Print

Better Than Anything Bars Recipe

Better Than Anything Bars Recipe
Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 9 reviews

Better Than Anything Bars are a decadent treat combining a buttery cookie base layered with a luscious caramel-peanut butter sauce and studded with rich chocolate chips. These bars offer a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors with a chewy, gooey texture that makes them irresistible for dessert lovers.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough Base

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

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cookie Dough Base: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9″x13″ baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, packed brown sugar, and white sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  2. Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until just blended. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
  3. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. The dough should be thick but manageable.
  4. Mix in the Chocolate Chips: Fold the chocolate chips gently into the dough. Use a mixer on low speed or mix by hand to avoid overworking the dough and maintain its tender texture.
  5. Bake the First Layer: Scoop half of the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly to form a smooth base. Bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden but not fully set.
  6. Make the Caramel Sauce: While the dough bakes, place the unwrapped caramels and evaporated milk in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on medium heat (power level 5) in 30-second intervals, stirring frequently until the caramels are fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
  7. Add Peanut Butter to the Caramel: Stir in the peanut butter until the sauce is fully blended and smooth.
  8. Assemble the Bars: Spread the warm caramel sauce evenly over the partially baked cookie dough layer. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining cookie dough over the caramel layer, leaving some caramel exposed as the dough will spread during baking.
  9. Finish Baking: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 17-20 minutes, or until the top dough layer is golden brown and set.
  10. Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing into squares. Serve smaller pieces as these bars are rich and decadent.

Notes

  • Use room temperature butter for easier creaming and better texture.
  • Microwave melting time for caramel may vary depending on your microwave wattage; watch carefully to avoid burning.
  • Peanut butter adds a salty richness but you can substitute with almond butter if preferred.
  • These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
  • For easier slicing, chill the bars slightly before cutting.

Nutrition

Keywords: Better Than Anything Bars, caramel peanut butter bars, chocolate chip bars, easy dessert bars, sweet treats

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