Name: Better Than Anything Bars: The Ultimate Dessert Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 24 bars
Ingredients: 1 box (18.25 ounces) chocolate cake mix; 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted; 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk; 1 jar (12 ounces) caramel topping; 1 container (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed; 6 Heath candy bars (1.4 ounces each), crushed

Better Than Anything Bars: the name alone promises a decadent treat, and trust me, these bars deliver! Have you ever craved a dessert that's intensely chocolatey, irresistibly gooey, and surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further. These bars are the answer to your sweet tooth prayers, and I'm thrilled to share my foolproof recipe with you.

While the exact origins of Better Than Anything Bars are shrouded in a bit of mystery, their popularity exploded in the mid-20th century, becoming a potluck and bake sale staple across America. The beauty of this dessert lies in its simplicity and the clever combination of readily available ingredients. It's a testament to how a few pantry staples can transform into something truly extraordinary.

What makes these bars so beloved? It's the symphony of textures and flavors! The moist chocolate cake base, the luscious caramel and condensed milk soaking, the creamy whipped topping, and the crunchy candy bar pieces create an unforgettable experience. Each bite is a delightful contrast of soft and chewy, sweet and slightly salty. Plus, they are incredibly convenient to make, requiring minimal effort and baking time. Whether you're looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert for a party or a comforting treat for yourself, these Better Than Anything Bars are guaranteed to be a hit!

Ingredients:

1 box (18.25 ounces) chocolate cake mix
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 jar (12 ounces) caramel topping
1 container (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed
6 Heath candy bars (1.4 ounces each), crushed

Preparing the Cake Base:

Okay, let's get started with the foundation of these amazing bars – the cake base! This is super simple, but it's important to get it right for the perfect texture.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial! Make sure your oven is properly preheated before you even think about putting the cake in. A consistent temperature is key to even baking.
Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. I like to use baking spray with flour in it, but you can also grease it with butter or shortening and then dust it with flour. This will prevent the cake from sticking and make it easy to remove the bars later. Trust me, you don't want to skip this step!
In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix and melted butter. Make sure the butter is completely melted, but not hot. Hot butter can start to cook the cake mix and mess with the texture. Mix it all together until it's well combined and resembles wet sand. It might seem a little dry at first, but keep mixing!
Press the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to evenly distribute the cake mixture across the bottom of the pan. You want it to be a nice, even layer. Don't worry about making it perfect, but try to avoid any really thin spots.
Bake for 20 minutes. Keep a close eye on it! You want the cake to be set and slightly golden brown around the edges. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, or with just a few moist crumbs. Don't overbake it, or the bars will be dry.
Let the cake cool completely. This is important! Don't rush this step. The cake needs to be completely cool before you add the next layers, or the sweetened condensed milk and caramel will melt and make a mess. I usually let it cool on a wire rack for at least an hour.

Adding the Sweet Layers:

Now for the fun part – layering on all the deliciousness! This is where the "Better Than Anything" magic really happens.

Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the cooled cake. Make sure to spread it all the way to the edges. The sweetened condensed milk will soak into the cake and make it incredibly moist and decadent.
Drizzle the caramel topping evenly over the sweetened condensed milk. Again, spread it to the edges. I like to warm the caramel topping slightly in the microwave (about 30 seconds) to make it easier to drizzle.
Let the bars cool in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the sweetened condensed milk and caramel to set up a bit, which will make it easier to spread the whipped topping.

Finishing Touches:

Almost there! Just a few more steps and you'll be enjoying these irresistible bars.

Spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the caramel layer. Be gentle! You don't want to disturb the caramel layer too much. I like to use an offset spatula for this, but a regular spoon will work just fine.
Sprinkle the crushed Heath candy bars evenly over the whipped topping. This adds a delicious crunch and a hint of toffee flavor. If you can't find Heath bars, you can use any other toffee candy bar.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the whipped topping to set up and the flavors to meld together. The longer you refrigerate them, the better they will taste!

Tips and Variations:

Want to customize your Better Than Anything Bars? Here are a few ideas:

Use a different flavor of cake mix. Yellow cake, white cake, or even red velvet cake would all be delicious.
Try a different kind of candy bar. Snickers, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, or even chopped Oreos would be great additions.
Add a layer of chocolate chips. Sprinkle chocolate chips over the sweetened condensed milk before adding the caramel.
Drizzle with melted chocolate. After adding the crushed candy bars, drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra touch of decadence.
Make it a peanut butter version. Use a peanut butter cake mix and drizzle peanut butter over the sweetened condensed milk before adding the caramel. Top with chopped Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.
Add a sprinkle of sea salt. A little bit of sea salt on top of the caramel can really enhance the flavors.
For a richer flavor, use salted butter. The saltiness complements the sweetness of the other ingredients.
If you don't have Heath bars, toffee bits work great too! They provide the same toffee flavor and crunch.
Make sure your whipped topping is fully thawed before spreading. This will ensure a smooth and even layer.
Cut the bars into squares or rectangles. The size is up to you! I usually cut them into about 2-inch squares.

Storage Instructions:

These bars are best stored in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 3 days. After that, the whipped topping may start to weep a little, but they will still taste delicious!

Serving Suggestions:

These bars are perfect for potlucks, parties, or any time you need a sweet treat. They are also great for gift-giving! Just wrap them up in a pretty box or tin.

Enjoy your Better Than Anything Bars! I hope you love them as much as I do!

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! These Better Than Anything Bars are truly deserving of their name. They're rich, decadent, and unbelievably easy to make, making them the perfect treat for any occasion, or honestly, just because! The combination of textures – the crunchy base, the creamy caramel, the smooth chocolate, and that delightful toffee crunch – is simply irresistible. I promise, once you take a bite, you'll understand why everyone raves about them. Why are these bars a must-try? Well, beyond the incredible flavor profile, they're incredibly versatile. Need a dessert for a potluck? These bars are always a hit. Want to impress your friends and family? Whip up a batch of these and watch their faces light up. Craving something sweet after dinner? A small square of these Better Than Anything Bars will definitely satisfy your sweet tooth. Plus, the recipe is so straightforward that even beginner bakers can achieve perfect results. No fancy equipment or complicated techniques required! But the best part? You can easily customize them to your liking!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Ice Cream Topping: Crumble a bar or two over vanilla ice cream for an extra special sundae. The warm ice cream melts the chocolate slightly, creating a truly heavenly experience. * Coffee Companion: Enjoy a small square with your morning coffee or afternoon tea. The rich flavors complement the bitterness of the coffee perfectly. * Holiday Treat: These bars are a fantastic addition to any holiday dessert platter. Their festive appearance and crowd-pleasing flavor make them a guaranteed success. * Nutty Delight: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the caramel layer for an extra layer of texture and flavor. * Salted Caramel Twist: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the chocolate layer before it sets for a delightful salted caramel flavor. * Espresso Infusion: Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the cake mix for a subtle coffee flavor that enhances the chocolate. * Peanut Butter Bliss: Swirl a layer of peanut butter over the caramel before adding the chocolate for a peanut butter cup-inspired version. * White Chocolate Wonder: Substitute white chocolate chips for the semi-sweet chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamier variation. * Mint Chocolate Magic: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the chocolate layer for a refreshing minty twist. I've tried many variations myself, and honestly, they're all delicious! The possibilities are endless, so feel free to experiment and create your own signature version of these amazing bars. I truly believe that these Better Than Anything Bars will become a staple in your recipe collection. They're the perfect combination of ease, flavor, and versatility. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of pure deliciousness! I'm so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you do, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. Let me know what variations you tried, what you thought of the recipe, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. I can't wait to hear all about your baking adventures! Happy baking!