Better Than Anything Bars

Better Than Anything Bars are the perfect dessert for any occasion! Whether you’re hosting a game night, planning a cozy date, or just need a treat after school, these bars deliver on flavor and satisfaction. With layers of rich chocolate, creamy caramel, and a hint of peanut butter, they’re guaranteed to impress everyone at your gathering.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of chocolate, caramel, and peanut butter creates a mouthwatering experience that everyone will love.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, you’ll find this recipe simple enough for beginner bakers.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for any occasion—from birthday parties to casual family dinners—these bars fit right in.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With 20 servings per batch, these bars are ideal for sharing with friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Better Than Anything Bars, gather the necessary tools to make the process smoother. Having the right equipment will help you achieve the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 9×13 baking pan
• Microwave-safe bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: Allows you to combine ingredients thoroughly without mess.
• Electric mixer or whisk: Ensures that your butter and sugars are creamed perfectly for optimal texture.
• Microwave-safe bowl: Ideal for melting caramels smoothly with evaporated milk.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create the delicious Better Than Anything 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
• 14 ounces of caramels, unwrapped (or 14 ounces of caramel bits)
• 5 ounces, canned evaporated milk (Do not use the whole can if your can is larger than 5 ounces – most standard cans are larger than 5 ounces)
• 1/2 cup peanut butter

How to Make Better Than Anything Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your bars bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Spray a 9×13 baking pan with no-stick cooking spray. This prevents the bars from sticking once baked.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a mixing bowl, add the softened butter along with brown sugar and white sugar. Cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract until just combined.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

Add in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix until fully combined for a smooth batter.

Step 6: Stir in Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the chocolate chips using a spatula or mix briefly with your electric mixer until evenly distributed.

Step 7: Bake Half of the Dough

Place half of the cookie dough into your prepared baking pan. Bake for about 8–10 minutes until set but not browned.

Step 8: Prepare Caramel Mixture

While the dough is baking, place unwrapped caramels and evaporated milk into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on power level 5 for 1–2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds until fully melted.

Step 9: Mix in Peanut Butter

Once combined, add peanut butter to caramel mixture. Stir thoroughly until smooth.

Step 10: Assemble Your Bars

Spread the caramel mixture over the baked dough layer evenly. Use teaspoons to drop remaining cookie dough over top.

Step 11: Final Bake

Return to oven and bake for an additional 17–20 minutes or until golden brown on top. Let cool before cutting into squares.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your homemade Better Than Anything Bars! Each bite is filled with delicious layers that will have everyone asking for more.

How to Serve Better Than Anything Bars

Better Than Anything Bars are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, enjoying a cozy night in, or just satisfying a sweet tooth, these bars can be served with some creative twists.

Pair with Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that balances the rich flavors of the bars.
• Chocolate Ice Cream: For chocolate lovers, this combination takes indulgence to the next level.

Drizzle with Sauce

• Caramel Sauce: Enhance the caramel flavor by drizzling warm caramel on top for added richness.
• Chocolate Sauce: A drizzle of chocolate sauce adds an extra layer of sweetness and visual appeal.

Add Fresh Fruit

• Sliced Strawberries: Fresh strawberries provide a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the bars.
• Bananas: Sliced bananas add creaminess and a banana-flavored twist.

Serve with Whipped Cream

• Homemade Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds lightness and creaminess to each bite.
• Flavored Whipped Cream: Consider using vanilla or chocolate-flavored whipped cream for an extra kick.

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How to Perfect Better Than Anything Bars

Perfecting your Better Than Anything Bars is all about attention to detail and small tweaks that enhance flavor and texture. Here are some tips for achieving bar perfection.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix until just combined to maintain tenderness in your bars.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures for even results.
• Let Them Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool fully before cutting to prevent crumbling.
• Store Properly: Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Better Than Anything Bars

While Better Than Anything Bars can stand alone as a delicious dessert, adding side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a light and refreshing contrast to the rich bars.
2. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or gouda for a savory contrast that pairs well with sweets.
3. Coffee or Espresso: A cup of coffee enhances the flavors of the dessert while providing a caffeine boost.
4. Nut Mix: Offer a variety of nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, for a crunchy texture alongside the soft bars.
5. Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: The salty-sweet combination complements the flavors found in Better Than Anything Bars beautifully.
6. Mini Cheesecakes: Individual cheesecakes add variety and richness, perfect for those craving more desserts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Better Than Anything Bars, there are a few common mistakes that can impact the final result. Here are some to watch out for:

• Not preheating the oven: Always preheat your oven before baking to ensure even cooking and the right texture.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough bars. Combine ingredients until just mixed for a softer texture.
• Skipping the caramel preparation: Make sure to melt caramels with evaporated milk properly. If not melted enough, they won’t mix well.
• Using cold butter: Softened butter is key for creaming with sugars. Cold butter won’t incorporate air properly, affecting texture.
• Ignoring baking time: Keep an eye on the bars as they bake. Overbaking can lead to dry bars, while underbaking may leave them gooey.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Better Than Anything Bars in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Better Than Anything Bars

• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container.
• You can freeze them for up to 2 months.

Reheating Better Than Anything Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm bars for about 10 minutes for a fresh taste.
• Microwave: Heat one bar at a time on medium power for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Better Than Anything Bars:

What are Better Than Anything Bars?

Better Than Anything Bars are rich, gooey dessert bars made with chocolate chips, caramel, and peanut butter, perfect for satisfying cravings.

Can I customize my Better Than Anything Bars?

Yes! You can add nuts or swap chocolate chips for white chocolate or dark chocolate for different flavors.

How can I make these bars gluten-free?

To make Better Than Anything Bars gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking.

Are Better Than Anything Bars suitable for special occasions?

Absolutely! These bars are great for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings due to their irresistible flavor.

Final Thoughts

Better Than Anything Bars are a delightful treat that combines chocolate, caramel, and peanut butter into one delicious package. Their versatility allows you to customize them based on your preferences or seasonal ingredients. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to be a hit!

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Better Than Anything Bars

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• Author: Emma
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Makes approximately 20 servings 1x

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Description

Better Than Anything Bars are the ultimate indulgent dessert, combining layers of rich chocolate, creamy caramel, and a hint of peanut butter. Perfect for any occasion—from birthday parties to cozy nights in—these gooey bars are sure to impress your friends and family with their irresistible flavor and satisfying texture. With simple ingredients and easy preparation steps, even beginner bakers can whip up this delicious treat that serves 20. Enjoy them as-is or pair them with ice cream, fresh fruit, or whipped cream for an extra special touch.

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Ingredients

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• 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 chocolate chips (milk or semi-sweet)
• 14 ounces caramels, unwrapped (or caramel bits)
• 5 ounces canned evaporated milk
• 1/2 cup peanut butter

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spray a 9"x13" baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
3. In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract.
5. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt into the mixture until smooth.
6. Fold in chocolate chips gently.
7. Bake half of the dough in the prepared pan for about 8–10 minutes until set but not browned.
8. While baking, melt caramels with evaporated milk in a microwave-safe bowl on low power.
9. Stir in peanut butter until smooth.
10. Spread melted caramel mixture over baked dough and drop remaining cookie dough on top.
11. Bake an additional 17–20 minutes until golden brown. Let cool completely before cutting into squares.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar (45g)
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 30mg