Mocha-Pecan Bars
Delicious mocha-pecan bars combine rich chocolate, aromatic coffee, and crunchy pecans for a sweet treat perfect for gatherings or satisfying afternoon cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
- Dissolve coffee powder in boiling water; set aside.
- Beat butter and light brown sugar in a large bowl with electric mixer until pale and fluffy.
- Add egg, vanilla, and coffee mixture; beat until well combined.
- Stir in all-purpose flour until blended.
- Fold in chopped pecans and semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan on a wire rack.
- Cut crosswise into 8 even strips, then cut each strip into thirds to make 24 bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using espresso powder instead of instant coffee. If you don't have pecans, walnuts or almonds can be excellent substitutes. Make sure to allow the butter to soften at room temperature for easier mixing. Avoid overmixing the batter after adding flour to keep the bars tender, similar to how you would treat the batter in Cheryl'S Oatmeal, Walnut, Raisin, Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Serving Suggestions
These mocha-pecan bars are perfect as a coffee break snack or dessert. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat. Consider serving them alongside Aunt Ethel'S Spoon Bread for a delightful contrast of flavors. They also make a great addition to dessert platters at gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover mocha-pecan bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm the bars in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or enjoy them cold for a delightful treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mocha-Pecan Bars contains roughly 189 calories, with 1g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 14g fat.
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 a different type of nut in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with other nuts such as walnuts or almonds based on your preference. Just ensure that the nuts are chopped to similar sizes for even distribution in the bars.
What can I do if I don't have instant coffee?
If you don't have instant coffee, you can use brewed coffee instead. Use about 1/4 cup of brewed coffee in place of the coffee powder and boiling water. Just be cautious about the additional liquid, as it may affect the batter's consistency.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to avoid overbaking, which can make the bars dry.
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).