CARAMEL ESPRESSO BARS

Caramel Espresso Bars image

Provided by Chrystal Cackler @journeyrock92

Categories Cookies

Number Of Ingredients 13

FOR THE CRUST
2 cup(s) graham cracker crumbs (about 12 rectangles)
1/4 cup(s) sugar
6 ounce(s) butter, melted
FOR THE FILLING
1/2 cup(s) heavy cream
4 ounce(s) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 1/2 cup(s) brown sugar
1 tablespoon(s) water
FOR THE TOPPING
2 cup(s) semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup(s) heavy cream
1 teaspoon(s) instant espresso powder

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 350º. Line an 8 x 8 inch pan with non-stick foil or regular foil sprayed with non-stick cooking spray...leave some excess on two sides to assist with removal. In a food processor, combine the graham crackers and sugar and process until finely ground. Add the melted butter and blend until well combined. Spread the mixture into the bottom of the pan, pressing gently to form an even layer. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the crust is golden. Cool for about 15 minutes.
While the crust is cooling, in a heavy saucepan, combine ½ cup of cream, 1 stick of butter, brown 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 240º (mine reached 244º), about 5 to 7 minutes. Carefully pour the caramel over the warm crust. Cool for 20 minutes. Freeze until firm, about 10-15 minutes.
Combine the chocolate chips and cream in a microwave safe bowl and microwave at 30 second increments, stopping and stirring till mixture is melted and smooth. Whisk in the espresso powder. Remove the pan from the freezer, and check to see that the caramel has cooled and solidified. Pour the chocolate mixture over the caramel layer and smooth with a spatula. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm. Remove bars from pan using foil. Use knife dipped in hot water and dried to cut bars.