s time to serve them in style. These delicious bars are perfect for a mid-day snack or as an after-dinner treat. Serve them with a steaming cup of your favorite coffee, and savor the combination of coffee flavors.

Another delightful way to enjoy these bars is to pair them with vanilla ice cream. The creamy sweetness of the ice cream balances out the crunchy texture of the bars, creating a perfectly decadent dessert.

For those who enjoy a bit more crunch with their sweet treats, try serving these bars alongside candied nuts, such as almonds or pecans. The nutty flavor will complement the rich taste of the coffee and chocolate in the bars.

If you’re feeling adventurous and looking for something different, try dipping your Coffee Crunch Bars in melted chocolate. This will add an extra layer of richness and decadence to an already unforgettable treat.

These crunch bars are also perfect for packing as a snack on-the-go. They’re easy to transport, and they’ll satisfy your sweet tooth whenever you need a quick pick-me-up.

No matter how you choose to serve them, these Coffee Crunch Bars are sure to be a hit with anyone who loves coffee and chocolate. So why not share them with family and friends during your next gathering or holiday cookie swap? One bite and they’ll understand why this recipe, originally created by Molly Wizenberg inspired by Nestle Coffee Crisp Chocolate Bar from Canada, has become a favorite across the world.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

So, you’ve made a batch of these delicious coffee crunch bars and now you’re wondering how to store and reheat them for later use? No problem, I’ve got you covered!

These bars are great for making ahead of time and storing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the bars for up to 3 months in an airtight container or freezer bag.

To reheat, simply remove from the freezer and let thaw at room temperature for about 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can thaw them overnight in the fridge for a longer period of time.

Once thawed, place the bars on a baking sheet and reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or until they are warmed through. You can also reheat them in the microwave using medium power for around 30 seconds.

When storing your coffee crunch bars, be sure to separate each layer with wax or parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. This will maintain their texture and keep them tasting fresh even after several days.

In conclusion, storing and reheating these bars is simple and easy. With these helpful tips, you can enjoy your coffee crunch bars whenever you like without compromising on their taste and texture.

Tips for Perfect Results

Making coffee crunch bars is an adventurous feat, but it does not have to be a stressful one. Here are some tips to help you achieve perfect results while making the bars:

1. Measure ingredients accurately

Precision is key! Tweak the measurements just a little bit, and the bars might not turn out as intended. Ensure you measure all your ingredients accurately, down to the ¼ teaspoon.

2. Use room-temperature butter

When using butter in your recipe, room temperature butter is the way to go. Cold butter can result in clumps of unmixed butter in your batter or dough, and this messes with the final texture and density of the bars.

3. Mix carefully

Do not overmix or undermix your batter or dough. Undermixing leaves lumps of unmixed flour or sugar, while overmixing leads to a tougher texture due to gluten formation. Mix just enough for a smooth and well-incorporated mixture.

4. Preheat oven

It’s important to preheat your oven before baking coffee crunch bars. The preheating process ensures even baking and allows the bars to rise correctly.

5. Watch baking time

Bake time plays a crucial role in achieving perfectly cooked crunch bars. Bake for too long, and your bars will lose their crunch density; bake them for too short a time, and they might not cook evenly throughout. Keep an eye on them towards the end to ensure they achieve that brown crispy crumb we’ve come to love.

With these tips, you’ll be able to master the art of making coffee crunch bars in no time!

FAQ

Now, let’s move on to the FAQ section of the Coffee Crunch Bars Recipe. You may have a few questions after reading through the recipe and we’ve got you covered. I’ve put together some common queries to help you out. Let’s take a look!

What are the ingredients for crunch bar?

To make our delicious chocolate treat, we’ll need some milk chocolate which is made up of sugar, cocoa butter, chocolate, nonfat milk, milkfat, soy lecithin, lactose, and natural flavoring. We’ll also require some crisped rice which contains rice flour, sugar, barley malt, and salt.

How is Buncha Crunch made?

To begin, grab a tray and lay down some parchment paper to prevent sticking. Next, pour a helping of crisped rice cereal into a plastic zipper bag. Then, melt half a cup of chocolate chips in a microwavable measuring cup for about 30 seconds. Be sure to stir the mixture every 10 seconds until the chocolate is fully melted.

Once you have the melted chocolate, pour it into the bag with the cereal and shake it until the cereal is fully coated. After that, spread the chocolate covered cereal onto the prepared tray. Take the remaining chocolate, melt it, and then drizzle it over the cereal in artistic patterns.

To finish, place the tray of chocolate-covered cereal in the fridge for around 10 hours to completely set the chocolate. Once chilled, break the cereal and chocolate block into smaller pieces and enjoy!

Does Crunch have caramel?

The ingredients of this recipe include cocoa butter, chocolate, sugar, nonfat milk, corn syrup, lactose, crisped rice (made from rice flour, sugar, barley malt, salt, and traces of wheat gluten), milkfat, natural and artificial flavors, soy lecithin, butter, palm oil, hydrogenated coconut oil, salt, carrageenan, caramel color, and potassium sorbate.

Are crunch bars gluten free?

The store-bought Crunch Bars, unfortunately, do not qualify as gluten-free treats. A quick visit to the official Crunch Bar website confirmed this [2]. On the website’s allergen information list, the presence of wheat is acknowledged with a warning that reads, “May contain wheat.” This information was last updated on October 22, 2021.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, Coffee Crunch Bars are not only a delicious snack but also a delightful addition to your holiday cookie jar. With their rich coffee flavor and crispy texture, they will surely impress your guests or satisfy your sweet tooth. This recipe, using brown sugar, instant coffee powder, and flour, is simple and straightforward to make in the comforts of your kitchen. With only a few minor tweaks and variations, you can personalize these bars to suit your preferences.

Whether you are an avid coffee lover or simply in search of a new favorite treat, these bars are a must-try. You won’t regret baking up a batch and sharing them with your loved ones. So go ahead and get started on this Coffee Crunch Bars recipe today!

[custom-related-posts title=”Recommended Recipes Just For You” none_text=”None found” order_by=”date” order=”ASC”]