Remove from Favorites Add to Favorites Remove from Favorites Add to Favorites

SIGN UP FOR FREE SHIPPING ON YOUR FIRST ORDER

Photo Credit: Elizabeth Newman

Espresso Caramel Bars

15 MINPrep Time
22 MINCook Time
8Servings
by Giada De Laurentiis
Beginner
Photo Credit: Elizabeth Newman
You must be signed in to print this content
These addicting confections are reminiscent of candy bars - only a lot tastier.
star

Espresso Caramel Bars

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

22 minutes

Image of Espresso Caramel Bars

Ingredients

    Crust:

  • Vegetable cooking spray
  • 12 whole (6 ounces cinnamon graham crackers, crumbled, or 2 cups cinnamon graham cracker crumbs)
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 1/2 sticks (6 ounces unsalted butter, melted)
  • Caramel:

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 stick (4 ounces unsalted butter, at room temperature)
  • 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • Chocolate Layer:

  • 2 cups 12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
  • Caramel:

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 3/4 teaspoons instant espresso powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked sea salt (optional)

Instructions

  1. Special equipment: a candy thermometer
  2. For the crust: Position an oven rack in the middle of the oven. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line the bottom of a 9-inch round springform pan with parchment or waxed paper. Spray the paper and the sides of the pan with cooking spray. In the bowl of a food processor, combine the graham crackers and sugar. Process until the mixture resembles fine bread crumbs. Add the melted butter and blend until the mixture forms into clumps. Spread the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan, pressing gently to form an even layer. Place the pan on a baking sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the crust is golden. Cool for 15 minutes.
  3. For the caramel: While the crust is cooling, in a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of cream, butter, sugar, and water. Stir over medium heat until the mixture is smooth. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook, without stirring, until a candy thermometer registers 240 degrees F, about 5 to 7 minutes. Carefully pour the caramel over the warm crust. Cool for 20 minutes. Freeze until firm, about 10 minutes.
  4. For the chocolate layer: Combine the chocolate chips and cream in a small bowl and place over a pan of simmering water. Stir until the chocolate has melted and the mixture is smooth, about 3 minutes. Whisk in the espresso powder. Remove the springform pan from the freezer. Pour the chocolate mixture over the caramel layer and smooth with a spatula. Sprinkle the top with smoked sea salt, if using. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm.
  5. Allow the layers to come to room temperature, about 30 minutes. Using a warm, slightly wet knife, carefully cut around the edges of the chocolate layer. Release the side of the pan and remove the paper from the bottom. Cut into 1 1/2-by-1/2-inch bars and store airtight in a covered plastic container.
Facebook Instagram Pinterest Twitter YouTube Play Cart Email Mailing List Search Dairy Free Nut Free Gluten Free Vegan Vegetarian Delete Close Admin Star Badge Like Comment View More Right Arrow Left Arrow Down Arrow Food Submit Recipe Shop Video Entertaining Living Recipes Ask Giada Family Live Stream Pets Checkmark Lock Lock
nut free
vegetarian

0 comments

Please sign in or create an account to review or comment on recipes.