I remember the first time my mom made these bars. The aroma of chocolate filled the house, a scent that instantly transported me back to childhood joy. It was a special occasion, maybe a birthday or a family gathering, and these better than anything bars were the star of the dessert table.
They were always a hit, disappearing faster than you could say “seconds!” I loved the way the layers melted together in your mouth, a symphony of textures and flavors that was simply irresistible. It’s a recipe that’s been passed down through generations, and every time I make it, I feel a connection to my family and all those happy memories. I have similar fond memories of enjoying these no-bake peppermint bars around the holidays.
Now, I make them for my own family, and the tradition continues. These bars are more than just a dessert; they’re a symbol of love, comfort, and togetherness. Each bite is a reminder of the simple joys in life.
Why you’ll love this Better Than Anything Bars
- These better than anything bars are incredibly easy to make, even for beginner bakers. The recipe uses a cake mix to simplify the process, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion.
- The layers of chocolate cake, sweetened condensed milk, caramel, whipped topping, and chocolate shavings create a symphony of textures and flavors that’s truly irresistible.
- These bars are incredibly versatile. You can customize them with different cake mix flavors or toppings to suit your preferences.
- They’re perfect for potlucks, parties, or any time you need a crowd-pleasing dessert. These better than anything bars are guaranteed to be a hit!
- The recipe is budget-friendly, using readily available ingredients that won’t break the bank.
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 jar (12 oz) caramel topping
- 1 container (8 oz) frozen whipped topping, thawed
- 1/2 cup chocolate shavings
Directions
Step 1
Better than anything bars makes every moment feel sunny. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This ensures the cake doesn’t stick and comes out easily.
Step 2
In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Beat until well combined. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer for this step.
Step 3
Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
Step 4
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly. Use a wooden skewer or fork to poke holes all over the cake. The holes allow the sweetened condensed milk to soak in and make the cake extra moist.
Step 5
Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the warm cake, allowing it to soak into the holes. Next, drizzle the caramel topping evenly over the sweetened condensed milk. Be generous with the caramel!
Step 6
Let the cake cool completely. This is important so the whipped topping doesn’t melt. You can speed up the cooling process by placing the cake in the refrigerator for a bit.
Step 7
Once cooled, spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the caramel layer. Sprinkle with chocolate shavings. Get creative with your chocolate shavings – use a vegetable peeler on a chocolate bar for easy shavings.
Step 8
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the layers to set. This step is crucial for the bars to hold their shape. You can even refrigerate them overnight for best results.
Step 9
Cut into bars and serve. Enjoy these incredibly decadent better than anything bars! Prepare for rave reviews.
Variations, pairings, and serving ideas
Variations
For a coffee twist, add a tablespoon of instant coffee granules to the cake batter. This enhances the chocolate flavor and adds a hint of mocha. You could also use a different flavored cake mix, such as vanilla or yellow, for a completely different take on this recipe.
Add chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to the caramel layer for a nutty crunch. This adds another layer of texture and flavor to the bars. Consider toasting the nuts lightly before adding them for an even richer taste.
If you’re a fan of coconut, sprinkle shredded coconut over the whipped topping. This adds a tropical touch to the bars. Another fun variation is to add a layer of crushed cookies between the cake and the sweetened condensed milk.
Pairings
These better than anything bars are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream complements the rich, decadent bars perfectly. A dollop of freshly whipped cream would also be a lovely addition.
Serve them with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee. The milk balances the sweetness of the bars, while the coffee enhances the chocolate flavor. An iced latte would also be a fantastic pairing.
Consider serving them alongside a fruit platter for a lighter contrast. The freshness of the fruit cuts through the richness of the bars. Sliced strawberries or raspberries would be especially delicious.
Serving ideas
For a more elegant presentation, dust the bars with cocoa powder before serving. This adds a touch of sophistication. You can also drizzle melted chocolate over the bars for an extra chocolatey treat.
Cut the bars into small squares for easy serving at parties. Arrange them on a platter with a variety of other desserts. For a festive touch, garnish each bar with a fresh raspberry or a sprig of mint.
If you’re serving these at a potluck, bring them in a disposable baking pan for easy transport and cleanup. Learn more about making delicious desserts for gatherings at resources like this lemon honey chicken recipe, which provides helpful tips for creating shareable dishes. Check it out for inspiration!
Storage and make-ahead tips
Storage
Store leftover better than anything bars in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. The bars will become slightly softer over time, but they will still taste delicious.
You can also freeze the bars for longer storage. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
If you’re storing individual bars, wrap each one separately to prevent them from sticking together. This makes it easier to grab a bar whenever you want a sweet treat.
Make-ahead
These better than anything bars are perfect for making ahead of time. You can bake the cake and prepare the layers up to 2 days in advance. Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature and the toppings in the refrigerator.
Assemble the bars a few hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. This also gives the whipped topping time to set properly. If you’re making them the day before, cover them tightly with plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out.
For a quick and easy dessert, you can even use a store-bought chocolate cake. This saves you time and effort, especially if you’re short on time. Just make sure the cake is completely cool before adding the toppings.
Common mistakes when making Better Than Anything Bars
- Not poking enough holes in the cake: This prevents the sweetened condensed milk from soaking in properly, resulting in a dry cake. Make sure to poke holes all over the cake surface.
- Spreading the whipped topping on a warm cake: This will cause the whipped topping to melt and become runny. Allow the cake to cool completely before adding the whipped topping.
- Not refrigerating the bars long enough: This prevents the layers from setting properly, making them difficult to cut and serve. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Overbaking the cake: This will result in a dry, crumbly cake. Check the cake for doneness after 25 minutes and remove it from the oven when a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Final notes
These better than anything bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion. They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations to create your own signature version.
Remember to let the cake cool completely before adding the toppings to prevent them from melting. And most importantly, have fun and enjoy the process!
So go ahead and give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed! These bars are truly better than anything!
Loved this Better Than Anything Bars? Try these next
- Easy No Bake Peppermint Bars
- Bang Bang Salmon Recipe
- Creamy Banana Pepper Chicken Dip
- Lemon Honey Chicken Recipe
- Blackened Shrimp Stroganoff Recipe
Better Than Anything Bars
Indulge in these Better Than Anything Bars, a decadently layered dessert featuring a rich chocolate cake base, caramel drizzle, whipped topping, and chocolate shavings. Prepare for a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more!
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 jar (12 oz) caramel topping
- 1 container (8 oz) frozen whipped topping, thawed
- 1/2 cup chocolate shavings
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Beat until well combined.
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly. Use a wooden skewer or fork to poke holes all over the cake.
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the warm cake, allowing it to soak into the holes. Next, drizzle the caramel topping evenly over the sweetened condensed milk.
- Let the cake cool completely. Once cooled, spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the caramel layer. Sprinkle with chocolate shavings.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the layers to set.
- Cut into bars and serve. Enjoy these incredibly decadent Better Than Anything Bars!
Notes
For easier cutting, chill the bars for a longer period of time. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For a nutty twist, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the caramel before adding the whipped topping. You can use different flavors of cake mix, such as vanilla or yellow, for a variation on this recipe.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg