Save Tender coffee-infused bars with a buttery crumb topping and rich coffee flavor, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat.
I first made these Coffee Butter Streusel Bars when I wanted a sweet treat to pair with my afternoon cup of coffee. The aroma during baking filled my kitchen and instantly set a cozy mood.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: Used in both streusel and bar base for tender texture
- Light brown sugar: Provides sweetness and moisture for the crumb
- Unsalted butter: Cold for streusel, softened for base, adds richness
- Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth to the topping
- Fine sea salt: Balances flavors in streusel and base
- Baking powder: Helps bars rise
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the base
- Large egg: Binds ingredients together
- Pure vanilla extract: Gives depth and aroma
- Strong brewed coffee: Infuses bars and glaze with coffee flavor
- Powdered sugar: For optional glaze
Instructions
- Prep Baking Pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line 8x8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
- Make Streusel:
- Combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add cold butter cubes and cut in until coarse crumbs form. Chill until needed.
- Mix Base Ingredients:
- Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl. Cream softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. Beat in egg, vanilla, and coffee.
- Combine & Spread:
- Gradually add dry mix to wet, mixing just until combined. Spread batter into pan evenly.
- Add Streusel & Bake:
- Sprinkle chilled streusel over batter. Bake 30 to 35 minutes until golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool & Finish:
- Let bars cool completely. For glaze, mix powdered sugar and coffee until smooth and drizzle over bars. Lift bars with parchment and cut into 12 squares.
Save When these bars come out of the oven, my family gathers in the kitchen, eager for that first sweet and crumbly square. They make our mornings and coffee breaks a little more special.
Required Tools
8x8-inch baking pan, mixing bowls, electric mixer or whisk, pastry cutter or fork, parchment paper, spatula, cooling rack
Allergen Information
Bars contain gluten from wheat, eggs, and dairy from butter. Check for nut or soy traces in each ingredient if sensitive.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains 260 calories, 13 g fat, 33 g carbohydrates, and 3 g protein.
Save Enjoy these bars fresh for the best crumb texture or store airtight to savor with coffee the next day.
Kitchen Tips & Answers
- → How can I boost coffee flavor in the bars?
Try adding 1/2 tsp instant espresso powder to intensify the coffee notes in the base mixture.
- → Can I substitute brown sugar in the streusel?
Yes, swapping brown sugar with coconut sugar lends a deeper, caramel-like flavor to the crumb topping.
- → What is the best way to serve these bars?
Enjoy them with a dollop of whipped cream or alongside your favorite cup of coffee for enhanced richness.
- → Are these bars suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, all main ingredients are vegetarian-friendly. Always check labels for traces of animal byproducts.
- → What allergens are present?
The bars contain gluten (flour), dairy (butter), and eggs. Always read ingredient labels for nut or soy traces.
- → Can I make these bars in advance?
Yes, bake and store in an airtight container. The bars stay fresh for up to three days at room temperature.