Better Than Anything Bars
Rich, gooey, and totally irresistible—these dessert bars live up to their name!
If you're craving something over-the-top indulgent that’s ridiculously easy to throw together, these Better Than Anything Bars are calling your name. With layers of chocolate cake crust, caramel, toffee, and chocolate chips, they deliver melt-in-your-mouth magic in every bite. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or satisfying those intense sweet tooth moments.
Whether you're a fan of easy chocolate desserts, caramel bar recipes, or sweetened condensed milk baking ideas, this one's a keeper.
Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 jar (12 oz) caramel sauce
- 1 cup crushed toffee bits (like Heath)
- 1 cup chocolate chips (milk or semi-sweet)
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Measuring cups
- Parchment paper or nonstick spray
- Wire cooling rack
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, combine the cake mix and melted butter until crumbly. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan.
Step 2: Bake the Crust
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the crust is set and slightly golden around the edges.
Step 3: Layer the Goodness
While the crust is warm:
- Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the crust.
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the top.
- Drizzle the caramel sauce evenly across the surface.
- Finish with a layer of crushed toffee bits.
Step 4: Final Bake
Return to oven and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until edges are bubbling and center is just set.
Step 5: Cool Completely
Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This ensures clean slices and the perfect texture.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Once cooled, cut into squares and serve. Great with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of extra caramel!
Tips & Variations
- Add nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts with the toffee bits for extra crunch.
- Use different chips: Swap in butterscotch or white chocolate chips for a twist.
- Chill before slicing: For cleaner cuts, refrigerate the bars for 30–60 minutes after cooling.
Better Than Anything Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Mix chocolate cake mix and melted butter to form a crumbly dough. Press into the pan.
- Bake crust for 10–12 minutes until lightly set.
- While warm, top with chocolate chips, then pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over them.
- Drizzle caramel sauce on top, then sprinkle with crushed toffee bits.
- Bake again for 18–22 minutes, until edges are bubbly.
- Cool completely in pan before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to 1 week.
When it comes to crowd-pleasing dessert bars, these Better Than Anything Bars live up to the hype. With their layered textures, gooey sweetness, and simple prep, they’re perfect for special occasions or just treating yourself midweek. One bite, and you'll understand why they’ve earned their name!