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Better Than Anything Chocolate Caramel Bars Recipe

ByMadison
Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 17 reviews

If you’re craving a dessert that packs a punch of gooey caramel, melty chocolate, and buttery cookie goodness, you absolutely have to try my Better Than Anything Chocolate Caramel Bars Recipe. Trust me when I say this treat lives up to its name—these bars are a family favorite and have quickly become my go-to for potlucks and cozy nights in. They’re rich, comforting, and surprisingly easy to whip up, so let’s dive in!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Perfect Texture: The base is soft and buttery with just enough chewiness to complement the silky caramel layer.
  • Simple Components: Uses straightforward ingredients that you likely have on hand, making it fuss-free yet ultra-satisfying.
  • Layered Flavors: The combination of chocolate chips folded into the dough and a luscious caramel-peanut butter topping creates that irresistible “better than anything” experience.
  • Easy to Customize: You can tweak types of chocolate or swap ingredients to fit dietary needs without losing the magic.
Better Than Anything Chocolate Caramel Bars, chocolate caramel bars, chocolate caramel dessert recipe, easy caramel bar recipe, gooey chocolate caramel bars - A glass rectangular baking dish filled with one thick layer of golden brown, slightly uneven baked cookie dough, dotted with small dark chocolate chips. The cookie surface shows a soft, bubbly texture with some parts more raised and others flat, creating an inviting mix of crispy and soft areas. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a red and white striped cloth peeking from underneath one side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this Better Than Anything Chocolate Caramel Bars Recipe are humble yet perfectly balanced. Each item plays a crucial role—from giving the bars their tender crumb to making the caramel sauce irresistibly rich. I always recommend using good-quality butter and fresh baking soda for best results—it really makes a difference!

Better Than Anything Chocolate Caramel Bars, chocolate caramel bars, chocolate caramel dessert recipe, easy caramel bar recipe, gooey chocolate caramel bars - Flat lay of a stick of softened butter, a small mound of packed brown sugar, a small mound of white granulated sugar, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white bowl of clear vanilla extract, a small heap of all-purpose flour, a small pile of baking soda powder, a small pile of salt, a small white bowl filled with milk chocolate chips, a small white bowl of unwrapped golden caramel chews, a small white bowl of pale creamy evaporated milk, a small white bowl of smooth light brown peanut butter, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Butter: Provides richness and tenderness; make sure it’s softened for easy creaming with sugars.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle molasses depth to the dough.
  • White Sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with the texture.
  • Eggs: Bind the dough and add structure; beat them in one at a time for even incorporation.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances flavor beyond sweetness.
  • All-Purpose Flour: The base of the bars; sift or whisk with baking soda and salt to avoid lumps.
  • Baking Soda: Leavens the dough, making it light and tender.
  • Salt: Counteracts the sweetness and helps balance flavors.
  • Milk Chocolate Chips: Melt just enough during baking to create pockets of chocolatey goodness.
  • Caramels: The star of the sauce—melts smoothly with evaporated milk for gooey spread.
  • Evaporated Milk: Adds creaminess and helps the caramel melt evenly.
  • Peanut Butter: Adds a nutty richness and softens the caramel sauce for spreadability.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of my favorite things about this Better Than Anything Chocolate Caramel Bars Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Over time, I’ve played around with different nuts, chocolates, and even swapped peanut butter for almond butter depending on what I have in the pantry.

  • Chocolate Swap: I once replaced the chocolate chips with white chocolate and loved the sweet, creamy twist it gave.
  • Nut Variations: Adding chopped pecans or walnuts into the dough adds a great crunch—a game changer if you enjoy texture contrasts.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Try a plant-based butter and skip the evaporated milk, using coconut cream instead, for a delicious dairy-free version.
  • Salted Caramel Boost: Sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top after baking for that perfect sweet-salty kick.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Better Than Anything Chocolate Caramel Bars Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars until Dreamy

Start by softening your butter to room temperature—it should be soft but not melted. I like using a stand mixer or hand mixer to cream the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step is key because it incorporates air into the dough, giving your bars a tender crumb instead of dense. Don’t rush it!

Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla for That Classic Base

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is well incorporated before adding the next. This helps maintain a smooth texture. Then, add your vanilla extract and mix just until combined—overmixing can make the dough tough, and nobody wants that.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients Carefully

Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl before gradually adding it to your wet ingredients. Mixing just until combined is the trick here—you want everything incorporated but still tender.

Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

This is the fun part! Gently fold in the chocolate chips by hand or use your mixer on the lowest setting. I like to save a handful of chips to sprinkle on top later for extra chocolate hits.

Step 5: Bake the Bottom Layer & Prepare Caramel Sauce

Spoon half the dough evenly into your prepared 9″x13″ pan—press it lightly to create an even layer. Pop it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, just until it sets but isn’t fully baked through. While that’s baking, melt the caramels and evaporated milk in a microwave-safe bowl at power level 5, stirring every 30 seconds. When smooth, stir in peanut butter for that creamy, nutty caramel magic.

Step 6: Layer Caramel, Top with Remaining Dough, and Bake Again

Spread the luscious caramel mixture over the partially baked dough layer, then dot teaspoons of the remaining dough over the caramel. It’s okay if it looks a bit uneven—that’s part of the charm! Bake for another 17-20 minutes until golden brown on top and the dough is fully baked through.

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Pro Tips for Making Better Than Anything Chocolate Caramel Bars Recipe

  • Soft Butter Matters: Using butter that’s too cold will prevent proper creaming; if yours is too hard, microwave for 5-8 seconds to soften.
  • Watch the Baking Time: Pull the bottom layer out before it browns fully—that way the caramel layer stays soft and gooey.
  • Stir Caramel Often: When melting, stirring every 30 seconds prevents scorching and helps it melt smoothly with peanut butter.
  • Don’t Overmix Flour: Mix dry ingredients in gently to avoid tough bars; tenderness is key here!

How to Serve Better Than Anything Chocolate Caramel Bars Recipe

Better Than Anything Chocolate Caramel Bars, chocolate caramel bars, chocolate caramel dessert recipe, easy caramel bar recipe, gooey chocolate caramel bars - The image shows a close-up of a square dessert bar with three visible layers. The top layer is a light golden, slightly crumbly cookie dough texture. The middle layer is thick, creamy, and caramel-colored, with a smooth texture that looks slightly melted. The bottom layer is a dense, rich chocolate base with a mix of lighter and darker brown shades, showing a fudgy consistency. The bar is being lifted on a metal spatula above a white plate on a wooden surface with a red and white striped cloth partially visible. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt on top right out of the oven—that contrast takes these bars up a notch. Sometimes, I also add a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for a fancy finish when serving guests.

Side Dishes

These bars scream indulgence, so I often pair them with a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a party, fresh berries or a fruity compote add a little brightness to the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays, I’ve cut these bars into bite-sized squares and served them on decorative platters with festive sprinkles on top. They also fancy up beautifully when placed in cupcake liners for easy grab-and-go treats—perfect for bake sales or gifting!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Better Than Anything Chocolate Caramel Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The bars stay soft and gooey, but if your kitchen’s warm, the chocolate chips might get a tad melty—still delicious, just a heads-up.

Freezing

Freezing works really well with these bars. I cut them into squares, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a zip-top bag. They keep beautifully in the freezer for up to 3 months, so you can enjoy your sweet fix anytime.

Reheating

To reheat, unwrap a frozen bar and pop it in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. It’ll taste almost freshly baked, all gooey and melty. Alternatively, warming in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5-7 minutes works great if you want to avoid the microwave.

FAQs

  1. Can I use different types of chocolate chips in this recipe?

    Absolutely! Milk, semi-sweet, dark, or even white chocolate chips all work well. Each will give a slightly different flavor profile, so feel free to experiment depending on what you like or have on hand.

  2. Is it necessary to use evaporated milk for the caramel sauce?

    Evaporated milk gives the caramel a creamy texture and helps it melt evenly without becoming too thin or grainy. If you don’t have it, you can try heavy cream or sweetened condensed milk, but the texture might vary a bit.

  3. Can I make the Better Than Anything Chocolate Caramel Bars Recipe gluten-free?

    You can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that’s designed for baking. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum or similar binding agents to keep the texture right. The bars will still be delicious but might be a little more crumbly.

  4. How do I prevent the caramel from hardening too much?

    Stirring the caramel frequently while melting and using evaporated milk helps keep it smooth. Also, adding peanut butter softens the texture. Avoid overheating or letting it cool uncovered to prevent hardening.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Better Than Anything Chocolate Caramel Bars Recipe feels like a warm hug on a plate. I’ve shared these bars with friends who begged for the recipe afterward, and I have no doubt you’ll love them just as much. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because life calls for it, these bars deliver comfort and indulgence every single time. So, roll up your sleeves, turn on some music, and give this recipe a go—you might just discover your new favorite dessert!

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Better Than Anything Chocolate Caramel Bars Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 17 reviews
  • Author: Madison
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 16 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

Better Than Anything Bars are a decadent treat featuring a buttery cookie base layered with a rich caramel peanut butter sauce and topped with gooey chocolate chips. Perfectly balanced in sweetness and texture, these bars are an irresistible dessert or snack that everyone will love.

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
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a 9″x13″ baking pan with non-stick cooking spray to prepare it for the batter.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until the mixture is fluffy and well combined for a smooth base.
  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each until just blended, then mix in the vanilla extract just to combine.
  4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to the wet ingredients and mix until fully combined to form the cookie dough.
  5. Stir in Chocolate Chips: Fold in the chocolate chips by hand or mix slightly with your mixer to distribute them evenly throughout the dough.
  6. First Bake Layer: Press half of the cookie dough into the bottom of the prepared baking pan evenly, then bake this layer for 10 minutes until lightly set.
  7. Prepare Caramel Sauce: While the first layer bakes, place caramels and evaporated milk in a microwave-safe bowl and cook on power level 5 for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth and combined.
  8. Add Peanut Butter to Caramel: Stir in 1/2 cup peanut butter thoroughly into the caramel sauce once melted and combined.
  9. Spread Caramel Layer: Remove the partially baked dough from the oven and spread the prepared caramel peanut butter mixture evenly over it.
  10. Add Remaining Dough: Drop teaspoons of the remaining cookie dough evenly over the caramel layer to create a topping.
  11. Final Bake: Bake the assembled bars for 20 minutes or until the top dough is golden brown and cooked through.
  12. Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares and serving to ensure the layers set perfectly.

Notes

  • If you prefer a softer caramel layer, use caramel bits instead of wrapped caramels, as they melt more evenly.
  • For a nut-free version, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or omit it entirely.
  • Make sure to monitor the caramel while microwaving to prevent burning; stirring frequently is key.
  • Using semi-sweet chocolate chips balances the sweetness of the caramel and cookie layers nicely.
  • Ensure the pan is well sprayed to prevent sticking when removing the bars.
  • Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 140 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg

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