Mocha Dream Bars

Mocha Dream Bars Recipe - Delicious Dessert from Hawaii

Region / culture: Hawaii | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 12

Introduction

Mocha Dream Bars are a decadent and rich dessert that combines the flavors of chocolate, coffee, and coconut in a delicious treat. These bars are perfect for coffee lovers and those with a sweet tooth.

History

The origins of Mocha Dream Bars are unclear, but they are believed to have been created as a twist on traditional chocolate and coconut bars. The addition of espresso powder adds a unique and bold flavor to this classic dessert.

Ingredients

0.75 cup butter
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp baking cocoa
0.5 cup sugar
6 tbsp ground espresso powder (fine grind)
1 egg, beaten
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cup graham cracker crumbs
1 cup macadamia nuts or walnuts, chopped
1 cup shredded coconut
2 cup icing sugar
2 tbsp hot espresso, liquid
3 oz (85 g) semisweet chocolate

How to prepare

Coat an 8" x 8" square pan with butter or oil.
For the bottom layer, melt 0.5 cup of butter in a microwave-safe bowl.
Stir in the cocoa, sugar, and 4 tbsp of ground coffee.
Add the egg and vanilla, and mix until well combined.
Gradually stir in the graham cracker crumbs; the mixture will be thick.
Mix in the nuts and coconut.
Press the mixture into the prepared pan and chill.
In a separate bowl, cream 0.25 cup of butter until soft.
Gradually add the sugar and mix until smooth.
Stir in just enough liquid espresso to make the mixture smooth and easy to spread.
Spread this mixture over the bottom layer in the pan.
For the top layer, melt the chocolate and the remaining 1 tbsp of butter in the microwave.
Stir in the remaining ground coffee.
Spread the chocolate mixture thinly and evenly over the second layer.
Chill the pan until the top layer is set, at least 1 hour.
Cut into squares and serve.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the chocolate layer for a sweet and salty twist.
Substitute the walnuts with almonds or pecans for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to chill the bars for at least 1 hour before cutting to ensure that the layers set properly.

- For a stronger coffee flavor, you can increase the amount of espresso powder in the recipe.

- Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Mocha Dream Bars with a hot cup of coffee or espresso for the perfect pairing.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to press the bottom layer firmly into the pan to ensure that the bars hold together when cut.

- Use a sharp knife to cut the bars into squares for clean edges.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have graham cracker crumbs, you can use crushed digestive biscuits as a substitute.

- For a non-alcoholic version, you can use decaffeinated espresso powder instead of regular.

Make Ahead Tips

These bars can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Sprinkle some extra shredded coconut on top of the bars for a decorative touch before serving.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Mocha Dream Bars with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, microwave for a few seconds until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 230 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 24g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 15g per serving

Saturated Fat: 8g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 2g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Calcium: 1% DV

Iron: 6% DV

Alergens

Contains: nuts, dairy

Summary

These Mocha Dream Bars are a delicious treat that is high in fat and sugar. Enjoy in moderation as a special indulgence.

Summary

Mocha Dream Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the flavors of chocolate, coffee, and coconut in a rich and indulgent treat. Enjoy these bars as a special treat for coffee lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Mocha Dream Bars. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small town. My grandmother had passed down her love of cooking to me, and I was always eager to learn new recipes and techniques.

One day, I was browsing through an old cookbook that had belonged to my grandmother when I stumbled upon a page that caught my eye. The recipe was for Mocha Dream Bars, a decadent dessert that combined the rich flavors of chocolate and coffee. I had never heard of such a dessert before, and I was immediately intrigued.

I decided to give the recipe a try, and I gathered all the ingredients I would need. As I measured out the flour and sugar, cracked the eggs, and melted the chocolate, I could already tell that this recipe was going to be something special.

The smell of the coffee and chocolate wafted through the kitchen as the bars baked in the oven. I could hardly wait for them to be done so I could taste the final result.

When the timer finally dinged, I pulled the bars out of the oven and let them cool before cutting into them. The first bite was pure bliss. The rich chocolate and the hint of coffee combined to create a flavor unlike anything I had ever tasted before. I knew then that this recipe was something truly special.

I shared the Mocha Dream Bars with my family and friends, and they all raved about how delicious they were. I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my repertoire, and I made it many times over the years for special occasions and gatherings.

As I continued to make the Mocha Dream Bars, I began to experiment with the recipe, tweaking it here and there to make it my own. I added a touch of cinnamon for warmth, a sprinkle of sea salt for balance, and a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

I shared my updated version of the recipe with my friends, and they were amazed at how the small changes I had made had elevated the dessert to a whole new level. They begged me for the recipe, and I was happy to share it with them.

Over the years, I continued to make the Mocha Dream Bars for my loved ones, always receiving rave reviews. The dessert became a signature dish of mine, and my family and friends would often request it for special occasions and celebrations.

As time went on, I began to think about where the recipe for Mocha Dream Bars had originated. I asked my grandmother if she knew anything about it, but she had never heard of the dessert before. I did some research and discovered that the recipe had been created by a famous pastry chef many years ago.

I decided to write to the pastry chef and tell him how much I loved his recipe. To my surprise, he wrote back to me, thanking me for my kind words and sharing some tips on how to perfect the dessert even further.

I continued to make the Mocha Dream Bars for years to come, always thinking of that first moment when I had discovered the recipe and the sense of anticipation I had felt. The dessert had become a beloved tradition in my family, and I knew that it would continue to be passed down through the generations.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the journey that led me to the recipe for Mocha Dream Bars, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for all the joy and memories that this dessert has brought into my life. I am forever grateful for the love of cooking that my grandmother instilled in me and for the endless inspiration that I have found in the kitchen.

And as I take a bite of a freshly baked Mocha Dream Bar, I am reminded once again of the magic of cooking and how a simple recipe can bring so much happiness and delight to those we share it with. I can only hope that this dessert will continue to bring joy to others for many years to come.