Espresso Swirl Bars
hese Espresso Swirl Bars are a delicious treat that combines the rich, bold flavor of espresso with a creamy, swirled filling—ideal for coffee lovers looking for a simple yet indulgent dessert!
Print Recipe
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 1/2 cups Oreo crumbs
- 1/4 cup white granulated sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon instant espresso
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 egg white
For the Filling
- 12 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup heavy cream, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon instant espresso
- 1/2 tablespoon cocoa powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F and line a 9x9 baking dish with parchment paper. The parchment will make it easier to pull those gorgeous bars out later.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the Oreo crumbs, sugar, and espresso powder. Give it a quick mix with a fork so everything is evenly combined.
- Add in the melted butter and the egg white, and mix until you’ve got a thick, Oreo paste. Press this mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish—use your hands or the back of a spoon for a smooth finish.
- Bake the crust for 15 minutes, then let it cool for at least 10 minutes. Your kitchen already smells amazing, doesn’t it?
- While your crust cools, grab a large bowl. Add the softened cream cheese and 3/4 cup of sugar, then blend with a hand mixer until smooth and lump-free.
- Next, pour in the vanilla extract and 1/3 cup of heavy cream. Blend again until the mixture is silky smooth.
- Create the Espresso Swirl: Set aside the rest of the cream cheese mixture for now. Take 3-4 large dollops of the cream cheese filling and plop them onto the Oreo crust—make sure they’re spaced apart.
- In a small microwavable bowl (or saucepan), heat the remaining 1/3 cup of heavy cream until warm. Stir in the instant espresso powder and cocoa powder until completely melted and smooth.
- Add this espresso mixture to the rest of the cream cheese filling. Blend it up until you have a creamy, coffee-infused filling.
- Spoon the espresso filling in and around the dollops of regular cream cheese filling in your baking pan. Now grab a butter knife and drag it through the two fillings, creating pretty swirls. Don’t overdo it—a few swirls will look effortlessly beautiful!
- Lightly shake the pan and tap it gently on the counter to even everything out without messing up those perfect swirls.
- Sprinkle a little extra espresso powder or coffee beans on top if you’re feeling fancy, then pop the pan in the fridge. Let it chill for at least 4 hours.
- Once chilled, cut your bars into neat squares. Pro tip: Clean your knife between slices for that perfect, bakery-style finish.