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Better Than Anything Bars Recipe

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  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes plus 1 hour chilling
  • Yield: 24 bars
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Better Than Anything Bars combine a luscious vanilla cake crust with a rich, gooey mixture of melted chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and sweetened condensed milk, topped off with a drizzle of caramel sauce and optional crunchy nuts. Baked to golden perfection and chilled for a firm set, these bars offer an irresistible treat that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 1 box of vanilla cake mix (15.25 oz)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg

Filling

  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup butterscotch chips
  • 1/2 cup crushed pecans or walnuts (optional)

Topping

  • 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.
  2. Make the Crust Dough: In a medium bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, melted unsalted butter, and one large egg. Stir well until a thick dough forms that is evenly mixed.
  3. Form the Crust Layer: Press the dough uniformly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer that serves as the crust.
  4. Bake the Crust: Place the dish in the oven and bake the crust for 10-12 minutes until it turns a light golden brown. Remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
  5. Prepare the Filling Mixture: In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, semi-sweet chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and optional crushed nuts. Stir occasionally until all the chips are melted and the mixture is smooth and well blended.
  6. Top the Crust: Pour the melted chocolate mixture evenly over the slightly cooled crust, spreading it to cover all areas.
  7. Bake the Bars: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the center is set and bubbling, indicating the filling is cooked through.
  8. Cool and Add Topping: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the baking dish. Once cooled, drizzle caramel sauce evenly over the top. Refrigerate the bars for at least one hour to allow them to set firmly.
  9. Serve: Cut the bars into 24 squares and serve chilled. Enjoy these indulgently gooey and delicious bars as a delightful dessert or snack.

Notes

  • The crust dough will be thick and slightly sticky—press it firmly and evenly into the pan for the best texture.
  • For a nut-free version, simply omit the crushed pecans or walnuts.
  • If you prefer a sweeter or richer topping, consider adding more caramel sauce or using a homemade caramel for better flavor.
  • Make sure to allow the bars to chill completely in the refrigerator before cutting to ensure clean slices and proper firmness.
  • Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

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Find it online: https://comfortkitcheneats.com/better-than-anything-bars-recipe/