If you’re searching for your next show-stopping dessert, look no further than these Better Than Anything Bars. Packed with layers of gooey caramel, melty chocolate, crunchy toffee, and a ridiculously soft chocolate crust, these bars are the definition of decadence and ease combined. There’s a reason they’re called better than anything — every bite delivers a little sweet, a little salty, and a whole lot of happiness. Perfect for potlucks, parties, or low-key nights at home, these bars absolutely live up to their legendary name.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about Better Than Anything Bars is how a handful of familiar pantry staples come together to create something spectacular. Each ingredient brings its own magic — from rich chocolate to ooey-gooey caramel and those delightful little pops of toffee crunch.
- Chocolate Cake Mix: Your shortcut to a soft, fudgy base with minimal fuss, setting up the perfect canvas for all that gooey goodness.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted butter adds richness and ensures the crust isn’t dry — don’t skip it!
- Large Egg: Just one binds everything together and makes the dough extra chewy.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: The secret to a luscious, caramel-esque gooey layer that holds the bars together beautifully.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzled for extra richness and that signature sticky-sweet flavor you crave in these bars.
- Toffee Bits: They add a buttery crunch in every bite and keep things exciting.
- Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips: You get pockets of melty chocolate that balance all the other sweet elements without being overwhelming.
How to Make Better Than Anything Bars
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat
To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan, or better yet, line it with parchment paper so you can lift out the bars effortlessly after baking. This little step pays off big when it’s time to slice and serve.
Step 2: Mix the Chocolate Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix with the melted butter and a large egg. Stir it up until you have a thick, cohesive dough. This forms the base and top of your Better Than Anything Bars, and it truly couldn’t be easier. If it seems a bit sticky, that’s exactly how it should be.
Step 3: Press and Bake the Base
Press roughly two-thirds of the dough into the bottom of your prepared pan, spreading it into an even layer. It might take a little nudging with your fingers or a spatula, but don’t worry — it doesn’t need to be perfect. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 10 minutes, just until it’s set but not fully baked.
Step 4: Layer on the Good Stuff
Once the partially-baked base is ready, take it out and pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the warm crust. Next, drizzle your caramel sauce right on top, letting it create lovely ripples. Sprinkle on the toffee bits and chocolate chips, making sure you get coverage from corner to corner for that signature layered effect.
Step 5: Crumble and Bake Again
With the remaining dough, pinch off small pieces and scatter them over the caramel-chocolate-toffee layer. It won’t cover the filling entirely, and that’s the charm — it lets those gooey pockets peek through! Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25 to 28 minutes, until the top is set and the bars look golden around the edges.
Step 6: Cool, Chill, and Drizzle
Resist the urge to dive in right away! Let your Better Than Anything Bars cool completely in the pan. For perfect clean slices, refrigerate the pan for at least an hour — this helps the layers firm up. Before serving, drizzle with extra caramel if you want to take things totally over the top.
How to Serve Better Than Anything Bars
Garnishes
To make these bars truly irresistible, try sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt on top after the final caramel drizzle. A handful of extra toffee bits or a dusting of cocoa powder also makes them look bakery-worthy with zero fuss.
Side Dishes
Better Than Anything Bars are pretty rich on their own, but they pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. If you want to round things out for a dessert table, fresh strawberries add a bright and juicy contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the bars on a tiered stand, arrange them in colorful cupcake wrappers, or even cut them into bite-sized squares for a party platter. If you’re gifting, stack a few bars in a bakery box tied with twine — they hold up well for sharing and gifting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Better Than Anything Bars keep wonderfully in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container with parchment between layers, and they’ll stay fresh (and less sticky) for up to 5 days.
Freezing
You can freeze these bars for up to a month, making them ideal for prep-ahead parties or a last-minute treat craving. To freeze, separate layers with parchment paper and seal tightly. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture.
Reheating
If you love that warm, gooey center, you can microwave individual bars for about 10–15 seconds. This melts the chocolate and makes the caramel especially dreamy — just be careful not to overheat!
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely! While chocolate cake mix is classic for Better Than Anything Bars, you can experiment with German chocolate, devil’s food, or even a yellow cake base for a different twist.
Are there any nut-free alternatives for the toffee bits?
Most store-bought toffee bits are nut-free, but always check the label. If you’re accommodating allergies, you can swap in mini pretzels, crisped rice cereal, or omit entirely — the bars will still be decadent and delicious.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute your favorite gluten-free chocolate cake mix in place of the regular one. The other ingredients in these Better Than Anything Bars are typically gluten-free, but double-check your mix and toppings just to be sure.
How do I cut the bars cleanly?
For neat, bakery-worthy edges, chill the bars until firm, then use a sharp knife (wiping it clean between cuts). You can run the knife under hot water to make slicing even easier.
What’s the best way to transport these for a party?
Let the bars chill completely before cutting and packing them in a lidded container with parchment layers. They hold up very well, and chilling keeps them sturdy for travel.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something decadent, simple, and guaranteed to impress, give these Better Than Anything Bars a try! They’re that perfect combination of gooey, crunchy, chocolatey, and absolutely unforgettable. I hope you fall in love with them as much as I have — happy baking!
Print
Better Than Anything Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these Better Than Anything Bars for a decadent treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate, caramel, and toffee in one delicious dessert.
Ingredients
Cake Base:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
Toppings:
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- 1/2 cup toffee bits
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix Cake Base: In a large bowl, combine cake mix, melted butter, and egg to form a thick dough.
- Layer and Bake: Press two-thirds of the dough into the pan, bake for 10 minutes, then add condensed milk, caramel sauce, toffee bits, and chocolate chips. Crumble remaining dough on top.
- Bake Again: Bake for 25–28 minutes until set and golden. Cool, drizzle with caramel, chill, and slice.
Notes
- For a richer taste, use dark chocolate chips or sprinkle sea salt on top.
- Store bars in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for a month.
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