Espresso Caramel Shortbread Bars

By Melissa DiRenzo 
on November 12th, 2017
In: Recipes

Hey there, it’s Melissa here from The Sweet Escape with another truly sweet (and mochalicious) recipe to share with you. If you have a serious sweet tooth and can’t decide if you’re in the mood for something dripping with caramel, melt in your mouth shortbread, a classic sweet & salty combo or you just can’t resist anything coffee flavored, then these espresso shortbread caramel bars are for you.

If you have a serious sweet tooth and love pairing your dessert with delicious wine, then these espresso shortbread caramel bars are for you.

These bars are made up of three layers of goodness. First there’s a bottom layer of espresso flavored shortbread, a top layer of dark salted chocolate and a gooey layer of caramel sandwiched in-between the two for the ultimate treat that will curb any craving. They make for a delicious treat to serve your guests for dessert, bring along as a dinner guest or just selfishly keep all to yourself. Just be warned, these treats are rich and a small piece goes a long way. Serve along with some Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon for any extra treat.

If you have a serious sweet tooth and love pairing your dessert with delicious wine, then these espresso shortbread caramel bars are for you.

These bars do take some time because of the various steps so be sure not to leave the prep until the last minute. Put on some great music, perhaps pour yourself a glass of wine (if the time is right!) and enjoy whipping these up. The best part? There’s LOTS of different bowls to lick in the process.

If you have a serious sweet tooth and love pairing your dessert with delicious wine, then these espresso shortbread caramel bars are for you.

See below for the full recipe or check out this video to see how these rich and gooey layered treats come together.

Print

Espresso Caramel Shortbread Bars

Author: 
Recipe type: Dessert
Ingredients

Shortbread:

  • 3/4 cup butter, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp. vanilla
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 2 tsp. instant coffee
  • 1 1/2 cups flour
  • 1/4 tsp. salt

Caramel:

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 1/2 cups dark brown sugar

Chocolate:

  • 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chips
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tsp. instant coffee
  • sea salt, optional
Instructions

Shortbread

  1. With mixer beat the butter and sugars until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes
  2. Add the egg yolk and vanilla and beat to combine
  3. Add the coffee to the shortbread and mix well.
  4. Add the flour and salt and mix until just combined.
  5. Press the shortbread into an even layer in the prepared pan
  6. Pierce with fork all over
  7. Bake the crust 25-30 minutes until golden brown

Caramel

  1. Place the butter, cream and sugar in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until smooth.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook, without stirring, until it reaches 240 on a candy thermometer
  3. Pour the caramel on top of the shortbread
  4. Cool for 10 minutes then place in the freezer and chill for 1 hour or until caramel is set.

Chocolate Topping

  1. Place the chocolate chips and cream in a bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Stir until melted and smooth.
  2. Add the instant coffee and stir to dissolve
  3. Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel and use a spatula or knife to smooth it out.
  4. Sprinkle with sea salt then let chill in fridge until the chocolate is firm.
  5. Cut with large knife, pour a glass of Kendall-Jackson Cabernet Sauvignon and enjoy!

If you have a serious sweet tooth and love pairing your dessert with delicious wine, then these espresso shortbread caramel bars are for you.