Save Tender coffee-infused bars with buttery crumb topping and rich coffee flavor are perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat. These bars deliver a delightful balance of sweetness, texture, and aroma for any dessert lover.
I first baked these Coffee Butter Streusel Bars for an early morning get-together with friends. The aroma alone had everyone asking for the recipe before the bars even cooled!
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour (for streusel and base): Adds structure and tenderness to the bars and crumb topping
- Light brown sugar: Provides moisture and a deep caramel flavor to the streusel
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb for both layers
- Ground cinnamon: Infuses warmth and spice into the topping
- Fine sea salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors
- Baking powder: Leavens the bar base for a soft texture
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the coffee bar base
- Large egg: Binds ingredients and adds structure
- Pure vanilla extract: Adds aromatic flavor to the base
- Strong brewed coffee: Gives the bars their signature flavor; also used in the glaze
- Powdered sugar (optional glaze): Adds a touch of sweetness to finish the bars
Instructions
- Prep Pan and Oven:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch (20x20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
- Make Streusel:
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add cold butter cubes and cut in with a pastry cutter or fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Prepare Base:
- In a small bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla, and brewed coffee until combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until incorporated. Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Add Streusel:
- Sprinkle the chilled streusel mixture evenly over the batter.
- Bake:
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool & Glaze:
- Cool completely in the pan. For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar and brewed coffee until smooth, then drizzle over cooled bars.
- Slice & Serve:
- Lift bars from the pan using parchment paper and cut into 12 squares.
Save My family always requests these bars for lazy Sunday mornings. The streusel topping is a favorite with everyone, especially when served warm with whipped cream.
Required Tools
Use an 8x8-inch (20x20 cm) baking pan, mixing bowls, electric mixer or whisk, pastry cutter or fork, parchment paper, spatula, and a cooling rack for best results.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains gluten (wheat), eggs, and dairy (butter). Always check ingredient packaging for possible traces of nuts or soy if you are sensitive.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 260 calories, 13 g total fat, 33 g carbohydrates, 3 g protein.
Save Give these bars a try for your next brunch or coffee break—they're the perfect way to indulge and share with others!
Recipe FAQ
- → How intense is the coffee flavor in these bars?
The bars feature a gentle coffee note complemented by buttery crumb. For more intensity, try adding espresso powder.
- → Can I use a different sugar in the streusel?
Yes, coconut sugar can replace brown sugar for a deeper taste and slight caramel undertone.
- → What texture should the streusel have before baking?
The streusel should resemble coarse, buttery crumbs that hold together when pressed lightly.
- → Is a glaze necessary for these bars?
The coffee glaze is optional, adding sweetness and moisture. Bars taste great with or without it.
- → How do I know when the bars are baked through?
The top should be golden and a toothpick inserted into the center must come out clean or with few crumbs.
- → Are these suitable for vegetarian diets?
Yes, these bars contain no meat or gelatin, making them appropriate for vegetarian diets.