Indulge in Sweet Decadence: Better Than Anything Bars Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that combines all your favorite indulgent flavors into one irresistible treat, look no further than Better Than Anything Bars. These bars are a perfect blend of gooey caramel, creamy peanut butter, and rich chocolate, all sandwiched between a golden cookie dough crust. They’re an ideal choice for everything from after-school snacks to date night desserts or even during a family game night. These bars are aptly named because, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked for good!

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The combination of flavors and textures in Better Than Anything Bars is pure perfection. The cookie dough base is soft and slightly chewy, providing the perfect foundation for the rich and smooth caramel sauce. The addition of peanut butter adds a comforting, nutty creaminess, and the semi-sweet chocolate chips give these bars a decadent finish. Each bite will have you savoring the balance of sweetness and saltiness, making it hard to resist just one more square. The best part? They’re simple to make and sure to please crowds, making them a go-to recipe for any occasion.

Ingredients for Better Than Anything Bars

Before you get started, gather the following ingredients. They are all easy-to-find and come together quickly to create these irresistible bars.

For the Bars:

• 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

For the Caramel Sauce:

• 14 ounces of caramels, unwrapped (or 14 ounces of caramel bits)
• 5 ounces canned evaporated milk (note: do not use the whole can if it’s larger than 5 ounces)
• 1/2 cup peanut butter

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cookie Dough Base: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9″x13″ baking pan with cooking spray to ensure the bars come out easily. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes of mixing.
2. Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition until just blended. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until combined.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. The dough will be thick but manageable.
4. Mix in the Chocolate Chips: Fold the chocolate chips into the dough. You can use a mixer on low speed, but it’s best to finish mixing by hand to avoid overworking the dough.
5. Bake the First Layer: Scoop half of the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan. Spread it evenly in the bottom of the pan to create a smooth layer. Bake this first layer for 8-10 minutes, or until it is lightly golden but not fully set.
6. Make the Caramel Sauce: While the dough bakes, prepare the caramel sauce. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramels and evaporated milk. Heat the mixture in the microwave on power level 5 (medium heat) for 1-2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds to ensure it melts evenly. If necessary, continue microwaving in 30-second increments until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
7. Add Peanut Butter to the Caramel: Once the caramel and milk are well combined, stir in the peanut butter. Mix until the peanut butter is fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth.
8. Assemble the Bars: Once the first layer of cookie dough has baked and slightly cooled, spread the warm caramel mixture evenly over it. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining cookie dough over the caramel layer. Don’t worry if it doesn’t completely cover the caramel; the dough will spread as it bakes.
9. Finish Baking: Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 17-20 minutes, or until the remaining dough is golden brown and cooked through. The bars should look set and slightly firm to the touch.
10. Cool and Serve: Let the bars cool in the pan on a wire rack. Once cool, slice them into squares and serve. These bars are rich, so smaller pieces are ideal for sharing!

Tips for Success:

• Don’t Overmix the Dough: When adding the eggs to the dough, mix just until they’re incorporated. Overmixing can introduce air into the dough, causing the bars to bake unevenly or become too puffy.
• Customize with Different Chips: Feel free to experiment with different kinds of chocolate chips (dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even peanut butter chips) to give the bars a personalized twist.
• Perfecting the Caramel Sauce: If you find the caramel sauce too thick, you can add a little extra evaporated milk to thin it out. Just be sure it’s still thick enough to coat the dough without running off.
• Add More Toppings: If you’re feeling extra indulgent, sprinkle some chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, over the caramel before baking for added texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions: Better Than Anything Bars are a dessert that stands on its own, but they can also be paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of extra caramel sauce for an over-the-top treat. These bars are perfect for parties, family gatherings, or as a sweet treat to enjoy during a cozy night in. The rich and gooey caramel combined with the soft chocolate chip base makes them an instant crowd-pleaser, and they’re sure to be the star of any dessert spread.

Why You’ll Love These Bars:

There’s no question that Better Than Anything Bars live up to their name. With layers of creamy peanut butter caramel, gooey chocolate, and a perfectly chewy cookie base, they deliver everything you could want in a dessert. The combination of sweet and salty, soft and slightly crunchy, makes for a satisfying dessert that is both comforting and indulgent. Perfect for any occasion, these bars will have everyone reaching for seconds.

From the first bite to the last, Better Than Anything Bars are truly irresistible. The rich flavors and textures blend perfectly, creating a dessert that is perfect for sharing or savoring solo. With minimal effort and just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a dessert that’s bound to become a favorite for years to come.

Conclusion:

Better Than Anything Bars are more than just a dessert; they’re an experience. From the rich caramel sauce to the chocolate chips and peanut butter, each bite is a delicious reminder of why we love indulgent treats. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or simply for an after-dinner treat, these bars will not disappoint. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let yourself indulge in a truly sweet experience. Enjoy every bite, and share the love with those around you!