Better Than Anything Bars Recipe

Introduction

Better Than Anything Bars are rich, gooey, and utterly irresistible treats that combine chewy cookie dough, luscious caramel, and melty chocolate chips. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with a delightful mix of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

• 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
• 14 ounces caramels, unwrapped (or 14 ounces caramel bits)
• 5 ounces canned evaporated milk
• 1/2 cup peanut butter

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a 9″x13″ baking pan by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until fluffy.
3. Step 3: Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition until just blended. Stir in the vanilla extract until combined.
4. Step 4: Mix in the flour, baking soda, and salt until fully combined, then fold in the chocolate chips by hand or with your mixer on low.
5. Step 5: Press half of the cookie dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes.
6. Step 6: While the base layer bakes, combine the caramels and evaporated milk in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on power level 5 for 1–2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until smooth and combined.
7. Step 7: Stir the peanut butter into the caramel mixture until thoroughly blended.
8. Step 8: Spread the caramel sauce evenly over the partially baked cookie dough.
9. Step 9: Drop the remaining cookie dough by teaspoonfuls over the caramel layer.
10. Step 10: Bake for 17 to 20 minutes, or until the top dough is golden brown and cooked through.
11. Step 11: Allow to cool before slicing into bars and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra texture, add chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts to the dough or caramel layer.
• Use semi-sweet chocolate chips if you prefer a less sweet flavor.
• To make the bars extra gooey, slightly underbake the final layer and let them cool completely before cutting.
• If you don’t have evaporated milk, whole milk can be a substitute, but the sauce may be thinner.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat gently in the microwave for a few seconds to soften the caramel before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of chocolate chips?

Yes, you can substitute milk chocolate chips with semi-sweet, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips depending on your taste preference.

Do I have to use peanut butter in the caramel sauce?

No, peanut butter adds a nice richness and flavor, but you can omit it or substitute with almond butter or another nut butter if preferred or to avoid allergies.

Better Than Anything Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 130 reviews

Better Than Anything Bars are decadent, gooey dessert bars featuring a buttery cookie base layered with rich caramel sauce and melty chocolate chips. These American-style bars combine a soft, chewy texture with a luscious peanut butter caramel topping, making them an irresistible treat perfect for any occasion.

• Author: Nethan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 20 bars 1x
• Category: Bars/Brownies
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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 caramels, unwrapped (or 14 ounces caramel bits)
• 5 ounces canned evaporated milk
• 1/2 cup peanut butter

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Make Dough: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each until just blended, then stir in the vanilla extract until combined.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt, then gradually mix them into the wet ingredients until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chips gently, either by hand or using a mixer at low speed.
4. First Bake of Dough: Press half of the cookie dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake this layer for 8-10 minutes, until it is just set but not fully browned.
5. Prepare Caramel Sauce: While the base is baking, place the unwrapped caramels and 5 ounces of evaporated milk into a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on medium power (level 5) for 1-2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds until the caramels are thoroughly melted and combined with the milk.
6. Add Peanut Butter: Stir the peanut butter into the warm caramel mixture until smooth and completely combined.
7. Assemble Layers: Spread the caramel peanut butter sauce evenly over the partially baked cookie dough in the pan. Then, drop the remaining cookie dough by teaspoonfuls over the caramel layer, distributing it evenly but not covering completely.
8. Final Bake: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 17-20 minutes, or until the top dough is golden brown and the bars are fully cooked through.
9. Cool and Serve: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 20 squares to serve.

Notes

• Use quality chocolate chips for the best flavor; milk or semi-sweet both work well.
• If the caramel hasn’t completely melted in the microwave, continue heating in 15-second increments, stirring in between.
• Ensure the bars cool fully before cutting to keep layers intact and make slicing easier.
• You can substitute peanut butter with almond butter for a different taste and texture.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.

Keywords: Better Than Anything Bars, caramel bars, chocolate chip bars, peanut butter caramel bars, gooey bars, American desserts, chewy bars recipe