Better Than Anything Bars Recipe
When it comes to indulgent desserts, few can match the decadent delight of “Better Than Anything” Bars. These rich, gooey bars combine layers of sweet and salty flavors, making them a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a party, attending a potluck, or simply craving something sweet, these bars are sure to impress.
Preparation Steps
Preparing the Pan Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Preheating the Oven Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when you finish preparing the base layer.
Gathering and Measuring Ingredients Having all your ingredients measured and ready will make the preparation process smooth and efficient.
Making the Base Layer
Combining Dry and Wet Ingredients In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Mix until well combined and a dough forms.
Pressing the Mixture into the Pan Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, ensuring it covers the entire bottom.
Baking the Base Layer Bake the base layer in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. It should be slightly firm to the touch but not fully cooked. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
Preparing the Filling
Melting Caramel In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramel sauce with the sweetened condensed milk. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Mixing with Sweetened Condensed Milk Ensure the caramel and sweetened condensed milk mixture is thoroughly combined, creating a smooth, creamy filling.
Pouring the Filling Over the Base Evenly pour the caramel mixture over the slightly cooled base layer, spreading it with a spatula if necessary.
Adding the Toppings
Chocolate Chips Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the caramel layer. The heat from the caramel will slightly melt the chips, helping them adhere to the bars.
Crushed Candy Bars Sprinkle the crushed toffee bits over the chocolate chips for added crunch and flavor.
Other Optional Toppings If desired, add chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or mini chocolate chips to customize your bars further.
Baking the Bars
Baking Time and Temperature Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
Checking for Doneness The bars are done when the center is no longer jiggly and the edges are golden. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
Cooling the Bars Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This will ensure they set properly and are easier to cut.
Cutting and Serving
Tips for Cutting Clean Squares Use a sharp knife to cut the bars into squares. For clean cuts, wipe the knife with a damp cloth between each cut.
Best Way to Serve Serve the bars at room temperature for the best texture. They can also be warmed slightly for an extra gooey treat.
Storing Leftovers Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Variations of Better Than Anything Bars
Peanut Butter Version Add 1/2 cup of peanut butter to the caramel mixture for a delicious peanut butter twist. You can also sprinkle peanut butter chips on top.
Dark Chocolate Version Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet, and add a tablespoon of instant espresso powder to the cake mix for a deeper chocolate flavor.
Nutty Version Fold 1 cup of chopped nuts into the base layer dough and sprinkle more nuts on top for extra crunch.
Health Considerations
Reducing Sugar Content Opt for a sugar-free cake mix and use sugar-free caramel sauce to reduce the overall sugar content.
Gluten-Free Options Use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix to make these bars gluten-free. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Vegan Substitutions Use a vegan chocolate cake mix, replace the butter with a vegan butter substitute, and use coconut milk caramel sauce and sweetened condensed coconut milk.
Tips for Perfect Bars
Avoiding Common Mistakes Ensure the base layer is not overbaked initially, as it will continue to bake with the caramel topping. Also, don’t rush the cooling process to ensure clean cuts.
Ensuring Even Baking Rotate the pan halfway through baking to ensure even baking. This helps prevent any one side from browning too much.
Keeping the Bars Moist Store the bars in an airtight container to keep them moist. Adding a slice of bread to the container can help maintain moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of caramel? Yes, you can use homemade caramel sauce or any store-bought variety that you prefer. Just ensure it’s a thick, pourable consistency.
How do I prevent the chocolate from melting too much? Allow the caramel layer to cool slightly before adding the chocolate chips if you prefer them to stay more intact.
Can I freeze the bars? Yes, you can freeze the bars. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
What if I don’t have sweetened condensed milk? You can make your own by simmering 1 cup of milk with 1 1/4 cups of sugar until it thickens and reduces by half. Cool before using.
How long do they keep? The bars keep well at room temperature for up to 3 days and in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.
Better Than Anything Bars Recipe
When it comes to indulgent desserts, few can match the decadent delight of "Better Than Anything" Bars. These rich, gooey bars combine layers of sweet and salty flavors, making them a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Whether you're hosting a party, attending a potluck, or simply craving something sweet, these bars are sure to impress.
Ingredients
- Bars:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 2 medium eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips or semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Caramel Sauce:
- 14 ounces of caramels, unwrapped; (or 14 ounces of caramel bits)
- 5 ounces, canned, evaporated milk (Do not use the whole can if your can is larger than 5 ounces - and most standard cans are larger than 5 ounces)
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
Instructions
Bars:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- Prepare a 9"x13" baking pan, by spraying it with no stick cooking spray.
- In a mixing bowl, add the butter and sugars, and then cream them together until they are nice and fluffy.
- Then add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition until just blended and then the vanilla extract, mix just to combine.
- Next add the flour, soda, and salt; mix until fully combined.
- Stir in the chocolate chips; you can do this by hand or just slightly with your mixer.
- Place half of the cookie dough into the bottom of the baking pan and bake for 8-10 minutes.
Caramel Sauce:
- While the dough is baking, place the caramels and evaporated milk into a micro wave safe bowl.
- Cook on power level 5 for 1-2 minutes, stirring at 30 second intervals.
- Add more time on power level 5 if the caramels are not combined with the milk.
- When they are combined, add the peanut butter, and stir thoroughly.
- Spread the mixture over the dough that is baked.
- Then drop the remaining dough, by teaspoons full, on top of the caramel mixture.
- Bake this mixture for 17-20 minutes, or until the remaining dough is golden brown or the dough is baked through.