Coffee Fudge Traybake: The Ultimate Recipe & Baking Guide

Coffee Fudge Traybake: Prepare to be utterly captivated by this irresistible treat! Imagine sinking your teeth into a dense, fudgy square, infused with the rich, aromatic essence of coffee. This isn’t just any bake; it’s a symphony of textures and flavors that will leave you craving more. I remember the first time I tasted a coffee fudge traybake; it was at a quaint little bakery in the Cotswolds, and the memory of that perfect combination of bitter coffee and sweet fudge has stayed with me ever since.

While the exact origins of the coffee fudge traybake are somewhat shrouded in mystery, the combination of coffee and chocolate has a long and celebrated history. Both ingredients, enjoyed for centuries, have found their way into countless desserts, each enhancing the other’s unique qualities. The slight bitterness of the coffee perfectly complements the sweetness of the fudge, creating a balanced and harmonious flavor profile that is simply divine.

People adore this coffee fudge traybake for its incredibly satisfying texture – dense, moist, and melt-in-your-mouth. It’s also incredibly convenient to make! This recipe is perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or simply a delightful afternoon treat with a cup of coffee (naturally!). Plus, the caffeine kick provides a little boost, making it the perfect pick-me-up. So, get ready to indulge in a slice of pure bliss; this recipe is guaranteed to become a new favorite!

Ingredients:

• For the Fudge Base:
• 200g unsalted butter, softened
• 200g granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 150g self-raising flour
• 50g cocoa powder
• 1 tsp instant coffee granules, dissolved in 1 tbsp hot water
• For the Coffee Fudge Topping:
• 200g dark chocolate (70% cocoa solids), broken into pieces
• 100ml double cream
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp icing sugar, sifted
• 1 tbsp instant coffee granules, dissolved in 1 tbsp hot water
• Optional Decoration:
• Coffee beans, for decoration
• Cocoa powder, for dusting

Preparing the Fudge Base

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan/Gas Mark 4). Grease and line a 20cm square baking tin with baking parchment, ensuring the parchment overhangs the sides for easy removal later. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is a crucial step, so take your time – about 5-7 minutes with an electric mixer is ideal. The mixture should become noticeably paler and increase in volume.
2. Incorporate the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. If the mixture starts to curdle, add a spoonful of flour from the measured amount to help bring it back together. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Sift in the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the self-raising flour and cocoa powder. This helps to prevent lumps and ensures an even distribution of the cocoa. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding gently with a large metal spoon or spatula. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough fudge. Mix until just combined.
4. Add the Coffee: In a small bowl, dissolve the instant coffee granules in the hot water. Add this coffee mixture to the batter and gently fold it in until evenly distributed. The coffee will enhance the chocolate flavor and add a subtle mocha note.
5. Bake the Base: Pour the batter into the prepared baking tin and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. The fudge should be slightly soft in the center.
6. Cool Completely: Remove the baking tin from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. Do not attempt to add the topping while the base is still warm, as it will melt and become runny. This cooling process is essential for a firm and stable fudge.

Making the Coffee Fudge Topping

1. Melt the Chocolate: Break the dark chocolate into small pieces and place them in a heatproof bowl. Set the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, ensuring the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. This is known as a bain-marie. Stir the chocolate occasionally until it is completely melted and smooth. Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each interval to prevent burning.
2. Add the Cream and Butter: Once the chocolate is melted, remove the bowl from the heat and stir in the double cream and butter. Stir until the mixture is smooth, glossy, and well combined. The cream and butter will add richness and a velvety texture to the topping.
3. Incorporate the Icing Sugar and Coffee: Sift the icing sugar into the chocolate mixture and stir until smooth. Sifting the icing sugar prevents lumps and ensures a smooth topping. In a small bowl, dissolve the instant coffee granules in the hot water. Add this coffee mixture to the chocolate mixture and stir until evenly distributed.

Assembling the Traybake

1. Pour the Topping: Once the fudge base is completely cool, pour the coffee fudge topping evenly over the top. Use a spatula or palette knife to spread the topping to the edges of the tin, ensuring a smooth and even layer.
2. Decorate (Optional): If desired, decorate the traybake with coffee beans or a light dusting of cocoa powder. Arrange the coffee beans attractively on top of the fudge, or gently dust the surface with cocoa powder for a sophisticated finish.
3. Chill to Set: Place the traybake in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the topping to set completely. This chilling time is crucial for achieving a firm and sliceable fudge.
4. Cut and Serve: Once the fudge is set, remove it from the refrigerator. Using the overhanging baking parchment, carefully lift the fudge out of the tin. Place it on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut it into squares or rectangles. For clean cuts, dip the knife in hot water and wipe it dry between each cut.
5. Storage: Store the coffee fudge traybake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It can also be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before serving.

Conclusion:

This Coffee Fudge Traybake isn’t just another recipe; it’s an invitation to experience pure, unadulterated bliss in every bite. The rich, fudgy texture, perfectly balanced by the subtle kick of coffee, creates a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more. Trust me, once you’ve tasted this, you’ll understand why I’m so passionate about sharing it with you. It’s the kind of treat that elevates any occasion, from a simple afternoon tea to a celebratory gathering.

But what truly makes this traybake a must-try is its versatility. While it’s divine on its own, warm or cold, there are countless ways to customize it to your liking. For a truly decadent experience, try serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The contrast between the warm fudge and the cold cream is simply heavenly. Alternatively, you could drizzle it with a rich chocolate sauce or a salted caramel sauce for an extra layer of indulgence.

If you’re feeling adventurous, why not experiment with different variations? Adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter will give it a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. Or, for a more intense coffee experience, you could incorporate a tablespoon of instant espresso powder into the mix. For those who prefer a less intense coffee flavor, you can easily adjust the amount of coffee used in the recipe. You could even swirl in some peanut butter for a delightful coffee and peanut butter combination. The possibilities are endless!

This Coffee Fudge Traybake is also incredibly easy to make, even for novice bakers. The recipe is straightforward, and the ingredients are readily available. Plus, it’s a great make-ahead dessert, as it actually tastes even better the next day, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. It’s perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or simply satisfying your own sweet tooth.

I truly believe that this recipe will become a staple in your baking repertoire. It’s a crowd-pleaser, a comfort food, and a guaranteed mood booster all rolled into one delicious traybake. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to embark on a baking adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the magic of this Coffee Fudge Traybake for yourself. Once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your photos and comments on social media using [Your Hashtag Here] or leave a review on my website. Let me know what variations you tried and how much you enjoyed it. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create and share delicious recipes with you. Happy baking!