Better Than Anything Bars: The Ultimate Dessert Recipe

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, undeniably gooey, and utterly irresistible? Then look no further. These bars are a symphony of textures and flavors that will have everyone begging for the recipe.

While the exact origins of Better Than Anything Bars are shrouded in mystery, their popularity exploded in the mid-20th century, likely as a potluck favorite. The beauty of this dessert lies in its simplicity and the clever combination of readily available ingredients. It’s a testament to the fact that sometimes, the most satisfying treats are the easiest to make.

What makes these bars so universally loved? It’s the perfect balance of textures: a soft, moist cake base soaked in a sweet milk mixture, topped with a layer of creamy pudding and a generous blanket of whipped topping and chocolate shavings. The combination of chocolate, caramel, and cream is simply divine. Plus, they are incredibly easy to prepare, making them ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. Get ready to experience dessert perfection!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 box (18.25 ounces) chocolate cake mix
• 1 cup (2 sticks) 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 ounce size), crushed

Preparing the Base

Okay, let’s get started with the foundation of these amazing bars – the chocolate cake base. This part is super simple, so don’t worry if you’re not a baking pro. I promise, you can totally nail this!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial! You want the oven nice and hot before you even think about putting the bars in. Trust me, preheating is key for even baking.
2. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. You can use cooking spray, butter, or even line it with parchment paper for easy removal. I usually go with cooking spray because it’s quick and easy. Make sure you get all the corners!
3. In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix and melted butter. Now, this is where things get a little messy (in a good way!). Pour the melted butter over the cake mix and stir until it’s well combined. It will be a thick, crumbly mixture – that’s exactly what we want. Don’t overmix it! Just make sure there are no dry pockets of cake mix.
4. Press the mixture into the prepared baking pan. This is where you’ll use your hands (or the back of a spoon) to evenly distribute the cake mix mixture across the bottom of the pan. Press it down firmly to create a solid base. You want it to be nice and compact so it doesn’t crumble apart later. Make sure it’s even in thickness across the whole pan.
5. Bake for 20 minutes. Pop that pan into the preheated oven and let it bake for 20 minutes. The edges should be slightly golden brown, and the center should be set. Keep an eye on it, though, because ovens can vary. You don’t want to overbake it!
6. Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Once it’s done baking, take it out of the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes. This will give it a chance to firm up a bit before we add the next layer.

Adding the Sweet Layers

Now for the fun part – layering on all that deliciousness! This is where the “Better Than Anything” magic really happens. Get ready for some serious sweetness!

1. Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the warm cake base. While the base is still slightly warm, pour the entire can of sweetened condensed milk over it. Make sure to spread it evenly so every bite is perfectly sweet and gooey. I like to use a spatula to help spread it around.
2. Drizzle the caramel topping evenly over the sweetened condensed milk. Next, grab that jar of caramel topping and drizzle it generously over the sweetened condensed milk. Again, try to spread it evenly so you get caramel in every bite. Don’t be shy with the caramel! This is what makes these bars so decadent.
3. Let cool completely. This is important! You need to let the bars cool completely before adding the whipped topping. This will prevent the whipped topping from melting and becoming a soupy mess. I usually put them in the refrigerator to speed up the cooling process. It usually takes about an hour or two.

Finishing Touches

Almost there! Just a few more steps and you’ll be sinking your teeth into these amazing bars. This is where we add the final touches that make them truly irresistible.

1. Spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the cooled caramel layer. Once the bars are completely cool, spread the thawed whipped topping over the caramel layer. Use a spatula to create a smooth, even layer. You can even get fancy and create swirls with the spatula if you’re feeling artistic!
2. Sprinkle the crushed Heath candy bars over the whipped topping. Finally, sprinkle the crushed Heath candy bars over the whipped topping. This adds a delicious crunch and a hint of toffee flavor that complements the chocolate and caramel perfectly. Don’t be afraid to use a generous amount of Heath bars!
3. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This is the hardest part – waiting! But trust me, it’s worth it. Refrigerating the bars allows the flavors to meld together and the whipped topping to set up properly. I usually refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes, but longer is even better.
4. Cut into squares and serve. Once the bars are chilled, cut them into squares and serve. Be warned – these are addictive! Everyone who tries them always asks for the recipe.

Tips and Variations

Want to customize these bars to your liking? Here are a few tips and variations you can try:

• Use a different cake mix. Not a fan of chocolate? You can use a yellow cake mix, a white cake mix, or even a spice cake mix. The possibilities are endless!
• Try different candy bars. Instead of Heath bars, you can use Snickers, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, or any other candy bar you like.
• Add a layer of chocolate chips. Sprinkle a layer of chocolate chips over the sweetened condensed milk before adding the caramel.
• Drizzle with melted chocolate. After adding the Heath bars, drizzle the bars with melted chocolate for an extra touch of decadence.
• Add nuts. Sprinkle chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) over the whipped topping along with the Heath bars.
• Make it a trifle. Cut the bars into small pieces and layer them in a trifle bowl with whipped cream and fresh fruit.

Storage Instructions

These bars are best stored in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to cover them tightly to prevent them from drying out.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy these Better Than Anything Bars as much as I do! They’re perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a special treat for yourself. Let me know what you think in the comments below!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Better Than Anything Bars are truly deserving of their name. From the rich, decadent chocolate cake base soaked in a luscious caramel and sweetened condensed milk mixture, to the creamy whipped topping and generous sprinkle of chocolate toffee bits, every bite is an explosion of flavor and texture. I know, I know, it sounds almost too good to be true, but trust me, this recipe delivers on its promise.

Why are these bars a must-try? Because they are incredibly easy to make, require minimal baking skills, and are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. They are the perfect dessert for potlucks, parties, or simply a special treat for yourself after a long day. Plus, the combination of flavors is simply irresistible. The slight bitterness of the chocolate cake is perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the caramel and condensed milk, while the whipped topping adds a light and airy contrast. And let’s not forget the toffee bits, which provide a delightful crunch and a burst of buttery goodness.

But the best part about these Better Than Anything Bars is their versatility. Feel free to get creative and customize them to your liking.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Ice Cream Topping: Serve a warm bar with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. The contrast between the warm bar and the cold ice cream is simply divine.
* Coffee Infusion: Add a tablespoon of instant coffee to the caramel mixture for a mocha-flavored twist. This will enhance the chocolate flavor and add a subtle caffeine kick.
* Nutty Delight: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the whipped topping for added texture and flavor. The nuts will complement the chocolate and caramel perfectly.
* Seasonal Flair: During the holidays, use peppermint bark instead of toffee bits for a festive touch. Or, in the fall, add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the cake mix for a warm and cozy flavor.
* Berry Bliss: Top the bars with fresh berries, such as raspberries or strawberries, for a refreshing and fruity twist. The tartness of the berries will cut through the sweetness of the bars.
* Boozy Boost: Add a splash of your favorite liqueur, such as rum or bourbon, to the caramel mixture for an extra kick. Just be sure to adjust the amount to your liking.
* Salted Caramel: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the bars for a salted caramel flavor. The salt will enhance the sweetness and add a delightful complexity.

I truly believe that everyone should experience the joy of these Better Than Anything Bars at least once in their life. They are the perfect combination of sweet, salty, and crunchy, and they are guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these amazing bars. I promise you won’t regret it. And once you’ve tried them, I would love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did you think of the flavor? Share your thoughts and photos in the comments below! I can’t wait to see what you create. Happy baking, and enjoy every single bite of these truly unforgettable Better Than Anything Bars!