There’s something magical about making a dessert that has everyone lining up for seconds before the first bite has even cooled. That’s exactly how it feels when I bake these Better Than Anything Bars.
The first time I tried better than anything bars recipe, I was blown away by the gooey caramel, melty chocolate, and buttery cookie layers. I couldn’t believe how easy it was to make something this delicious. Everyone in my family went wild for them—even my picky eater!
These bars have since become my go-to dessert for celebrations, potlucks, or simply as a weekend treat. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll understand why they’re called “Better Than Anything.
Looking for more irresistible recipes? Check out this amazing Cajun Shrimp Deviled Eggs Recipe for your next appetizer idea!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to bake these incredible bars. Each ingredient plays a key role in bringing out that gooey, chewy perfection:
- All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups)
Provides the structure of the bars. Be sure to measure it correctly by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off. - Baking soda (1 teaspoon)
This leavening agent helps the bars rise slightly, giving them the perfect texture. - Salt (1/2 teaspoon)
A pinch of salt balances the sweetness beautifully. - Unsalted butter, softened (1 cup or 2 sticks)
Softened butter blends easily into the batter, giving it a rich and creamy base. - Packed brown sugar (1 cup)
Adds moisture and a deep caramel-like flavor to the bars. - Granulated sugar (1/2 cup)
Balances out the sweetness while helping the edges caramelize. - Large eggs (2)
Acts as a binder and adds richness. - Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons)
Enhances all the flavors in the recipe. - Semi-sweet chocolate chips (2 cups)
Provide melty, chocolaty goodness in every bite. - Caramel sauce (1 cup)
This is the gooey heart of the recipe. Choose high-quality caramel or make your own for the best flavor. - Sea salt (1/2 teaspoon, optional)
Sprinkle on top for a touch of salty-sweet magic.
Note: This recipe makes about 12 to 15 bars, depending on the size you cut them.
Delicious Variations to Try
Want to switch things up? These variations will help you make the recipe your own:
- Dairy-free option: Swap the butter for plant-based butter and use dairy-free chocolate chips. Check the caramel sauce for hidden dairy, too!
- Sugar-free twist: Use granulated monk fruit sweetener and sugar-free caramel sauce for a lower-sugar treat.
- Nutty crunch: Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for a delicious crunch.
- Extra chocolatey: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the bars after baking.
- Peanut butter lover’s dream: Replace 1/2 cup of the caramel sauce with peanut butter for a rich and nutty twist.
Cooking Time
This recipe doesn’t take long to prepare, making it an excellent choice for busy bakers. Here’s a quick breakdown of the time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Equipment You’ll Need
Gather these tools before you get started:
- 9×13-inch baking dish: Perfect for even baking and cutting bars into squares.
- Mixing bowls: You’ll need a couple for your dry and wet ingredients.
- Hand mixer or stand mixer: Essential for creaming the butter and sugars together.
- Spatula: Great for folding and spreading the batter evenly.
- Parchment paper: Makes removing the bars from the dish a breeze.
How to Make Better Than Anything Bars
Baking these bars couldn’t be easier. Just follow these steps for sweet success.
Preheat the oven
Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking dish with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Prepare the dry ingredients
Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium-sized bowl. Set this mixture aside for later.
Cream the butter and sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar together. Mix until the mixture is light and fluffy—this step traps air and ensures tender bars.
Add the eggs and vanilla
Mix in the eggs one at a time for even distribution. Stir in the vanilla extract to add that warm, comforting flavor.
Combine wet and dry ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined. Don’t overmix, as this can make the bars dense.
Fold in the chocolate chips
Gently stir in the chocolate chips, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Layer it up
Spread half the batter into the prepared baking dish. Then drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the top of the batter.
Add the final layer
Drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter on top of the caramel. Use a spatula to spread it gently and cover most of the surface.
Bake to perfection
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are golden and the center looks set. Allow the bars to cool completely in the dish before slicing.
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
After making this recipe a few times, I’ve picked up a few tricks to make it even better:
- Don’t skip the parchment paper! It makes removing the bars so much easier.
- Chill before slicing: For neat, clean cuts, chill the bars in the fridge for about 30 minutes before slicing.
- Use thick caramel sauce: A high-quality, thick caramel sauce stays gooier and doesn’t spread too much.
- Slight underbaking is key: Pull the bars out of the oven while the center still looks slightly soft. They’ll set up as they cool!
- Experiment with toppings: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt really brings out the flavors.
How to Serve Better Than Anything Bars
These bars are a showstopper on their own, but here are a few presentation tips to make them look even better:
- Serve them on a cake stand or dessert platter for a party-ready look.
- Dust the tops with powdered sugar for a simple decorative touch.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick nutrition breakdown of these irresistible bars (per serving):
- Calories: ~380
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fat: 18g
How to store the bars?
These bars are just as delicious days later. Here’s how to store them:
- To store: Keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- To freeze: Cut the bars into individual portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- To reheat: Allow frozen bars to thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave if you prefer them gooey.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to fall in love with these bars! Here are just a few:
- Simple to make: Basic pantry staples come together to create magic.
- Rich flavors: The perfect balance of sweet, salty, chewy, and gooey.
- Customizable: Easily adjust with variations to suit your taste.
- Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for parties, potlucks, or even as a cozy treat at home.
FAQs
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking mix.
What kind of caramel sauce works best?
Using a thick, high-quality caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought) is ideal for gooey layers.
Can the sugar be reduced?
You can cut back slightly, but the sweetness balances the caramel and chocolate flavors.
How can I keep the bars from sticking to the dish?
Lining your baking dish with parchment paper is the best way to ensure the bars lift out cleanly.