Name: Better Than Anything Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Butter, softened; 1 cup Brown sugar, packed; 1/2 cup White sugar; 2 medium Eggs; 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract; 2 1/4 cups All-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon Baking soda; 1 teaspoon Salt; 2 cups Milk chocolate chips or semi-sweet chocolate chips; 14 ounces Caramels, unwrapped (or caramel bits); 5 ounces Canned evaporated milk; 1/2 cup Peanut butter

Jump to Recipe

Sweet, gooey, and bursting with irresistible layers of caramel, chocolate, and cookie goodness, Better Than Anything Bars absolutely live up to their name! If you’ve ever craved the perfect balance between chewy and fudgy in your dessert, this recipe is about to become your new best friend. These bars are a staple in my family, bringing joy to potlucks, birthdays, and just-because moments. Did you know these bars were inspired by the decadent treats you’d find at a classic Midwestern bake sale? Unlike more complicated desserts, Better Than Anything Bars are simple enough for both beginners and seasoned bakers. With just a handful of common ingredients, a little mixing, and a dash of patience while they cool, you’ll have a dessert that outshines even the most elaborate cakes. If you loved our wildly popular Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars, you’re in for a treat with this recipe. Get ready to share with friends—because these won’t last long!

What is Better Than Anything Bars?

Have you ever tasted a dessert so good, you wondered if anything else could possibly compare? Enter Better Than Anything Bars—the name alone is enough to spark curiosity! Where did it come from? Maybe it’s hyperbole, maybe it’s tradition, but one bite and you’ll agree: these bars are dangerously addictive. Friends have joked that “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and these bars might just be proof. Imagine chewy cookie dough, a thick ribbon of creamy caramel, gooey peanut butter, and swirls of chocolate chips, all in one perfect bite. Ready for the challenge? Give these bars a try and see if you think they’re truly better than anything!

Why You’ll Love This

First, let’s talk about the sheer indulgence. These bars combine two all-time favorites—chocolate chip cookies and caramel brownies—into one knockout treat. With their soft, cookie-style base, a swirl of melted chocolate, a blanket of gooey caramel peanut butter, every bite is pure bliss. Making them at home means you skip the pricey bakery markups: you get the full batch for pennies on the dollar compared to store-bought versions! Plus, you control the quality of every ingredient—no mystery preservatives in sight. And let’s not forget the creative toppings! Sprinkle on some flaky salt, drizzle with extra chocolate, or add a handful of roasted nuts to customize, just like our Double Chocolate Fudge Bars. Once you try these crowd-pleasers, you’ll be eager to whip them up for every occasion. Trust me—your friends and family will be begging for the recipe.

How to Make

Quick Overview

Better Than Anything Bars are a breeze to make, even if you don’t consider yourself a seasoned baker. From creaming butter and sugars to layering melted caramel, the steps are straightforward and foolproof. Their rich flavor and ooey-gooey texture make them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Best of all, they go from pantry to pan in under an hour, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings or a weekend treat. If you love desserts that are as easy as they are delicious, you’ll want to keep this recipe on repeat.

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup white sugar
2 medium eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups milk chocolate chips or semi-sweet chocolate chips
14 ounces caramels, unwrapped (or 14 ounces of caramel bits)
5 ounces canned evaporated milk
1/2 cup peanut butter

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9″x13″ baking pan with no-stick cooking spray for easy removal later.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully combined before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Add all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to the bowl. Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing for the best texture.
Gently fold in the milk or semi-sweet chocolate chips with a spatula or mix lightly with your mixer.
Scoop half of the cookie dough into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Place the remaining dough aside.
Bake the base layer for 8-10 minutes. You want it set but not fully baked through—it will continue cooking later.
While the base is baking, combine the unwrapped caramels and evaporated milk in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on power level 5 for 1-2 minutes, pausing to stir every 30 seconds, until the caramel is smooth and fully melted.
Stir the peanut butter into the hot caramel mixture until well blended and creamy.
As soon as the bottom cookie layer comes out of the oven, pour the warm caramel-peanut butter mixture evenly across the baked dough, using a spatula to reach the edges.
Drop spoonfuls of the remaining cookie dough by teaspoonfuls over the caramel layer. Don’t worry about covering every inch—the mixture will spread as it bakes.
Return the pan to the oven and bake an additional 17-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cookie dough is cooked through.
Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool fully before slicing. This helps the caramel set and makes clean cuts easier.

What to Serve With

For a truly decadent experience, serve these bars slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—the creaminess pairs perfectly with the sweet and salty chew of each bar. If you’re hosting a party, try pairing these bars with a mug of rich hot chocolate or even a cup of bold coffee for grown-up gatherings. Fresh berries balance out the richness and add a pop of color to your dessert spread. And for an after-school treat, a tall glass of cold milk completes the picture!

Top Tips for Perfecting Better Than Anything Bars

For extra gooey bars, slightly underbake—just be sure to let them cool so the layers set without falling apart.
Experiment with toppings! Swap in white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough.
No caramels on hand? Use store-bought caramel sauce, but reduce the evaporated milk by half to prevent runny results.
Let the bars cool fully before slicing for the cleanest pieces—warm caramel can be messy.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for a firmer texture.

Storing and Reheating Tips

These bars stay fresh on the counter in a sealed container for up to 3 days—if they last that long! For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week; just allow them to come to room temperature or microwave briefly (10-15 seconds) before serving for ooey-gooey goodness. Want to save some for later? Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze in a resealable bag for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature, or give them a quick zap in the microwave to enjoy that just-baked flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I make Better Than Anything Bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, these bars taste even better after resting a few hours or overnight. Make them the day before your event and store them covered at room temperature.

Can I substitute the caramels with caramel sauce?
Yes, you can use a thick caramel sauce instead of melting caramels—just reduce the evaporated milk to maintain the right consistency.

What’s the best way to cut these bars cleanly?
For neat slices, let the bars cool completely, then use a sharp knife. Wiping the blade between cuts helps prevent sticky caramel from making a mess.

Can I make these bars nut-free?
Certainly! Simply leave out the peanut butter or substitute with sunflower seed butter or cookie butter for an allergy-friendly version.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Once the top dough is golden brown and slightly firm to the touch, they’re ready! Don’t worry if the center looks a little soft—it will set as it cools.

Conclusion

Better Than Anything Bars really are the showstopping dessert your family and friends will rave about. Easy to make, endlessly customizable, and loaded with decadent flavor, they offer everything you want in a sweet treat. Whether you’re baking for a party, holiday, or just to satisfy a craving, these bars deliver pure comfort and happiness in every bite. Don’t forget to check out our collection of other crowd-pleasing bar desserts for your next baking adventure—and if you try this recipe, let us know how it turned out! Happy baking!