If you’re looking for the ultimate decadent dessert bar, these Better Than Anything Bars absolutely live up to the hype! Imagine gooey chocolate, sweet caramel notes from toffee, and a melt-in-your-mouth buttery crust all layered into one pan of irresistible goodness. They’re easy enough for an impromptu get-together or potluck but delicious enough to make people beg for the recipe. If you haven’t experienced Better Than Anything Bars yet, get ready—this treat really does leave all other bars in the dust!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a few staple ingredients come together to make these bars outrageously delicious. Each one is a powerhouse in adding sweetness, texture, and an irresistible combination of flavors. Trust me, every element brings its magic to Better Than Anything Bars!
- Chocolate cake mix (15.25 ounces): Provides a rich, fudgy base and saves time—no need for scratch baking here!
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Adds a velvety texture and deep flavor to bind the crust together.
- Large egg (1): Helps bring structure and a little extra richness to the dough.
- Sweetened condensed milk (14 ounces): Gives the bars a creamy, caramel-like layer that oozes into every bite.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Melts into pockets of chocolate throughout, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
- Toffee bits (1 cup): Sprinkle these sweet, crunchy pieces for classic Better Than Anything Bars flavor and that crave-worthy crunch.
- Sea salt (1/2 teaspoon, optional): A finishing touch that contrasts beautifully with all that sweetness and makes the chocolate pop.
How to Make Better Than Anything Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously or line it with parchment paper for the easiest bar removal. This step sets you up for buttery bars that pop right out—no sticking!
Step 2: Mix the Crust
In a large mixing bowl, combine your chocolate cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Stir until a soft dough forms—don’t worry if it’s thick. This shortcut crust becomes chewy, fudgy, and holds up all the gooey toppings.
Step 3: Press and Layer
Press the dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan, making sure to get into the corners. Next, pour the sweetened condensed milk right over the crust. This blanket of rich creaminess will work its magic as the bars bake.
Step 4: Sprinkle the Goodies
Generously sprinkle chocolate chips and toffee bits over the top. (Feel free to get a little wild and add extra, if you like!) These melting and crunchy bits make Better Than Anything Bars unbelievably tasty every time.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set. Don’t overbake—gooeyness is part of the charm. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing to keep those gorgeous layers intact. A sprinkle of sea salt right on top is optional, but so delicious.
How to Serve Better Than Anything Bars
Garnishes
Add a little flourish with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a handful of extra toffee bits right before serving. Even a pinch of flaky sea salt makes these Better Than Anything Bars pop—guests won’t stop talking about them.
Side Dishes
These bars are quite the showstopper solo, but if you want to serve them as part of a dessert spread, pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of whipped cream for extra indulgence. A hot cup of coffee or cold glass of milk is the perfect match for their rich flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your Better Than Anything Bars into mini squares for a dessert platter, or serve in decorative cupcake liners for portion control at parties. For special occasions, add a swirl of chocolate or caramel on each serving plate, and nestle a bar right in the center for that bakery-style wow factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled and cut, store Better Than Anything Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Layer parchment paper between rows to prevent sticking and keep those beautiful layers pristine.
Freezing
These bars freeze like a dream! Wrap individual bars securely in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months—just thaw at room temperature when your sweet tooth strikes.
Reheating
If you want warm, gooey bars, pop a bar in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. The chocolate gets extra melty and the toffee softens up—the ultimate treat, especially with a scoop of ice cream on top.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely! While chocolate keeps Better Than Anything Bars classic, feel free to try devil’s food, yellow, or even spice cake mixes for your own unique twist.
Can I substitute butterscotch chips or add nuts?
Definitely! Butterscotch chips add a fabulous caramel note, and a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts brings extra crunch and nutty depth to these already decadent bars.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The edges should be golden and set, and the center mostly set but still a little jiggly. Remember, they continue to firm up as they cool—resist the urge to overbake so you keep that dreamy gooeyness.
Do Better Than Anything Bars travel well for potlucks?
Yes! Once cooled and sliced, the bars hold their shape beautifully, so they’re easy to transport. Just stack carefully with parchment between layers, and you’ll arrive with the most popular dessert at the party.
Are these bars suitable for making in advance?
Absolutely. In fact, Better Than Anything Bars taste even better the next day as the flavors meld. You can prep them a day before your event, store as directed, and they’ll be perfectly ready to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
These Better Than Anything Bars are truly everything a sweet tooth dreams of in one simple recipe. If you’ve never tried them, let today be the day—your friends and family will thank you, and you just might find a new favorite to bake again and again. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Better Than Anything Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these Better Than Anything Bars that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings. A decadent combination of chocolate cake mix, toffee bits, and chocolate chips layered with sweetened condensed milk, creating a rich and gooey dessert treat.
Ingredients
For the Bars:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) chocolate cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Topping:
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup toffee bits
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line with parchment paper.
- Mix the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine cake mix, melted butter, and egg to form a soft dough.
- Press and Layer: Press the dough into the baking dish. Pour sweetened condensed milk over the crust. Sprinkle chocolate chips and toffee bits on top.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until set. Cool completely before slicing. Add optional sea salt.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate chips or add chopped pecans.
- Great for potlucks and freeze well. Allow to cool fully before cutting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
