These Better Than Anything Bars are the ultimate dessert for chocolate lovers, combining rich chocolate cake, gooey caramel, and creamy sweetened condensed milk into a decadent treat. The melted chocolate chips and optional nuts create a satisfying texture that will leave you wanting more.
Perfect for gatherings or as an everyday treat, these bars are easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste. Whether you choose to top them with a dollop of whipped cream or enjoy them plain, they promise to deliver a delicious experience that will make any occasion special. Don’t be surprised if they become your new go-to dessert!
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- Whipped cream, for topping
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, melted butter, and egg until well blended.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until set. Remove from oven and sprinkle chocolate chips on top.
- Drizzle caramel sauce evenly over the chocolate chips, followed by sweetened condensed milk.
- If using, sprinkle chopped nuts on top.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until bubbly.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars and serving with whipped cream.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 12 servings
Recipe Overview
Better Than Anything Bars are a delicious, indulgent dessert that combines layers of chocolate cake, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate chips. They’re perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and can be made easily for gatherings, parties, or simply as a treat for yourself.
Ingredients Explained
- Chocolate Cake Mix: This forms the base of the bars, giving them a rich chocolate flavor. You can also use a homemade chocolate cake recipe if you prefer.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted butter adds moisture and richness to the cake mix.
- Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the ingredients together.
- Chocolate Chips: These provide an extra layer of chocolate goodness. You can mix different types of chocolate (like dark or milk chocolate) for a more complex flavor.
- Caramel Sauce: This is drizzled over the bars and adds a sweet, gooey texture. You can use store-bought or homemade caramel sauce.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This ingredient helps to create a creamy layer that complements the chocolate and caramel beautifully.
- Chopped Nuts (Optional): Nuts like pecans or walnuts can be added for crunch and flavor, though they are optional.
- Whipped Cream: Served on top, it adds a light, fluffy contrast to the dense bars.
Directions in Detail
- Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Cake Mixture: Combine the chocolate cake mix, melted butter, and egg in a bowl until well-blended. Press this mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Bake Base Layer: Bake for 10-12 minutes until it is set, then remove it from the oven.
- Layer the Toppings: Sprinkle chocolate chips over the baked base, followed by a drizzle of caramel sauce and sweetened condensed milk.
- Optional Nuts: If desired, sprinkle chopped nuts over the top.
- Final Bake: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until everything is bubbly and delicious.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bars cool completely before cutting them into squares. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream on top for added indulgence.
Additional Tips
- Variations: You can customize these bars by adding different toppings, like crushed cookies, mini marshmallows, or different types of nuts.
- Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Serving Suggestions: These bars can be served at room temperature or warmed slightly in the microwave for a gooey experience.
Why They’re a Hit
These bars are often called “Better Than Anything” because they combine several beloved dessert elements—chocolate, caramel, and a soft cake texture—all in one easy-to-make treat. They’re sure to impress guests and satisfy anyone with a sweet tooth!
Detailed Breakdown of Ingredients
- Chocolate Cake Mix:
- Purpose: Provides a moist, chocolatey base.
- Tips: While a box mix is convenient, you can make your own from scratch using flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, sugar, and salt. This allows you to control the sweetness and flavor.
- Unsalted Butter:
- Purpose: Adds richness and moisture.
- Tips: If you want a slightly different flavor, try using browned butter. Just melt it in a pan until it turns golden brown and smells nutty before mixing it in.
- Egg:
- Purpose: Acts as a binder to hold the ingredients together.
- Tips: For a vegan option, you can substitute one egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes).
- Chocolate Chips:
- Purpose: Adds pockets of melted chocolate for extra richness.
- Tips: Use a mix of semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips for a more balanced sweetness, or add white chocolate chips for a contrast in flavor.
- Caramel Sauce:
- Purpose: Provides a sweet, gooey layer that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
- Tips: You can make your own caramel by melting sugar until it’s golden brown, then adding cream and butter for a homemade sauce. Alternatively, try salted caramel for an added depth of flavor.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk:
- Purpose: Adds creaminess and helps bind the layers together.
- Tips: For a lighter option, use evaporated milk, but be aware that it will alter the sweetness and texture slightly.
- Chopped Nuts (Optional):
- Purpose: Adds crunch and a nutty flavor.
- Tips: Toast the nuts before adding them for enhanced flavor. Almonds, pecans, or walnuts work wonderfully.
- Whipped Cream:
- Purpose: Provides a light, fluffy topping that balances the richness of the bars.
- Tips: You can enhance the whipped cream by adding a little vanilla extract or cocoa powder for a chocolate version.
Preparation Steps with Extra Tips
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven properly to ensure even baking. Make sure your baking dish is adequately greased or lined with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mixing Ingredients:
- Use a spatula to gently fold the ingredients together to avoid overmixing. This will help keep the bars light and fluffy.
- Layering:
- After the base layer is baked, allow it to cool slightly before adding the chocolate chips and caramel. This helps prevent the chips from melting too much.
- Baking Time:
- Keep an eye on the bars during the final bake. The exact time may vary based on your oven. They should be bubbly and slightly set around the edges.
- Cooling:
- Let the bars cool completely in the baking dish before cutting. If you’re in a hurry, place the dish in the refrigerator for quicker cooling.
Variations and Add-Ons
- Flavor Twists:
- Mint Chocolate: Add peppermint extract to the cake mix or sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top after baking.
- Nutty Variations: Incorporate nut butters, such as peanut or almond butter, into the chocolate mixture for added flavor.
- Dietary Adaptations:
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter and use dairy-free chocolate chips and caramel.
- Serving Suggestions:
- Pair these bars with vanilla ice cream or serve with fresh berries for a delightful contrast to the rich bars. A drizzle of chocolate sauce on top can add an extra indulgent touch.
Storage and Longevity
- Room Temperature: If kept in an airtight container, these bars can last for about 3-4 days.
- Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep them in the fridge, where they can last for up to a week.
- Freezing: You can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the fridge overnight when ready to eat.
Perfect Occasions for Enjoyment
- Parties: These bars are always a hit at parties, potlucks, and gatherings.
- Celebrations: Ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, or holiday celebrations.
- Everyday Treat: Enjoy them as an afternoon snack or a delightful dessert after dinner.
Conclusion
Better Than Anything Bars are not just delicious; they’re incredibly versatile and easy to make. With the ability to customize flavors and ingredients, these bars can become a staple in your dessert repertoire, providing sweet satisfaction for any occasion.