Coffee Snacking Bars
Rich coffee-flavored snack bars with raisins and pecans, perfect for energizing mornings or afternoon treats, appealing to coffee lovers and snack enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream sugar and melted butter together.
- Add beaten eggs and mix well.
- Add flour, baking powder, and salt; mix until combined.
- In a small bowl, dissolve instant coffee in water.
- Add water, vanilla, and coffee mixture to the batter and mix thoroughly.
- Fold in raisins and chopped pecans.
- Grease a baking pan and spread the batter evenly.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 20 minutes until golden.
- Allow to cool, then cut into bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar. If you prefer a different nut, walnuts or almonds can be good substitutes for pecans. To enhance the coffee flavor, you can add a teaspoon of espresso powder along with the instant coffee. Make sure to mix the batter gently after adding the flour to avoid overmixing.
Serving Suggestions
These coffee snacking bars are perfect for an afternoon treat and pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a delightful twist, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They also make a great addition to a brunch spread, especially when accompanied by fresh fruits or a platter of cheese, similar to how you might enjoy Tasty Berries.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover coffee snacking bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, simply microwave individual bars for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Coffee Snacking Bars contains roughly 203 calories, with 2g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 772mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use decaf instant coffee in this recipe?
Yes, you can definitely use decaf instant coffee if you want to enjoy the flavor without the caffeine. The taste will still be rich and satisfying, making it a great option for a late-night snack or for those sensitive to caffeine.
What should I do if I don't have instant coffee?
If you don't have instant coffee, you can brew a strong cup of coffee and use it in place of the water and instant coffee. Use about 1/4 cup of brewed coffee, but remember to reduce the amount of water accordingly to maintain the right batter consistency.
Can I add other mix-ins to the bars?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your coffee snacking bars by adding chocolate chips, dried fruits, or even shredded coconut. Just keep in mind that adding too many extra ingredients may affect the texture, so aim for a total of about 1 to 1 1/2 cups of mix-ins.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).