If you’re looking for a dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate, caramel, and a buttery, cookie-like base, look no further than Better Than Anything Bars. These irresistible bars are a crowd favorite for a reason—each bite is a deliciously indulgent experience. With layers of rich caramel sauce, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and a sprinkle of sea salt, they truly live up to their name. Whether you’re preparing them for a family gathering, a special occasion, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, these bars will quickly become your go-to dessert.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making these Better Than Anything Bars. From the ingredients to step-by-step instructions, tips for perfecting the recipe, and more, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into the world of these decadent treats!
What Are Better Than Anything Bars?
Better Than Anything Bars are essentially a decadent dessert bar made with a buttery cookie dough base, topped with semi-sweet chocolate chips, gooey caramel sauce, and an optional sprinkle of sea salt. The result is a deliciously chewy and melt-in-your-mouth treat that combines everything you love about cookies and candy.
It’s a dessert that combines elements of several favorite treats—chocolate chip cookies, caramel bars, and salted caramel. Perfect for sharing at gatherings, these bars are always a hit thanks to their balance of sweetness and a touch of salty goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Better Than Anything Bars
Before you get started, let’s gather all the ingredients needed to make these mouthwatering bars. Here’s what you’ll need:
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2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of your dough, providing structure and texture.
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1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the dough rise slightly, giving the bars their soft texture.
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1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
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1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture to the dough.
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1 cup brown sugar, packed: Contributes sweetness and a slight caramel flavor.
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1/2 cup granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness and helps achieve the perfect consistency.
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2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and help with structure.
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds a lovely depth of flavor.
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2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips: The main chocolate component of the bars.
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1 cup caramel sauce: Provides the gooey, rich caramel layer.
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1/2 teaspoon sea salt (optional, for topping): Adds a delightful touch of salty contrast to the sweet caramel.
How to Make Better Than Anything Bars: Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Better Than Anything Bars is incredibly simple, and the results are so rewarding. Follow these easy steps to bake up a batch of these delicious treats:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bars bake evenly and reach the perfect golden brown hue. While the oven heats up, you can prepare your baking dish and the dough.
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to ensure the bars won’t stick. Alternatively, you can line the dish with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set the bowl aside while you work on the wet ingredients. This step ensures the dry ingredients are evenly combined, preventing clumps when mixing with the butter and sugar.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat the mixture on medium speed until it’s light and fluffy—this typically takes about 2-3 minutes. Creaming the butter and sugar together properly helps create the soft texture of the bars.
Step 5: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. This step ensures that your dough is smooth and evenly flavored.
Step 6: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense bars. Once the flour mixture is incorporated, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. The chocolate chips will melt slightly during baking, creating pockets of gooey chocolate in every bite.
Step 7: Layer the Dough in the Pan
Press half of the dough mixture into the bottom of your prepared 9×13-inch pan. Make sure it’s spread evenly, creating a solid base for the caramel sauce.
Step 8: Add the Caramel Sauce
Next, spread 1 cup of caramel sauce evenly over the dough layer. Use a spoon or spatula to ensure it covers the entire surface. The caramel will melt into the dough as it bakes, adding that signature gooey texture.
Step 9: Top with the Remaining Dough
Spoon the remaining dough over the caramel layer in dollops, gently spreading it to cover the caramel. It’s okay if the dough doesn’t cover everything perfectly—it will spread as it bakes.
Step 10: Bake the Bars
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake, as this could dry out the bars.
Step 11: Cool and Slice
Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan. This allows the caramel to firm up a little, making the bars easier to slice. Once cooled, slice them into squares or bars, depending on your preference.
Step 12: Add Sea Salt (Optional)
For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle sea salt on top of the bars just before serving. The salty contrast enhances the sweetness of the caramel and chocolate, creating a more balanced and delicious treat.
Tips for Perfect Better Than Anything Bars
1. Use Softened Butter
Ensure the butter is softened before mixing it with the sugars. This will help create a smooth and creamy mixture, resulting in a soft and chewy texture in the finished bars.
2. Don’t Overmix the Dough
Overmixing the dough can lead to dense bars. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated and the dough comes together.
3. Use High-Quality Caramel Sauce
The caramel sauce is the star of these bars, so choose a high-quality sauce for the best flavor. You can make homemade caramel sauce if you’re feeling adventurous or use a store-bought variety for convenience.
4. Adjust the Salt
If you love the sweet and salty flavor combination, don’t skip the sea salt on top. It adds an extra layer of flavor that perfectly complements the caramel.
5. Customize with Add-Ins
Feel free to add other mix-ins like chopped nuts, toffee bits, or even a swirl of peanut butter for a unique twist on these bars.
Why You’ll Love Better Than Anything Bars
Better Than Anything Bars are the ultimate treat for anyone with a sweet tooth. The rich layers of buttery cookie dough, gooey caramel, and melty chocolate come together to create a dessert that’s truly irresistible. These bars are perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, a family get-together, or just enjoying a cozy evening at home.
What makes them even more appealing is how easy they are to make. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll have a batch of these decadent bars ready in no time.
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FAQs for Better Than Anything Bars
1. Can I make Better Than Anything Bars ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare these bars a day in advance. Simply bake, cool, and store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days.
2. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
It’s best to use unsalted butter in this recipe to control the salt content. If you only have salted butter, reduce the added salt in the recipe by half.
3. Can I use a different type of caramel sauce?
Yes, you can use homemade caramel sauce or a store-bought version. Just ensure the sauce is smooth and pourable for even distribution.
4. How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when the top is golden brown and set. You can test by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Be sure not to overbake for the best texture!
Final Thoughts
There you have it—the ultimate recipe for Better Than Anything Bars. With their rich, gooey texture and a perfect balance of chocolate and caramel, these bars are bound to become your new favorite dessert. Whether you’re making them for a party or just to enjoy with your loved ones, they’re sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to indulge in one of the most satisfying desserts you’ll ever make!
This recipe is guaranteed to be a hit and will leave everyone asking for the recipe. Enjoy these irresistible Better Than Anything Bars and make sure to share them with friends and family—though you might just want to keep them all to yourself!
Print
Better Than Anything Bars – Gooey, Chocolatey Bliss
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Rich, chewy, and loaded with gooey caramel and melty chocolate chips, these Better Than Anything Bars are the ultimate dessert indulgence! With layers of sweet cookie dough and ribbons of caramel, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
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2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup brown sugar, packed
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
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1 cup caramel sauce
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1/2 teaspoon sea salt (optional, for topping)
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line with parchment.
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Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
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Cream butter and sugars until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
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Combine wet and dry: Gradually mix in the flour blend. Fold in chocolate chips.
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Layer it up: Press half the dough into the pan. Spread caramel sauce evenly.
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Top and bake: Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the caramel. Gently spread.
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Bake 30–35 mins, until golden brown. Cool completely.
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Sprinkle with sea salt if using, slice, and enjoy!
Notes
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Don’t overbake—slightly underdone keeps the bars chewy and soft.
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Want a saltier finish? Use flaked sea salt on top after cooling.
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Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 245 kcal
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Better Than Anything Bars, chocolate caramel bars, easy dessert bars, cookie bar recipe