Better Than Anything Bars are a delightful dessert that has captured the hearts of many with their irresistible combination of flavors and textures. Originating from the Southern United States, these bars have become a staple at potlucks, family gatherings, and celebrations, earning their reputation as a crowd-pleaser. The rich layers of chocolate, caramel, and whipped cream create a symphony of taste that is simply hard to resist.
People love Better Than Anything Bars not only for their decadent flavor but also for their convenience. With minimal preparation time and no baking required, they are perfect for those who want to whip up a delicious treat without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether youre serving them at a party or enjoying them as a sweet indulgence at home, these bars are sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who takes a bite.
Ingredients:
- 1 box of chocolate cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1 cup of water
- 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup of sweetened condensed milk (14 oz can)
- 1 cup of caramel sauce
- 1 cup of whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- 1/2 cup of crushed toffee bits (such as Heath bars)
- 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- Chocolate syrup for drizzling (optional)
Preparing the Cake Base
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to blend the ingredients until smooth, about 2 minutes. Make sure there are no lumps in the batter.
- Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips gently using a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Tap the pan lightly on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it to avoid overbaking.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Creating the Topping
- While the cake is cooling, prepare the topping. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce. Stir continuously until the mixture is warm and well combined, about 3-5 minutes. Do not let it boil.
- Once the cake has cooled completely, use a fork to poke holes all over the top of the cake. This will allow the caramel and condensed milk mixture to seep into the cake, enhancing its flavor and moisture.
- Pour the warm caramel and condensed milk mixture evenly over the top of the cake, ensuring it fills the holes you created. Use a spatula to spread it out if necessary.
- Allow the cake to sit for about 10-15 minutes to let the topping soak in.
Assembling the Bars
- Once the caramel mixture has soaked in, spread the whipped topping evenly over the top of the cake. Use a spatula to create a smooth layer.
- Sprinkle the crushed toffee bits evenly over the whipped topping. If youre using nuts, sprinkle the chopped pecans or walnuts on top as well for added crunch and flavor.
- If desired, drizzle chocolate syrup over the top for an extra touch of sweetness and decoration. You can use a squeeze bottle or a spoon to create a decorative pattern.
- Cover the baking pan with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the bars to set properly.
Serving the Better Than Anything Bars
- Once chilled, remove the bars from the refrigerator. Use a sharp knife to cut them into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference.
- For easier cutting, you can dip the knife in hot water and wipe it clean between cuts. This will help create clean edges.
- Serve the bars on a platter or individual dessert plates. They can be enjoyed as is, or you can add a dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra indulgent treat.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. These bars can also be frozen for longer storage; just make sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Tips for Success
- Total Time: 170 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 servings 1x
- 1 box of chocolate cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1 cup of water
- 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup of sweetened condensed milk (14 oz can)
- 1 cup of caramel sauce
- 1 cup of whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- 1/2 cup of crushed toffee bits (such as Heath bars)
- 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- Chocolate syrup for drizzling (optional)
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to blend the ingredients until smooth, about 2 minutes. Make sure there are no lumps in the batter.
- Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips gently using a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Tap the pan lightly on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it to avoid overbaking.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cake is cooling, prepare the topping. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce. Stir continuously until the mixture is warm and well combined, about 3-5 minutes. Do not let it boil.
- Once the cake has cooled completely, use a fork to poke holes all over the top of the cake.
- Pour the warm caramel and condensed milk mixture evenly over the top of the cake, ensuring it fills the holes you created. Use a spatula to spread it out if necessary.
- Allow the cake to sit for about 10-15 minutes to let the topping soak in.
- Once the caramel mixture has soaked in, spread the whipped topping evenly over the top of the cake.
- Sprinkle the crushed toffee bits evenly over the whipped topping. If youre using nuts, sprinkle the chopped pecans or walnuts on top as well.
- If desired, drizzle chocolate syrup over the top for an extra touch of sweetness and decoration.
- Cover the baking pan with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible.
- Once chilled, remove the bars from the refrigerator. Use a sharp knife to cut them into squares or rectangles.
- For easier cutting, you can dip the knife in hot water and wipe it clean between cuts.
- Serve the bars on a platter or individual dessert plates. They can be enjoyed as is, or you can add a dollop of whipped cream on top.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. These bars can also be frozen for longer storage; just make sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn.
- For a richer flavor, consider using dark chocolate cake mix.
- Feel free to customize the toppings with your favorite nuts or additional candies.
- These bars are perfect for potlucks, parties, or as a sweet treat for any occasion!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Conclusion:
In summary, these Better Than Anything Bars are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to indulge in a decadent dessert that is sure to impress. With their rich layers of chocolate, creamy caramel, and fluffy whipped topping, they offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering, a potluck, or simply enjoying a sweet treat at home, these bars are guaranteed to be a hit. For serving suggestions, consider pairing these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence. You can also experiment with variations by adding crushed nuts, drizzling with chocolate sauce, or incorporating your favorite candy bars into the mix for a personalized twist. We encourage you to try this recipe and experience the deliciousness for yourself. Once you do, we would love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, variations, and any creative twists you come up with. Remember, these Better Than Anything Bars are not just a dessert; they are a celebration of flavor that deserves a place in your recipe repertoire. Happy baking! Print
Better Than Anything Bars: The Ultimate Dessert Recipe You Need to Try
Description
Enjoy these irresistible Better Than Anything Bars, featuring a moist chocolate cake soaked in a creamy caramel and sweetened condensed milk mixture, topped with whipped cream, toffee bits, and optional nuts. Perfect for any celebration or as a delightful treat!
Ingredients
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