Frosted Cocoa Bars

It's nice to have a trusted bar recipe like this one when you are short on time. The subtle coffee flavor in the frosting adds a tasty touch.

Yield

48 servings

Bar Ingredients

1 1/4 cups shortening
1 1/4 cups packed brown sugar
1/2 cup corn syrup
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 large eggs
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup baking cocoa
1 teaspoon salt

Frosting Ingredients

1/2 cup butter (no substitutes)
3 cups confectioners’ (powdered) sugar
2 tablespoons brewed coffee
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 tablespoons milk

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 15" x 10" x 1" baking pan.

In a mixing bowl, cream shortening and brown sugar. Beat in corn syrup and vanilla. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine flour, cocoa and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture. Spread into the prepared baking pan.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a cooling rack.

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter until golden brown, about 7 minutes. Remove from the heat. Stir in sugar, coffee, vanilla and enough milk until frosting reaches spreading consistency. Frost cooled bars. Cover and refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour, before cutting.