Delicious Mocha Java Bars

Discover the perfect blend of coffee and chocolate with these scrumptious Mocha Java Bars. Made with a buttery shortbread crust, a layer of creamy mocha filling, and topped with rich chocolate ganache, these bars are the ultimate treat for coffee and chocolate lovers alike. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of coffee in the morning or as an afternoon pick-me-up, these bars are sure to satisfy your cravings. They are simple to make, requiring only a few basic ingredients, and can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Ingredients

• For the crust:
• - 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced
• - 1/4 teaspoon salt
• For the mocha filling:
• - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• - 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• - 2 tablespoons instant coffee granules
• - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• - 2 large eggs
• - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• - 1/4 teaspoon salt
• For the chocolate ganache:
• - 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• - 1/2 cup heavy cream

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt for the crust. Add the diced cold butter and using a pastry cutter, two knives, or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Press the crust mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, cocoa powder, instant coffee granules, and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Mix in the flour and salt until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Pour the mocha filling over the baked crust and spread it evenly using a spatula.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
8. Once the bars have cooled, prepare the chocolate ganache. In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the heavy cream until hot but not boiling. Remove from the microwave and pour it over the chopped chocolate. Let it sit for 1-2 minutes, then stir until smooth and shiny.
9. Pour the chocolate ganache over the cooled bars and spread it evenly using a spatula. Allow the ganache to set at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or refrigerate for faster setting.
10. Once the ganache has set, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper and transfer them to a cutting board. Slice into desired-sized bars and serve. Enjoy!

Interesting Facts