Better Than Anything Bars and Brownies Recipe
Better Than Anything Bars are a decadent layered dessert featuring a moist chocolate cake base infused with sweetened condensed milk, topped with rich caramel sauce, crunchy toffee bits, and finished with fluffy whipped topping. This indulgent treat combines contrasting textures and flavors, making it perfect for satisfying sweet cravings with a brownie-like texture and buttery caramel goodness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12 to 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Base Layer
- 1 box (about 15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
- 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
Layered Toppings
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 jar (12 oz) caramel sauce or homemade caramel from 14 oz caramels and 5 oz evaporated milk
- 1 cup (about 120 g) crushed toffee bits, divided
- 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) whipped topping or whipped cream
Optional Garnishes and Additions
- 1/2 cup (90 g) mini chocolate chips (optional garnish)
- 1 cup (175 g) chocolate chips, nuts, or peanut butter (optional additions to customize flavor and texture)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients and Baking Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Measure all ingredients accurately. Grease a 9″x13″ (23×33 cm) baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
- Create the Cake Base: In a mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix with the melted unsalted butter until a crumbly mixture forms. Press this mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan to form the base layer.
- Bake the Cake Layer: Bake the base layer for 12 to 14 minutes until it is just set and soft to the touch, ensuring a moist and brownie-like texture. Avoid overbaking.
- Add Layered Toppings: While the cake is still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke 20-25 evenly spaced holes across the surface. Slowly pour the sweetened condensed milk over the cake in a zigzag pattern so it seeps into the holes. Next, evenly pour caramel sauce over the condensed milk layer. If using homemade caramel, melt the caramels with evaporated milk before pouring. Sprinkle half of the crushed toffee bits evenly over the caramel layer, pressing lightly to help them stick.
- Chill and Finish: Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight to allow the layers to set and flavors to meld. Before serving, spread the whipped topping or whipped cream evenly over the bars. Optionally, garnish with mini chocolate chips and the remaining crushed toffee bits for added texture and appearance. For cleaner slices, warm a knife before cutting and wipe it between each cut. Remove the bars from the refrigerator 10-15 minutes prior to serving to enjoy the optimal texture.
Notes
- Use a high-quality chocolate cake mix and good caramel sauce or homemade caramel for best results.
- To make homemade caramel, slowly melt caramels with evaporated milk until smooth.
- For vegan or dairy-free variants, substitute with coconut-based alternatives and non-dairy whipped toppings.
- For nut allergies, omit nuts or replace with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
- Gluten-free options require a certified gluten-free cake mix and toppings.
- For a lower-calorie version, reduce butter and use light or reduced-sugar caramel sauces.
- Allowing the bars to chill overnight enhances flavor and texture.
- Use a warm knife to slice for clean edges and presentation.
Keywords: Better Than Anything Bars, Chocolate Cake Mix Bars, Caramel Bars, Toffee Bars, Layered Dessert, Easy Brownies, Sweetened Condensed Milk Dessert, Caramel Sauce Dessert
