Chocolate Espresso Bars

INGREDIENTS

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened Dutch process
• cocoa powder
• 3 Tbs. instant espresso powder
• 1/4 tsp. baking powder
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 8 Tbs. (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 2 oz. semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp. instant espresso powder
• 4 oz. semisweet chocolate, chopped
• Pinch of salt
• 16 chocolate-covered espresso beans (optional)