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Irish Coffee Bars: Chewy Delicious Blondies

The scent of coffee always brings me back to my grandmother’s kitchen. She wasn’t a fancy baker, but her coffee cake, subtly laced with cinnamon and the gentle bitterness of coffee, was legendary in our family. It was a simple comfort, a taste of home. These Irish Coffee Bars evoke that same feeling, but with a grown-up twist. The whisper of whiskey, the rich blondie base, and the crunchy almonds create a symphony of flavors that I can’t resist. They are the perfect indulgence, a sophisticated treat that is surprisingly easy to make.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 27-30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (includes cooling and glaze setting time)
Servings: 12
Yields: 24 2-inch squares
Dietary Type: Not specified (Contains gluten, dairy, eggs)

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, plus more for pan
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups light brown sugar, packed
3 tablespoons freshly ground coffee (use decaf if you’re concerned about caffeine!)
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup sliced almonds, skin on

For the Glaze

1 tablespoon melted butter, warm
2 tablespoons Irish whiskey
3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar

Equipment Needed

9 x 13 inch baking pan
Parchment paper (optional)
Whisk
Mixing bowl
Spoon or pastry bag with a plain round tip

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Preparing your baking pan is crucial for easy removal of the blondies later. Butter a 9 x 13 inch baking pan thoroughly. For extra insurance against sticking, line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting. If you don’t have parchment paper, you can also use a non-stick cooking spray like PAM.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. This ensures even distribution of the flour, baking powder, and baking soda, which is essential for a consistent texture. Set this mixture aside for later.
Now, melt the 1 cup of butter completely. You can do this in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to prevent burning. Pour the melted butter into a large mixing bowl and add the brown sugar, ground coffee, and salt.
Stir the melted butter, brown sugar, ground coffee, and salt together until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and homogenous. This is where the coffee flavor really starts to bloom, so take a moment to appreciate the aroma.
Next, add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Stir well until everything is fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix at this stage, as it can lead to tough blondies.
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. It’s important not to overmix the batter at this point. A few streaks of flour are fine; they will disappear during baking. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tougher blondie.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the sliced almonds evenly over the top of the batter. Gently press the almonds into the batter to help them adhere during baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 27 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. The baking time will depend on your oven and how chewy you prefer your blondies. A shorter baking time will result in a chewier blondie, while a longer baking time will yield a firmer one. Start checking for doneness at 27 minutes.
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the blondies cool completely in the pan before adding the glaze. This is important because the glaze will melt if applied to warm blondies. Allowing them to cool completely also makes them easier to cut.
While the blondies are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter and Irish whiskey.
Gradually whisk in the confectioners’ sugar until the glaze is thick but pourable. You may not need to use all the sugar; adjust the amount to achieve the desired consistency. The glaze should be smooth and easily drizzled.
Using a spoon or a pastry bag fitted with a plain round tip, drizzle the glaze over the cooled blondies in a rough crosshatch pattern. The goal is to create an even, yet rustic, look.
Let the glaze dry for at least 1 hour before cutting the blondies. This allows the glaze to set properly, preventing it from becoming sticky and messy.
Once the glaze is set, cut the blondies into 2-inch squares using a sharp knife.

Expert Tips & Tricks

For a richer coffee flavor, you can use espresso powder instead of ground coffee. Start with 1 tablespoon and adjust to taste.
To prevent the almonds from burning during baking, you can toast them lightly in a dry skillet before adding them to the batter.
If you want to add a chocolate element, try adding chocolate chips or chunks to the batter. White chocolate would complement the coffee and whiskey flavors nicely.
If you don’t have Irish whiskey on hand, you can substitute with another type of whiskey or bourbon. However, Irish whiskey will provide the most authentic flavor.
For a boozier flavor, brush the warm blondies with a little extra whiskey before adding the glaze.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Irish Coffee Bars at room temperature, either as a dessert or as a sweet treat with coffee or tea. They are also delicious with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

To store, keep the blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in an airtight container for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for a few hours.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	429.3 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	172 g	40%
Total Fat	19.2 g	29%
Saturated Fat	10.8 g	53%
Cholesterol	74.2 mg	24%
Sodium	283.6 mg	11%
Total Carbohydrate	60.4 g	20%
Dietary Fiber	1 g	4%
Sugars	43.2 g	N/A
Protein	4.2 g	8%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Variations & Substitutions

Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Be sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum for binding.
Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based butter substitute and non-dairy milk in the glaze.
Nut-Free: Omit the almonds altogether or substitute with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
Coffee Liqueur: For a stronger coffee flavor, replace half of the whiskey in the glaze with coffee liqueur like Kahlua.
Spiced Blondies: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use instant coffee instead of freshly ground coffee?
A: While freshly ground coffee provides the best flavor, you can use instant coffee in a pinch. Use about 1 tablespoon of instant coffee dissolved in a small amount of hot water before adding it to the batter.

Q: How can I tell if the blondies are done baking?
A: Insert a toothpick into the center of the blondies. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs attached, they are done. Be careful not to overbake, as this will result in dry blondies.

Q: Can I make these blondies ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can bake the blondies ahead of time and store them at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. Add the glaze just before serving.

Q: What if I don’t have Irish whiskey?
A: You can substitute with another type of whiskey or bourbon. However, Irish whiskey will provide the most authentic flavor. You can also use rum for a sweeter flavor profile.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes, you can easily double the recipe. Simply double all the ingredients and bake in a larger pan, such as a 12×17 inch baking sheet. You may need to increase the baking time slightly.

Final Thoughts

These Irish Coffee Bars are a delightful treat that combines the comforting flavors of coffee and vanilla with the sophisticated touch of Irish whiskey. The chewy blondie base, the crunchy almonds, and the sweet glaze create a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that are sure to impress. I encourage you to try this recipe and experience the magic for yourself. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations and substitutions to create your own unique twist. And most importantly, share your creations with friends and family – because good food is always best enjoyed in good company. Sláinte!

Irish Coffee Bars – Chewy Delicious Blondies Recipe