Better Than Anything Bars Recipe: A Deliciously Decadent Dessert

When it comes to desserts that promise to delight and impress with every bite, Better Than Anything Bars rank high on the list. These bars combine the irresistible allure of rich, buttery cookie dough with a gooey layer of sweet caramel and creamy peanut butter, topped off with melting chocolate chips for an indulgent experience. Perfect for any occasion, these bars come together quickly and easily, making them a go-to treat for after-school snacks, game day parties, date nights, or anytime you crave something that’s both sweet and satisfying.

Print

The Appeal of Better Than Anything Bars

What makes Better Than Anything Bars so special? It’s the combination of textures and flavors that makes them truly stand out. The base layer of dough bakes to golden perfection, crisp at the edges but soft and chewy in the middle. When you bite into it, you’re met with the velvety smoothness of caramel sauce, followed by the rich creaminess of peanut butter. The topping of melted chocolate chips adds a familiar sweetness and a slightly gooey texture that pulls everything together into one delightful bar.

As the name suggests, these bars live up to their hype—making them the perfect dessert for those times when you want to treat yourself or impress your guests. Easy to make and even easier to eat, they’re a dessert that will disappear quickly, leaving you with a craving for just one more bite. Let’s break down the ingredients and instructions to make these better-than-anything bars at home.

Ingredients Breakdown for Better Than Anything Bars

Bars:

• 1 cup butter, softened
  Butter is the base of the cookie dough, creating that rich, tender texture that’s essential for the perfect bar.
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  Brown sugar not only adds sweetness but also depth of flavor, with hints of molasses that complement the buttery dough.
• 1/2 cup white sugar
  White sugar helps balance the richness of the brown sugar, ensuring a light and tender texture.
• 2 medium eggs
  Eggs help bind the dough together, providing structure and moisture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  Vanilla brings warmth and complexity, elevating the flavor profile of the dough.
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  Flour is the main dry ingredient, creating the bulk of the dough that holds everything together.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
  This leavening agent helps the bars rise slightly, ensuring a chewy texture.
• 1 teaspoon salt
  Salt helps to balance the sweetness of the dough and enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
• 2 cups milk chocolate chips or semi-sweet chocolate chips
  Chocolate chips provide sweetness and a bit of melt-in-your-mouth goodness, with milk chocolate offering a sweeter, creamier finish.

Caramel Sauce:

• 14 ounces of caramels, unwrapped
  These form the rich, gooey center of the bars. You can use pre-packaged caramels or caramel bits for ease.
• 5 ounces canned evaporated milk
  Evaporated milk adds creaminess and smoothness to the caramel, helping it melt perfectly and maintain its rich texture.
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
  Peanut butter adds a layer of richness and savory flavor that pairs beautifully with the caramel and chocolate.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Better Than Anything Bars

Preparing the Cookie Dough:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
   Begin by preparing your baking pan. Use a 9″x13″ baking pan and spray it generously with non-stick cooking spray. This ensures your bars come out easily after baking.
2. Cream the butter and sugars.
   In a mixing bowl, add the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar. Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer, beat the ingredients together on medium-high speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and fully combined.
3. Add eggs and vanilla.
   Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Once the eggs are incorporated, add the vanilla extract and mix until the dough comes together.
4. Combine dry ingredients.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Stir in the chocolate chips.
   Finally, fold in the chocolate chips by hand or using your mixer. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky.
6. Bake the first layer.
   Place half of the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan. Spread it out evenly to form the first layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until it’s just set and lightly golden around the edges.

Making the Caramel Sauce:

7. Prepare the caramel mixture.
   While the dough is baking, prepare the caramel sauce. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the unwrapped caramels and evaporated milk. Microwave the mixture on power level 5 for 1-2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until the caramels are melted and fully combined with the milk.
8. Add peanut butter.
   Once the caramel is smooth, stir in the peanut butter until completely incorporated. This will create a creamy, nutty caramel sauce that will form the gooey middle layer of the bars.

Assembling the Bars:

9. Layer the caramel sauce.
   Once the first layer of cookie dough is baked, remove the pan from the oven. Carefully pour the prepared caramel sauce over the cookie layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
10. Add the second layer of dough.
    Drop the remaining dough by teaspoonfuls on top of the caramel layer. It doesn’t need to cover the caramel completely—some of the caramel and chocolate will peek through, creating pockets of gooey goodness.
11. Bake the assembled bars.
    Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 17-20 minutes, or until the cookie dough is golden brown and the caramel is bubbling. The edges of the dough should be firm, while the center remains soft and chewy.

Finishing Touches:

12. Cool and slice.
    Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing. This helps the caramel set and makes it easier to cut clean squares. Once cooled, use a sharp knife to cut the bars into squares.

Flavor and Texture Description:

The Better Than Anything Bars offer a decadent mix of sweet, salty, and creamy flavors. The golden brown cookie dough is chewy with crisp edges, providing a perfect foundation for the gooey caramel. The caramel layer, with its smooth, buttery texture, pairs beautifully with the slight richness of the peanut butter, creating a taste sensation that’s both sweet and savory. The chocolate chips melt into the caramel, adding a luxurious, velvety finish to each bite. The combination of textures—soft dough, gooey caramel, and melted chocolate—creates a truly irresistible dessert.

Tips for Substitutions and Variations:

• Chocolate Chips: You can experiment with different types of chocolate chips—dark chocolate chips or even white chocolate chips for a sweeter flavor.
• Peanut Butter: If you prefer a nut-free version, almond butter or sunflower butter can be used in place of peanut butter.
• Caramel: If you can’t find individually wrapped caramels, caramel bits or even homemade caramel can work just as well.
• Adding Nuts: For an added crunch, consider stirring in some chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds into the cookie dough or sprinkling them on top before baking.

Serving Suggestions:

Better Than Anything Bars are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family gathering or a special celebration. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. They also make a fantastic dessert for potlucks or bake sales, as they’re easy to transport and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Conclusion:

With their rich layers of cookie dough, gooey caramel, and melting chocolate, Better Than Anything Bars truly live up to their name. These bars are a must-try for anyone who loves sweet, indulgent desserts with a variety of flavors and textures. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, these bars are guaranteed to be a hit. Make them today and experience the magic of these decadent dessert bars!