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Heavenly Better Than Anything Bars

Seriously out-of-this-world good, these Better Than Anything Bars are a crowd-pleasing dessert perfect for any occasion. With layers of chocolatey crust, gooey caramel, and crunchy toffee, they're ridiculously easy to whip up and disappear in minutes!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 box chocolate cake mix Any brand works!
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk 14 oz
  • 1 jar caramel sauce 12 oz, your favorite store-bought kind
  • 1 cup crushed toffee bits such as Heath
  • 1.5 cups whipped topping or whipped cream
  • 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips optional

Equipment

  • Large bowl
  • 9x13-inch Baking Dish
  • Wire rack

Method
 

  1. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. 2. In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix and melted butter. Stir until a thick, crumbly dough forms.
  3. 3. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  4. 4. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, until set and edges look dry.
  5. 5. Carefully remove the dish from the oven. While still warm, evenly pour the sweetened condensed milk and the caramel sauce over the crust.
  6. 6. Sprinkle about half of the crushed toffee bits over the caramel layer.
  7. 7. Return the dish to the oven for just 10 more minutes to help the layers meld.
  8. 8. Let the bars cool completely on a wire rack.
  9. 9. Once cool, spread the whipped topping evenly over the caramel layer.
  10. 10. Sprinkle the remaining toffee bits and mini chocolate chips (if using) over the whipped topping.
  11. 11. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set up before slicing.

Notes

Tips for Success: Don't skip the cooling time before adding whipped topping or chilling before slicing. Grease your 9x13 dish thoroughly. Press the crust dough evenly. Any plain toffee bits work; avoid chocolate-covered for the baked layer. Store-bought whipped topping is more stable than fresh whipped cream for storage.
Storage: Store leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep cool due to the whipped topping layer. To freeze, freeze the base layers (crust, condensed milk, caramel, baked toffee) wrapped tightly, then add whipped topping and garnish after thawing.
Substitutions & Additions: Try yellow or devil's food cake mix. Add chopped pecans, walnuts, shredded coconut, or other crushed candy like Reese's or M&M's. Swirl warmed peanut butter or hot fudge sauce into the caramel layer.