Delicious Irish Cream-Coffee Bars Recipe for Coffee Lovers
As a coffee lover, I am always on the lookout for creative ways to combine my two favorite things: coffee and dessert. That’s why I am so excited to share with you today my latest discovery – Irish Cream-Coffee Bars recipe that blends the flavors of coffee, chocolate, and Irish cream into mouth-watering dessert bars.
These dessert bars are the perfect after-dinner treat or accompanying indulgence with your morning coffee. The flavors of these bars are so exquisite that they feel like a special occasion, but the recipe is simple enough to make any day. Trust me; you’ll thank yourself after giving this recipe a try!
Follow me through each step of creating these divine Irish Cream-Coffee Bars, starting with gathering all the necessary ingredients. This recipe demands pantry staples such as butter and sugar, alongside specific items such as Baileys Irish Cream and instant coffee. Once you have everything together, we can walk through each stage of turning these ingredients into delightful bars.
Incorporating irish whiskey, sweetened condensed milk, egg, chopped nuts alongside Baileys in this cookie mix ensures that you’re getting the flavors of the much-loved Irish cream liqueur. These Coffee-Cream bars pack an amazing flavor punch in every bite.
So without further ado, let’s dive into this toothsome recipe and create some heavenly treat that everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you a fan of rich, decadent desserts and coffee drinks? Look no further than the Irish Cream-Coffee Bars recipe. These bars are the perfect combination of sweet and bold flavors, with a hint of alcohol for an extra kick.
One reason you’ll love this recipe is how easy it is to make. With simple ingredients like sugar cookie mix, instant coffee, and Baileys Irish Cream, you can have these bars whipped up in no time. The recipe is also versatile, so you can adjust the amount of Irish cream depending on your preference.
Another reason to love these bars is their versatility. They’re a great option for dessert at any gathering, from family dinners to holiday parties. Plus, they pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or even a homemade Baileys Irish cream liqueur for a delicious coffee cocktail.
But the best reason to love this recipe is its addictive taste. The combination of soft cookie crust, creamy Irish cream filling, and crunchy pecans on top will have you hooked from the first bite. Serve them with a dollop of whipped cream and watch as your friends and family rave about how delicious they are.
Overall, the Irish Cream-Coffee Bars recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone who loves coffee and dessert. Its simplicity, versatility, and addictive taste make it the perfect addition to any dessert table or coffee break.
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients that you will need to make these Irish Cream-Coffee Bars. Most of these ingredients can be found in your local grocery store, but you may need to make a special trip for others. Make sure to read through the entire ingredient list before beginning the recipe so that you have everything that you need.
For the Sugar Cookie Base:
- 1 pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) Betty Crocker sugar cookie mix
- 1 teaspoon instant coffee
- 2 cinnamon sticks, broken into small pieces (optional)
For the Pecan Layer:
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup cold butter
For the Irish Cream Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (14 ounce) sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup Irish cream liqueur (such as Baileys Irish Cream)
- ¾ cup chocolate chips
For the Topping:
- 2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- ½ cup Irish whiskey
- Whipped cream (for serving)
The Recipe How-To
Before starting with the recipe, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients at hand. In case of different measurements, use a measuring cup or spoon to ensure the correct proportions.
The Crust
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
-
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 pouch of Betty Crocker sugar cookie mix, 1/2 cup chopped pecans, and 1/2 cup cold butter.
-
Mix until it resembles coarse crumbs, then add 1 egg until fully combined.
-
Press the mixture into the bottom of an ungreased 9×13 inch baking pan.
-
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the crust starts to turn golden brown.
The Filling
While the crust is baking, proceed to prepare the filling.
-
In a mixing bowl, beat together 8 oz cream cheese and 1/4 cup Irish Cream Liqueur until smooth and creamy.
-
Gradually add in 1 can sweetened condensed milk, mixing until fully combined.
-
Mix in 2 tablespoons instant coffee granules until they dissolve completely in the mixture.
-
Add in 1/4 cup Irish Whiskey and whisk again until fully combined.
-
Pour the mixture over the baked crust in your baking pan.
Baking
Place pan back into the preheated oven, and bake it for another 20 minutes or until set-that means that once taken out of then oven, it should no longer jiggle when shaken lightly. Once cooked, let it cool on a wire rack until it reaches room temperature.
Topping
Melt a 14-ounce bag of chocolate chips using your desired method (microwave or double boiler), stirring regularly while heating- ensuring not to burn it.
Spread melted chocolate evenly over cooled dessert bars using a spatula.
Sprinkle a light amount of cinnamon on top and chill it in the refrigerator until the chocolate has solidified.
Cutting into Bars
Once the chocolate has hardened, take out the pan and lift the baking paper to remove the contents from the pan. Cut it into bars – this recipe makes about 24 bars, sized approximately 2×2 inches.
These dessert bars are best served when chilled, and topped with some whipped cream.
Substitutions and Variations
Looking to change up this recipe or make it your own? There are plenty of ways to mix and match these Irish Cream-Coffee Bars to fit your preference.
Firstly, if you’re a fan of adding a little extra kick to drinks or desserts, consider swapping out the vanilla extract with an equivalent amount of Irish whiskey. Not only will this add a distinctly Irish flavor, but it will also enhance the warmth of the cinnamon and add complexity to the overall profile.
Another way to customize this recipe is by playing with the texture. If you prefer a denser texture, opt for using cream cheese instead of butter in the filling mix. Similarly, if you like crunchier toppings, try using roasted slivered almonds or hazelnuts instead of pecans.
If you’re looking for ways to create a lighter version, additional substitution options include using sugar-free condiments or almond milk as a dairy-free alternative to sweetened condensed milk. Some people even substitute baileys irish cream with homemade baileys using cream liqueur, so feel free to experiment with different flavors and variations based on your liking.
With so many ways to make slight changes to this recipe, you can easily transform this dessert into your own unique creation that fits your taste preferences. Whether you serve these bars as part of a coffee dessert or coffee cocktail menu, it’s sure to delight anyone who tries them out!
Serving and Pairing
The Irish Cream-Coffee Bars are the perfect treat to pair with your morning cup of coffee. The rich and decadent bars are perfectly balanced with the bitter notes of coffee creating a heavenly flavor combination.
These bars are delicious served warm with a dollop of whipped cream on top. The addition of whipped cream not only adds a creamy texture but also pairs well with the sweetness of the bars.
If you want to elevate this dessert to another level, consider serving it as a coffee cocktail. Combine a shot of Irish whiskey and a dash of Baileys Irish Cream in your mug of hot coffee, then add a piece of the Irish Cream-Coffee Bar on top as a garnish. The result is an indulgent coffee cocktail that is perfect for any special occasion.
Alternatively, these bars can also be enjoyed as an after-dinner dessert paired with a glass of homemade Baileys Irish Cream or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
No matter how you choose to serve them, these Irish Cream-Coffee Bars are sure to be a hit with anyone who loves coffee and desserts!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
The Irish Cream-Coffee Bars recipe is perfect for making ahead of time, as they can be stored easily and reheated as needed. Once the bars have cooled completely, cut them into squares and store them in an airtight container.
To make-ahead, these bars can be prepared and baked up to 3 days before serving. Keep them refrigerated and bring them to room temperature before serving for best results. You could also freeze the bars for up to 3 months, but it is recommended to skip the whipped cream topping if you’ll freeze the bars.
The bars can be warmed up in the oven or microwave. To reheat in the oven, simply place the desired number of bars on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and heat at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warm. To reheat in the microwave, place a bar on a microwave-safe plate or container, and heat on high for 20-30 seconds or until warm.
If you’re planning to make these bars for a party or event, it’s recommended to assemble them just before serving so that they stay fresh and crispy. The whipped cream topping should also be added shortly before serving.
Overall, this recipe is very versatile and easy to manage when it comes to storing and reheating. Whether you like them cold or warm, fresh out of the oven or the fridge/freezer, these delectable dessert bars will surely satisfy your sweet tooth cravings.
Tips for Perfect Results
As a barista, I always strive for perfection in every cup of coffee I make. The same goes for these delicious Irish Cream-Coffee Bars. Here are some tips to help you achieve perfect results every time.
1. Don’t overmix the batter.
When mixing the batter for the bars, make sure not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to tough and dense bars. Instead, mix until just combined.
2. Use high-quality ingredients.
For the best tasting bars, use high-quality ingredients such as real Irish cream, fresh eggs, and unsalted butter. Using cheaper or imitation ingredients can affect the taste and texture of the bars.
3. Chill the dough.
Chilling the dough before baking helps ensure that the bars hold their shape and don’t spread too thin during baking. Make sure to chill the dough for at least an hour before baking.
4. Use parchment paper or non-stick spray.
To prevent sticking and ensure easy removal from the pan, use parchment paper or non-stick spray to line your baking dish before pouring in the batter.
5. Bake at a low temperature.
Baking these bars at a low temperature of 325 degrees Fahrenheit ensures that they cook evenly without getting over-baked on the outside and undercooked on the inside.
By following these tips, you can achieve perfect results with this Irish Cream-Coffee Bars recipe each time you make it. So go ahead and give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, these Irish Cream-Coffee Bars are the perfect treat for coffee and dessert lovers alike. With a unique combination of flavors and a simple recipe to follow, it’s hard not to fall in love with these bars. They are the ultimate indulgence, perfect for sharing with friends and family or enjoying on your own.
Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert to impress your guests or just craving something sweet to enjoy with your afternoon coffee, these bars are the answer. And with the option to substitute ingredients and make variations, you can customize them to fit your taste preferences.
So go ahead and give this recipe a try! With the tips and tricks provided in this article, you’ll be able to achieve perfect results every time. And who knows? You might even discover a new favorite coffee cocktail in the process!
Happy baking!
Irish Cream-Coffee Bars Recipe
Ingredients
Bars
- 1 (17 1/2 ounce) envelope sugar cookie mix
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup butter, cold
- 1 egg
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons irish cream
- 1 teaspoon instant coffee
Topping
- 1 cup whipping cream
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon irish cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 25 cinnamon sticks (2 inch)
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F Spray bottom and sides of 8-inch square pan with cooking spray.
- In large bowl, place cookie mix and pecans. Cut in butter, using pastry blender or fork, until mixture looks like coarse crumbs. With fork, stir in egg.
- Press half of cookie mixture in bottom of pan. Bake 15 to 18 minutes or until golden brown. Reserve remaining cookie mixture.
- Meanwhile, in small bowl, stir milk, 2 tablespoons liqueur and the coffee granules until well blended. Pour evenly over warm crust. Sprinkle reserved cookie mixture over top. Bake 25 to 30 minutes longer or until golden brown. Cool 30 minutes at room temperature. Refrigerate 1 hour to cool completely. Let stand 10 minutes before cutting into bars (5 rows by 5 rows). Store bars covered at room temperature.
- Just before serving, in small bowl, beat whipping cream, brown sugar, 1 tablespoon liqueur and the vanilla with electric mixer on high speed until soft peaks form.
- Top each bar with dollop of whipped cream; sprinkle with ground cinnamon. Insert cinnamon stick into each dollop of whipped cream.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
None found