Better Than Anything Bars

• 1/3 cup evaporated milk

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

• 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

• 1/2 to 3/4 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

  Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.

  2. Make the Base Layer:

     • In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, melted butter, and evaporated milk until thick and sticky like brownie batter.

     • Divide the batter in half. Press half into the bottom of the pan evenly.

  3. Bake First Layer:

     • Bake the base for 8–10 minutes, just until set.

  4. Add the Filling:

     • Remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle with chocolate chips and nuts (if using).

     • Drizzle evenly with caramel sauce, reserving a little for the top.

  5. Top Layer:

     • Flatten small pieces of the remaining dough and layer them gently over the caramel/chocolate layer (it won’t fully cover it — that’s okay).

  6. Final Bake:

     • Bake for another 15–20 minutes, until the top is set and slightly crackled.

  7. Cool Completely:

     • Let the bars cool in the pan. The caramel will firm up as it cools.

     • Optional: drizzle with extra caramel or a pinch of sea salt.

  8. Chill and Slice:

     • For clean cuts, refrigerate for at least an hour before slicing into bars.

Variations

• Peanut Butter Twist: Use peanut butter chips or swirl in peanut butter with the caramel.

• Toffee Upgrade: Add crushed Heath or Skor bars on top.

• Salted Caramel: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top after baking.