Manu’s Menu

Authentic Italian Home Cooking & More

  • Home
  • About
    • About me
    • About this site
    • About my photography
    • Privacy and Disclosure Policy
  • Recipes
    • Visual Archive
    • Regional Italian Recipes
  • Books
    • The Cool Side of Summer
    • Manu’s Christmas Menus
    • MsM’s Mobile App
  • Work With Me
    • Affiliate Sign-Up
    • Featured On
  • Out & About
    • Africa
      • South Africa 2019
    • Americas
      • Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and Belize
      • CHILE AND ARGENTINA 2018
    • Asia
      • India
      • Japan 2015
      • Japan 2017
      • Japan 2018
      • Singapore
    • Europe
      • Slovenia and Croatia 2019
      • Italy 2019
    • Oceania
      • French Polynesia (Tahiti) 2017
      • French Polynesia (Tahiti)
      • New Caledonia
      • New Zealand
      • South Island – New Zealand Guide
  • Blogging Tips
    • Blogging Platform
    • Web Hosting
    • Technology Tips
    • Food Photography
    • Increasing Traffic to your Blog
    • Links
      • MsM in Your Kitchen
      • Events
        • 150 years of the Unification of Italy
        • Olio, Erbe e Fantasia – LILT
  • Tips
    • Techniques
      • Pasta and Gnocchi
      • Pizza and Other Doughs
      • Sauces and Other Basics
      • Decorations
    • Cake and Cookie decoration
      • Cake & Marshmallow Pops
        • Flowery Cake Pops
        • Hello Kitty Cake Pops
        • Dorothy the Dinosaur Cake Pops
        • Christmas Tree Cake Pops
        • Sea Marshmallow Pops
      • Fondant Cakes
        • Moo Cake
        • South Pole Cake
        • Lola Cake
        • Hello Kitty Yogurt Cake
        • Dorothy the Dinosaur Cake
        • The Little Mermaid Yogurt Cake
        • The Little Mermaid Fondant Cake
        • Sweet Sushi Mini Fondant Cakes
        • Peppa Pig Cake
        • Tinkerbell Cake
        • Miffy Cake
        • Olaf Yogurt Cake
        • Frozen Cake
      • Sugar Cookies
        • Heart Sugar Cookies
        • Dorothy the Dinosaur Sugar Cookies
        • Christmas Tree Ornament Sugar Cookies
      • Eggless Sugar Cookies
        • Chinese New Year Cookies
        • St. Patrick’s Day Cookies
      • Shortbread Cookies
        • Shortbread and Chocolate Hearts
        • Baby Shower Shortbread Cookies
        • Flounder Shortbread Cookie Pops
      • Easy Chocolate Cookies
    • Conversion Tables
    • Gift Ideas
      • Christmas 2010
      • Christmas 2011
      • Christmas 2012
      • Christmas 2013
      • Christmas 2014
      • Christmas 2015
    • Ingredients
    • Where I Shop for Italian Food in Sydney
  • Contact
You are here: Home / Recipes / American / CARAMEL ESPRESSO BARS

CARAMEL ESPRESSO BARS

June 17, 2013 By Manu 30 Comments

Caramel Espresso Bars

It is time again for the “Secret recipe club” reveal!  I am sure you all know what the club is about, but for the few of you who still don’t know about it, here goes a brief explanation.  It is a great concept… each month you are assigned a participating food blogger to make a recipe from and in turn someone else will be assigned your blog.  All you have to do is choose a recipe, make it and blog about it on the specified date.  The only rule is to keep it a secret!  If you are interested in learning more, or want to join the club, please visit the Secret recipe club website.
When I saw this month’s assignment I was super excited.  The truth is I have been waiting to be paired with this site since I joined the club!  Any idea of who I am talking about?  I will give you a few hints: she is the queen of desserts, the chocolate expert and a lovely lady.  She is beautiful inside and out and she is a very good blogger friend of mine… yesss, it’s Lizzy of That Skinny Chick Can Bake!  I have known her since our days in Foodbuzz and I have always admired her talent.  If you are among the few who still do not know her site, I urge you to go check it out immediately.  I am sure you will love it!  I immediately knew I wanted to try one of her amazing chocolate treats!  Choosing only one was SO SO SO hard!  I have bookmarked a few other recipes that I will definitely be making later on.  For this reveal day though, I chose her Caramel Espresso Bars.  The reason is simple: I love caramel, I am a chocoholic and, being Italian, I find anything with espresso way too hard to resist.  And these bars were all I like in a dessert: chocolatey, gooey, sweet but not overly as the top layer is made with dark chocolate and espresso, which adds a tiny hint of bitterness!  Amazing.  You need to try them to understand what I mean… suffice it to say that I am salivating as I type this and my mum has already asked me to make a batch for her the next time that she and my dad will visit us!
Thank you so much for this (and all your) fantastic recipe/s Lizzy!  Please, make sure you drop by Lizzy at That Skinny Chick Can Bake and check out her beautiful site!

Caramel Espresso Bars

Caramel Espresso Bars
5 from 1 vote
Print

Caramel Espresso Bars

Do you like caramel? And chocolate? Then these Caramel Espresso Bars should be on a must-eat list!

Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings 12
Author Recipe adapted from That Skinny Chick Can Bake

Ingredients

Cookie Base

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs about 12 rectangles - (I used 250 gms Digestive cookies)
  • 50 gms – ¼ cup sugar
  • 170 gms – 1 ½ sticks 6 oz. butter, melted

Caramel Layer

  • 120 ml – ½ cup heavy cream
  • 115 gms – 1 stick 4 oz. unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 300 gms – 1 ½ cups brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp water

Espresso Chocolate Ganache Layer

  • 340 gms – 2 cups 12 oz. semisweet chocolate, chopped (I used 72% cocoa)
  • 120 ml – ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp instant espresso powder I used 1 shot of espresso

Instructions

  1. Line a 20 cm x 20 cm (8 x 8 inch) pan with some baking paper, leaving some excess on two sides, so that you can get the bars out easily when ready.
  2. Put the graham crackers (or cookies) in a food processor and process until finely ground.
  3. Add the melted butter and sugar and blend until well combined.
  4. Spread the mixture into the bottom of the pan, pressing gently to form an even layer.
  5. Bake it in a pre-heated oven at 175ºC – 350ºF for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the crust is golden. Let it cool for about 15 minutes.
  6. While the base is cooling, put all the caramel ingredients in a heavy saucepan and stir over medium heat until the mixture is smooth.
  7. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook, without stirring, until a candy thermometer registers 115ºC – 240ºF (this will take about 5 to 7 minutes).
  8. Carefully pour the caramel over the warm crust and let it cool for 20 minutes.
  9. Then freeze it until firm (for about 10 or 15 minutes).
  10. Combine the chocolate and cream in a microwave safe bowl and microwave at 30 second increments, stopping and stirring till the mixture is smooth. Whisk in the espresso powder (or espresso shot as I did).
  11. Remove the pan from the freezer, and if the caramel has solidified, pour the chocolate ganache over the caramel layer. If the caramel is still soft, put it back in the freezer until hard.
  12. Smooth the chocolate with a spatula and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or until the chocolate is firm).
  13. Remove the pan from the freezer and cut the bars using a sharp knife dipped in hot water and dried.

Caramel Espresso Bars



Share

Related Posts:

  • CHOCOLATE PECAN WAFERS
  • Peacock Cupcakes
  • Mehndi Cupcakes
  • Strawberry Chocolate Cupcakes
  • Double Chocolate Cupcakes

Filed Under: American, Baking, Chocolates, Desserts, Finger food, Special Occasions, Tea Time, The Secret Recipe Club Tagged With: baked, baking, bars, caramel, chocolate, coffee, dessert, espresso, party, secret recipe club, Special Occasions, sweets, tea time

« ALBÓNDIGAS EN SALSA DE ALMENDRAS
CRESCENTINE – TIGELLE »

Comments

  1. Camilla @ Culinary Adventures says

    June 17, 2013 at 2:18 pm

    You had me at ‘caramel’, then you added ‘espresso’ and I was completely sold. Wow. These look delicious – and beautiful. I’m from Group A, but stepped in this week to rescue an orphan. It’s nice to meet some new bloggers.

    Reply
  2. Toni says

    June 17, 2013 at 2:56 pm

    Chocolate and caramel are one of my favorite combinations. Those bars look amazing!

    Reply
  3. Liz says

    June 17, 2013 at 8:54 pm

    Oh, Manu, you made my day with your kind words!!!! And I am thrilled to have you recreate one of my recipes today…so beautifully done (and an excellent choice :)). It’s been my pleasure to have you as a friend since almost the beginning. xo

    Reply
  4. Amy says

    June 17, 2013 at 10:01 pm

    As pretty as they are yummy ( I bet! )

    Reply
  5. Kateiscooking says

    June 17, 2013 at 11:26 pm

    Lucky you to get Liz! And, what a great choice. I do love the combo of dark chocolate, caramel and espresso. If you want another recipe kind of like this she’s got a mounds bar that is totally killer. Unfortunately, I’ve found that when you freeze them they don’t freeze solid so you can pull one out and take a bite…

    Reply
  6. Deanna Segrave-Daly says

    June 17, 2013 at 11:41 pm

    Ahh, you did get an amazing blog – I would never be able to choose from all of Liz’s recipes but you sure chose well. These look unbelievably delicious!

    Reply
  7. The Mom Chef ~ Taking on Magazines One Recipe at a Time says

    June 18, 2013 at 12:12 am

    You know, the first thing I did when I landed here was look at the photo. I immediately thought, ‘Wow, that looks just like Liz’s dessert.’ Then I started reading. And I smiled. Kudos to you for being able to choose a recipe. I wouldn’t have been able to do it. 🙂

    I’m sorry I haven’t visited in so long, but thanks to Debra of Eliot’s Eats having your as her SRC person, I’ve reconnected and have you added to my bloglovin list. I’ll be a regular visitor again now.

    Reply
  8. Erin @ Making Memories says

    June 18, 2013 at 12:16 am

    Your bars look incredible! I love Lizzy’s blog and you made a great choice. YUM!

    Reply
  9. Our Eating Habits says

    June 18, 2013 at 12:37 am

    They look lovely, and your photography is especially beautiful this month.

    Reply
  10. AmandaE says

    June 18, 2013 at 1:21 am

    OMGoodness these look incredible! Caramel & espresso – I totally need these in my life – perfect SRC recipe 🙂

    Reply
  11. gloria says

    June 18, 2013 at 2:04 am

    Manuela always your pictures are amazing and I love Lzzy recipes !
    And these bars look to die for:))))))

    Reply
  12. Karen - Cinnamon Freud says

    June 18, 2013 at 4:56 am

    Mmmm…these bars look delicious. Love that layer of caramel that is oozing out a little.

    Reply
  13. Melissa says

    June 18, 2013 at 6:28 am

    These bars look delicious! Each single layer sounds amazing and even better when they are put together!

    Reply
  14. Rhonda says

    June 18, 2013 at 6:52 am

    You can’t go wrong with anything on Lizzy’s blog! Or with yours for that matter. I almost shed a tear when I saw the digestives. My favorite biscuit when I lived in England…of course there isn’t to be had around here. The bars look gooey and divine!

    Reply
  15. veronica gantley says

    June 18, 2013 at 7:13 am

    You had me at caramel!

    Reply
  16. Jo says

    June 18, 2013 at 7:40 am

    I think I’d like to be alone in a room with those bars… That caramel look serious.

    Reply
  17. Lizzy (Good Things) says

    June 18, 2013 at 10:02 am

    Wow, that is a mega layer of chocolate on top! And I’ve just returned from the gym and a swim to be tempted by this!

    Reply
  18. Chris says

    June 18, 2013 at 10:42 am

    Caramel Espresso Bars = soft, buttery squares with a pep! These look delicious. Perfect choice!

    Reply
  19. chelsy says

    June 18, 2013 at 11:02 am

    can’t pass up anything w/ espresso!

    Reply
  20. Emmy Fisher says

    June 18, 2013 at 8:09 pm

    mmmm my favourite cake ever!!

    Reply
  21. Lesa @ Edesia's Notebook says

    June 18, 2013 at 10:22 pm

    Visiting from Group A (saw it on FB this morning). These look so good! I love chocolate and caramel together, but the coffee flavor would take it over the top. Can’t wait to try this.

    Reply
  22. Lindsey @ American Heritage Cooking says

    June 19, 2013 at 1:05 am

    These look absolutely breathtaking! And I want to eat them all right now! I am one of those rare people who aren’t familiar with Liz’s site…on my way right now!

    Reply
  23. Louise says

    June 19, 2013 at 8:14 am

    OMG these look like heaven on a plate!

    Reply
  24. Debra says

    June 19, 2013 at 8:22 am

    I adore Liz’s blog and what a great recipe to share. Love me some caramel too. Glad to have gotten your site this month. I still see a lot I want to make. 🙂

    Reply
  25. kristy @ gastronomical soveriegnty says

    June 19, 2013 at 10:06 am

    isn’t it amazing how we develop relationships with others through our blogging experiences?? so great 🙂

    Happy SRC Reveal from a fellow group C member!

    Reply
  26. Joy says

    June 21, 2013 at 2:42 am

    Just like Giada’s recipe…..very delicious!

    Reply
  27. Jen @JuanitasCocina says

    June 24, 2013 at 6:31 am

    I knew when I saw these that this was a Liz recipe! Gorgeous!

    Reply
  28. Nancy/SpicieFoodie says

    July 1, 2013 at 5:16 am

    Now this is my kind of treat! They look wonderful Manu.Thanks for being a part of the YBR this month:)

    Reply
  29. Swati says

    February 7, 2015 at 8:23 pm

    Loved the Caramel Expresso Bars. Quick and easy but looks so exotic. Everyone loved them n got over in a jiffy! Thanks a ton.
    Ur blog is AMAAA ZING! <3

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Editor’s Choice: Caramel Espresso Bars | The Secret Recipe Club says:
    June 24, 2013 at 7:23 am

    […] This week our Editor’s Choice comes to us from Manuela who blogs over at Manu’s Menu. Her June Group C assignment was That Skinny Chick Can Bake and the recipe she chose was Caramel Espresso Bars. […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Welcome to Manu’s Menu!

Hi! I am Manu, the author of Manu's Menu. I was born and brought up in Italy and my blog can show you how to create authentic Italian food in your own home! Read More…

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Flickr
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

HOMEMADE PASTA MADE SIMPLE – THE BOOK. CLICK TO BUY IT FROM AMAZON NOW!

Homemade Pasta Made Simple

Archives

Categories

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Flickr
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Video Recipe: Orecchiette with Crudaiola Sauce

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqSyzFElbRY
foodgawker bowls-150x150
tastespotting150
Tasteologie badge
Pasta & Gnocchi

The Cool Side of Summer e-Book – Click to buy it now! On SALE for only $9.99!

The Cool Side of Summer e-Book

MsM’S EBOOK – CLICK TO BUY IT NOW!

MsM’S EBOOK – CLICK TO BUY IT NOW!
Genesis Theme Framework for WordPress
Community Table Contributor Badge
Sunday Supper Movement

manusmenu

manusmenu
Now on the blog - Low Fodmap Vanilla and Miso Cara Now on the blog - Low Fodmap Vanilla and Miso Caramel Cheesecake Slice.  Clickable recipe link in my profile.

#recipes #manusmenu #manusmenucom #instafood #instayum #foodbloggers #foodstyling #baking #lowfodmap #lowfodmapdiet #miso #cheesecake #cake #dessert #japan
Now on the blog - Low Fodmap Ragù Bianco. A tradi Now on the blog - Low Fodmap Ragù Bianco. A traditional pasta sauce from central Italy. Clickable recipe link in my profile.

#recipes #manusmenu #manusmenucom #instafood #instayum #foodbloggers #foodstyling #Italian #italy #italianfoodbloggers #italianfood #pasta #pastasauce #ragu
Now on the blog - Trieste, Italy Guide. A surprisi Now on the blog - Trieste, Italy Guide. A surprising city. Come check it out. Clickable link in my profile.

#manusmenu #manusmenucom #travel #travelblogger #italy #tourism #Europe #trieste #holidays #beautifuldestinations #history #food
Now on the blog - Sausage and Potato Sourdough Cre Now on the blog - Sausage and Potato Sourdough Crespelle. The best comfort food. Clickable recipe link in my profile.

#recipes #manusmenu #manusmenucom #instafood #instayum #foodbloggers #foodstyling #baking #sourdough #sourdoughstarter #crepes #crespelle #food #foodgram #italianfoodbloggers #italianfood
Now on the blog - WWI, Italy Guide. A guide about Now on the blog - WWI, Italy Guide. A guide about some of the most important landmarks of the Great War. Clickable link in my profile.

#manusmenu #manusmenucom #travel #travelblogger #italy #tourism #Europe #cividale #friuliveneziagiulia #beautifuldestinations #war #history
Now on the blog - Sourdough Crêpes. So good. Use Now on the blog - Sourdough Crêpes. So good. Use up some of your #sourdough discard to make these delicious sweet or savoury crêpes. Clickable recipe link in my profile.

#recipes #manusmenu #manusmenucom #instafood #instayum #foodbloggers #foodstyling #baking #sourdough #sourdoughstarter #crepes #crespelle #food
Now on the blog - Cividale del Friuli, Italy Guide Now on the blog - Cividale del Friuli, Italy Guide. Clickable link in my profile.

#manusmenu #manusmenucom #instafood #instayum #foodbloggers #travel #travelblogger #italy #tourism #Europe #cividale #friuliveneziagiulia #beautifuldestinations #history #food #italianfood
Now on the blog - Hugo. A refreshing Italian cockt Now on the blog - Hugo. A refreshing Italian cocktail and an alternative to your everyday spritz. Clickable recipe link in my profile.

#recipes #manusmenu #manusmenucom #instafood #instayum #foodbloggers #foodstyling #Italian #hugo #spritz #prosecco #drinks #cocktails #elderflower
Now on the blog - Low Fodmap Pork Meatball Satay S Now on the blog - Low Fodmap Pork Meatball Satay Stir Fry. So good. Clickable recipe link in my profile.

#recipes #manusmenu #manusmenucom #instafood #instayum #foodbloggers #foodstyling #lowfodmap #lowfodmapdiet #satay #stirfry #pork #meatballs
Now on the blog - Quick Pickled Cucumbers. So crun Now on the blog - Quick Pickled Cucumbers. So crunchy and refreshing. Clickable recipe link in my profile.

#recipes #manusmenu #manusmenucom #instafood #instayum #foodbloggers #foodstyling #picklingcucumbers #pickles #pickling #garden #cucumber #vegetarian #vegan #video
Now on the blog - Coffee Panna Cotta. Wobbly and d Now on the blog - Coffee Panna Cotta. Wobbly and delicious. Clickable link in my profile.

#recipes #manusmenu #manusmenucom #instafood #instayum #foodbloggers #foodstyling #Italian #pudding #italy #italianfoodbloggers #italianfood #coffee #pannacotta
Now on the blog - Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls. Recipe Now on the blog - Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls. Recipe adapted from the wonderful @jennifer_rodda. The best way to use up some of your Sourdough discard. Clickable recipe link on my profile.

#recipes #manusmenu #manusmenucom #instafood #instayum #foodbloggers #foodstyling #baking #sourdough #sourdoughstarter #pastry #cinnamonrolls #teatime #breakfast
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2011-2020 - Manu's Menu and Manuela Zangara. All rights reserved.