These Decadent Chocolate Caramel Bars are a decadent fusion of chocolate and caramel, with a rich cake mix base that will leave you craving for more. The layers of gooey caramel and melted chocolate chips melt in your mouth, making every bite indulgent and satisfying.
Perfect for a party, potluck, or simply a sweet treat at home, these bars are easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Whether you’re a baking pro or a beginner, these bars are sure to impress with their bold flavors and simple preparation. A crowd-pleaser that lives up to its name!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 box devil’s food cake mix
- ¾ cup butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup caramel bits
- ⅓ cup evaporated milk
- ⅓ cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup whipped topping
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix, melted butter, and egg until a thick dough forms.
- Press half of the dough into the prepared baking dish and bake for 10 minutes.
- While the base is baking, combine the caramel bits and evaporated milk in a saucepan. Melt over low heat, stirring constantly, until smooth.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and pour the caramel mixture evenly over the base.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips over the caramel layer, then drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the top.
- Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is set and lightly golden.
- Let the bars cool completely. Once cooled, drizzle sweetened condensed milk over the bars and top with whipped topping.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 300 kcal per bar | Servings: 12 bars
Origins of Decadent Chocolate Caramel Bars:
The Decadent Chocolate Caramel Bars likely originated from the American tradition of creating easy-to-make dessert bars using simple pantry ingredients. Dessert bars like these are a staple in potlucks, family gatherings, and holidays because they combine delicious flavors and a casual yet indulgent presentation. The concept of combining a boxed cake mix with caramel and chocolate is rooted in convenience, making this a quick and accessible recipe for home bakers. Caramel and chocolate is a classic pairing that has been beloved for generations, often featured in candies, cakes, and pastries around the world.
History and Influence:
Dessert bars, especially those using cake mix bases, became popular in the mid-20th century as convenience foods and pre-packaged baking ingredients became widely available. The rise of boxed cake mixes, like devil’s food or yellow cake, allowed home bakers to create a variety of desserts with ease. This recipe is a testament to that era, when simple, pantry-ready ingredients could be transformed into impressive and delicious desserts.
How to Customize Your Decadent Chocolate Caramel Bars:
- Nutty Addition: You can add a layer of chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts) between the caramel and chocolate chips for a bit of crunch and a savory contrast to the sweetness.
- Extra Chocolate: For chocolate lovers, drizzle some melted chocolate on top of the bars before adding the whipped topping. You can also mix in white chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips for additional layers of flavor.
- Holiday Variation: Add a festive touch by incorporating colorful sprinkles or candy pieces (such as M&M’s) into the batter or on top. These bars make great holiday gifts or treats for a special occasion.
- Salted Caramel Twist: If you’re a fan of sweet and salty, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the caramel layer before adding the chocolate chips. The salt will enhance the flavors of both the caramel and the chocolate, creating a more balanced, complex dessert.
Cooking Tips for the Perfect Chocolate Caramel Bars:
- Cake Mix Base: Using a devil’s food cake mix is the secret to making the base rich and chocolatey without needing to bake a cake from scratch. You can also experiment with other cake flavors like chocolate fudge or even vanilla for a different twist.
- Caramel Layer: Melting the caramel bits with evaporated milk ensures a smooth and gooey consistency. Make sure to stir the mixture continuously over low heat to prevent the caramel from burning or sticking to the pan.
- Even Layering: When assembling the layers, press the cake mix dough evenly into the baking dish to form a firm base. When you spoon the remaining dough on top of the caramel and chocolate chip layers, don’t worry about covering every inch – the gaps allow the caramel to bubble through and create a beautiful, rustic look.
- Cooling Time: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing. This step is crucial because the caramel needs time to set and firm up. If you cut them too early, they may fall apart or ooze too much.
- Storage Tip: Store these bars in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They can last for up to a week, but you can also freeze them for longer storage. Just place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk Drizzle: Adding a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk over the cooled bars gives an extra layer of sweetness and richness, making these bars truly decadent. It also adds a creamy contrast to the chewy texture of the cake and caramel.
- Topping Variations: Though whipped topping adds a light and fluffy contrast, you can switch it up with other toppings like chocolate ganache, sea salt for a salted caramel flavor, or even chopped nuts for crunch.
Fun Facts:
- Bars and Squares: Recipes like these fall under the category of “bars” or “squares” in American and Canadian baking traditions. They are made in a single pan and cut into portions after baking, making them perfect for sharing at events or packing for school lunches and picnics.
- Caramel History: Caramel dates back to the 17th century, with origins in Europe. It was a treat made by heating sugar until it melted and browned. In modern cooking, it is often mixed with butter and milk to create a rich, creamy texture, as seen in this recipe.
Pairing Suggestions:
These bars are best enjoyed with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. The richness of the chocolate and caramel is perfectly complemented by the bitterness of coffee or the refreshing creaminess of milk. You can also serve these bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert experience.
Variations to Try:
- Salted Caramel: Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the caramel layer before baking to enhance the sweet and salty flavors.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: For a nutty variation, swirl some peanut butter into the caramel layer.
- S’mores Twist: Replace the devil’s food cake mix with graham cracker crumbs and add mini marshmallows to the chocolate chip layer for a s’mores-inspired version.
Conclusion:
The Decadent Chocolate Caramel Bars are a rich and indulgent treat that combines the deep flavor of devil’s food cake with gooey caramel and melted chocolate. This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves the combination of chocolate and caramel, as it brings both elements together in a bar that is easy to make yet packed with flavor.