Better Than Anything Bars Recipe

Introduction

Better Than Anything Bars combine a rich, buttery cookie base with gooey caramel and chocolate for an irresistible treat. These layered bars are easy to make and perfect for any occasion when you want a sweet indulgence.

Ingredients

• 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
• 14 ounces caramels, unwrapped
• 5 ounces canned evaporated milk
• 1/2 cup peanut butter

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9″x13″ baking pan by spraying it generously with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar using a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Step 5: Fold in the chocolate chips by hand or with your mixer until the dough is thick and slightly sticky.
6. Step 6: Spread half of the cookie dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until just set and lightly golden around the edges.
7. Step 7: While the dough bakes, prepare the caramel sauce. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the unwrapped caramels and evaporated milk.
8. Step 8: Microwave the mixture on medium power (power level 5) for 1-2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds until fully melted and smooth.
9. Step 9: Stir in the peanut butter until completely incorporated, forming a creamy caramel sauce.
10. Step 10: Remove the partially baked cookie layer from the oven. Pour the caramel sauce evenly over the top and spread with a spatula.
11. Step 11: Drop the remaining cookie dough by teaspoonfuls onto the caramel layer. It’s okay if the caramel peeks through.
12. Step 12: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 17-20 minutes, until the top dough is golden and caramel is bubbling.
13. Step 13: Let the bars cool completely in the pan to allow the caramel to set. Once cooled, slice into squares and serve.

Tips & Variations

• Use semi-sweet chocolate chips for a less sweet and more balanced chocolate flavor.
• Swap peanut butter for almond butter if you prefer a different nutty note or have allergies.
• For an extra crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts on top before baking the second layer.
• Make sure not to overbake; the bars should be golden but still soft in the center for the perfect chewy texture.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. To enjoy, bring to room temperature or warm slightly in the microwave for about 10 seconds to soften the caramel before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to prevent the bars from becoming too salty.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! They store well and can even be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Better Than Anything Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 133 reviews

Better Than Anything Bars are a decadent layered dessert bar featuring a rich, buttery cookie base, a gooey peanut butter caramel center, and melty chocolate chips. These bars combine multiple textures and flavors—from the tender cookie to the creamy caramel and sweet chocolate—for an indulgent treat perfect for gatherings or satisfying a sweet tooth.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 24 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Dough

• 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 caramels, unwrapped
• 5 ounces canned evaporated milk
• 1/2 cup peanut butter

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9″x13″ baking pan by spraying it generously with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar on medium-high speed with a hand or stand mixer until the mixture is light, fluffy, and fully combined, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in vanilla extract until the dough comes together smoothly.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
5. Fold in Chocolate Chips: Carefully fold 2 cups of milk or semi-sweet chocolate chips into the cookie dough by hand or with your mixer on low speed, ensuring an even distribution.
6. Bake First Cookie Layer: Spread half of the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until the edges look lightly golden but the center is set.
7. Prepare Caramel Sauce: While the first layer bakes, combine unwrapped caramels and evaporated milk in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at power level 5 in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until completely melted and smooth.
8. Add Peanut Butter to Caramel: Stir the peanut butter into the warm caramel mixture until fully integrated, forming a creamy, nutty caramel sauce.
9. Layer Caramel Sauce: Remove the cookie base from the oven and evenly pour the caramel sauce over it, spreading gently with a spatula to cover the entire surface.
10. Add Second Cookie Layer: Drop spoonfuls of the remaining cookie dough by teaspoonfuls over the caramel layer. It’s okay if the dough doesn’t fully cover the caramel; gaps will create delightful pockets of caramel and chocolate.
11. Bake Fully Assembled Bars: Return the baking pan to the oven and bake for an additional 17-20 minutes until the top cookie layer is golden brown and the caramel is bubbling around the edges.
12. Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan so the caramel can set properly. Once cool, use a sharp knife to cut the bars into even squares for serving.

Notes

• Use softened butter at room temperature for easier creaming and better texture.
• Microwaving caramels slowly in intervals and stirring ensures smooth sauce without burning.
• Peanut butter adds a savory balance to the sweet caramel—feel free to use creamy or natural peanut butter.
• The bars are best cooled completely for clean slices and to allow the caramel to firm up.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Keywords: Better Than Anything Bars, caramel bars, peanut butter caramel bars, chocolate chip bars, layered dessert bars, easy bake dessert