Name: Better Than Anything Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 16
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 cup caramel sauce; 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (optional, for topping); Tools:; 9x13-inch baking dish; Mixing bowls; Hand mixer or stand mixer; Spatula; Parchment paper (for easy removal)

Better Than Anything Bars

There’s nothing quite like the joy of baking something so irresistibly good that your family practically lines up at the oven, waiting for it to cool. That’s exactly how it is every time I make these Better Than Anything Bars.

The first time I made these, I was on a mission to create the ultimate indulgent dessert—something with gooey caramel, rich chocolate, and the perfect soft yet chewy cookie texture. I had tried other recipes, but none hit that perfect balance of sweet, salty, and melt-in-your-mouth goodness. So, after a few tweaks and plenty of taste testing (my kids certainly didn’t complain), I landed on this heavenly combination.

Every time I pull these bars out of the oven, I know they won’t last long. My husband calls them “dangerous” because you can’t stop at just one. My kids? They practically beg for them every weekend. Even when I bring them to potlucks or school events, they disappear within minutes. One friend even joked that I should start a bakery and sell just these!

This recipe is simple enough to whip up on a busy weeknight yet impressive enough to serve for a special occasion. And the best part? You only need a handful of pantry staples. Whether you’re making them for a party, a family gathering, or just because you need a sweet pick-me-up, these bars will never disappoint. Let’s get baking!

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe

Can I make these ahead of time? Absolutely! These bars taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze these bars? Yes! Cut them into squares, wrap them individually in plastic wrap, and store them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Can I use store-bought caramel? Of course! While homemade caramel adds an extra rich flavor, store-bought caramel sauce works just as well and saves time.

Do I have to use chocolate chips? Not at all! You can switch it up with white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or even peanut butter chips for a fun twist.

What You Need to Make Better Than Anything Bars

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

1 cup brown sugar, packed

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 cup caramel sauce

1/2 teaspoon sea salt (optional, for topping)

Tools:

9×13-inch baking dish

Mixing bowls

Hand mixer or stand mixer

Spatula

Parchment paper (for easy removal)

How to Make Better Than Anything Bars

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.

Mix the dry ingredients. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Cream the butter and sugars. In a large bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Add eggs and vanilla. Mix in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

Incorporate the dry ingredients. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.

Fold in the chocolate chips. Stir until evenly distributed.

Assemble the layers. Spread half of the dough into the baking dish, then drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the top.

Top with remaining dough. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the caramel and gently spread it to cover.

Bake. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Let cool completely before cutting.

Tips for Making the Best Better Than Anything Bars

Don’t overbake! The bars will continue to set as they cool, so take them out when the edges are golden but the center is still slightly soft.

Use high-quality caramel. Whether homemade or store-bought, a thick, rich caramel makes all the difference.

Add a sprinkle of sea salt. A light dusting of sea salt enhances the caramel’s flavor and balances the sweetness.

For easier cutting, chill before slicing. Let the bars set in the fridge for 30 minutes before cutting for clean, even squares.

Reader Reviews

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Made these for a family gathering, and they were a HUGE hit! Everyone wanted the recipe.” – Emily K.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I loved how easy these were to make. The caramel filling is so gooey and delicious!” – Sarah J.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Great recipe, but next time I’ll add some nuts for a little crunch!” – Mark T.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “These are dangerous! I couldn’t stop at just one. My new go-to dessert!” – Rachel M.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Tastes amazing, but they were a bit too sweet for me. I’ll try using dark chocolate next time.” – Lisa P.

Printable Recipe

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