Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Salty Coffee Toffee Bars are a delightful combination of sweet, salty, and caffeinated flavors. The buttery cracker base supports toasted pecans and walnuts, while a coffee-vanilla syrup gives the toffee bar a rich caramel-like flavor. With a blend of bittersweet chocolate and butterscotch chips, this treat is perfect for anyone who loves a sweet-and-salty snack. The finishing touch of flaky sea salt enhances all the flavors, making these bars a crowd-pleaser that’s ideal for gifting.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 3/4 cup chopped raw pecans
- 1/2 cup chopped raw walnuts
- 30 rectangular buttery crackers (such as Club)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons instant espresso granules
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups bittersweet chocolate chips
- 1 1/2 cups butterscotch chips
- Cooking spray
- Flaky sea salt
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with foil and spray with cooking spray.
- Lay the crackers in a single layer in the dish, covering the bottom completely.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, sugar, salt, and espresso granules, stirring occasionally. Bring to a boil and cook for 3-4 minutes, until thickened. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the toffee mixture evenly over the crackers. Sprinkle the chopped pecans and walnuts on top.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with chocolate and butterscotch chips.
- Place the dish in the fridge for 1-2 hours to set.
- Once set, sprinkle the top with flaky sea salt and cut into squares.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 16
- Prep time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 2 hours
Variations
- Swap out the nuts for other types such as almonds or hazelnuts.
- Use white chocolate chips instead of bittersweet chocolate for a sweeter flavor.
- Add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the toffee syrup for extra warmth.
- Use graham crackers or pretzels for a different texture on the base.
Storage/Reheating
Store these toffee bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage; simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Reheat in the fridge for a couple of hours before serving.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
It’s best to use unsalted butter to control the saltiness, but you can use salted butter and reduce the added kosher salt to taste.
Can I make these bars without nuts?
Yes, you can skip the nuts entirely or replace them with other mix-ins like coconut flakes or seeds.
How long do these toffee bars last?
They last up to one week when stored in the fridge. They also freeze well for longer storage.
Can I use a different type of cracker?
Yes, any buttery crackers will work, but Club crackers provide the best flavor and texture for this recipe.
What can I use if I don’t have instant espresso granules?
You can substitute with strong brewed coffee or omit it entirely for a more traditional toffee flavor.
Do I need to refrigerate the bars?
Yes, refrigerating helps the toffee set and gives the bars the perfect consistency.
Can I use semi-sweet chocolate instead of bittersweet chocolate?
Yes, semi-sweet chocolate can be used, though bittersweet provides a deeper flavor.
Can I add more chocolate chips?
Feel free to add more chocolate or butterscotch chips if you prefer a richer topping.
How do I know when the toffee is done baking?
The toffee should be bubbly and golden around the edges, but be careful not to overbake.
Can I gift these bars?
These bars make a fantastic gift, especially when packaged in jars or clear bags tied with a ribbon.
Conclusion
Salty Coffee Toffee Bars are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves a blend of sweet and savory. With easy-to-follow steps and simple ingredients, you can create a dessert that’s as impressive as it is delicious. Whether you’re making them for yourself or as a gift, these bars are sure to become a favorite!
Salty Coffee Toffee Bars
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and rich coffee flavors with these Salty Coffee Toffee Bars. Featuring a buttery cracker base, toasted pecans and walnuts, and a decadent coffee-vanilla toffee syrup, these bars are topped with bittersweet chocolate and butterscotch chips for an irresistible finish. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt enhances every bite, making these bars a must-try for any dessert lover. Perfect for gifting, snacking, or satisfying a sweet and salty craving!
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup chopped raw pecans
- 1/2 cup chopped raw walnuts
- 30 rectangular buttery crackers (such as Club)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons instant espresso granules
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups bittersweet chocolate chips
- 1 1/2 cups butterscotch chips
- Cooking spray
- Flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep – Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with foil and spray with cooking spray.
- Arrange Crackers – Lay the crackers in a single layer in the dish, covering the bottom completely.
- Make Toffee Syrup – In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter, sugar, salt, and espresso granules, stirring occasionally. Bring to a boil and cook for 3-4 minutes until thickened. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Assemble & Bake – Pour the toffee mixture evenly over the crackers. Sprinkle chopped pecans and walnuts on top. Bake for 10 minutes.
- Add Chocolate & Chill – Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle chocolate and butterscotch chips over the hot toffee. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours to set.
- Finish & Serve – Once set, sprinkle with flaky sea salt and cut into squares. Enjoy!
Notes
- Swap pecans and walnuts for almonds, hazelnuts, or omit them for a nut-free version.
- Try white chocolate chips instead of bittersweet for a sweeter variation.
- Graham crackers or pretzels can replace Club crackers for a different texture.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
