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Easy Better Than Anything Bars Recipe – Gooey Caramel Dessert

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Better Than Anything Bars are loaded with layers of buttery chocolate chip cookie dough, rich caramel, and creamy peanut butter, baked together into an irresistibly gooey dessert bar. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or whenever you want an indulgent sweet treat.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12–16 bars

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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 or semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • Caramel Layer:
  • 14 ounces caramels, unwrapped
  • 5 ounces evaporated milk
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. Cream butter, brown sugar, and white sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix into wet ingredients until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips.
  4. Press half of the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes until lightly set.
  5. Meanwhile, melt caramels and evaporated milk in a microwave-safe bowl at medium power, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth. Stir in peanut butter.
  6. Pour caramel mixture evenly over the partially baked crust.
  7. Drop remaining dough by spoonfuls over the caramel layer.
  8. Bake an additional 17–20 minutes until golden brown and caramel is bubbling.
  9. Cool completely before slicing into bars.

Notes

  • Try dark or white chocolate chips for a flavor twist.
  • Substitute almond butter or sunflower butter if needed.
  • Add chopped nuts for extra crunch.
  • Allow bars to cool fully for clean slicing.
  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian