Irresistible Caramel Layer Bars: A Nostalgic Recipe from Grandma’s Kitchen
Caramel Layer Bars – rich and chocolate brownie filled with chocolate chips and gooey caramel. You will not be able to stay away from them!
There’s something truly special about desserts that have been passed down through generations, recipes that evoke cherished childhood memories with every bite. These Caramel Layer Bars are exactly that — a beloved classic straight from my grandma’s kitchen. Just like my mom always made a special chocolate cream cake for my birthdays, or how my grandma’s house was synonymous with her famous Fudge Nut bars, these caramel bars hold a unique place in my heart.
Grandma had a handful of signature desserts that were always a fixture at her house. In the fall, it was her comforting Apple Bars, but for the rest of the year, these glorious Caramel Layer Bars reigned supreme. They were an absolute sensation, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that my mom quickly adopted and started making at home too. I even remember whipping up batches of them frequently when I first moved into my college apartment, a testament to their irresistible appeal and ease of preparation.
Why These Caramel Layer Bars Are Simply Irresistible
Even my husband, who generally isn’t a fan of chocolate, has always been completely smitten with these bars. Back when we were newlyweds, he’d often request them, drawn in by that incredibly gooey caramel layer. It’s a testament to how universally appealing these bars are; that rich, chewy caramel truly manages to captivate just about anyone. I first shared this cherished recipe on my blog years ago, and today, I’m thrilled to bring it back with fresh new pictures, reminding everyone why these delightful treats are simply too good to pass up.
The Secret to the Perfect Base: A Box Cake Mix
The foundation of these incredible Caramel Layer Bars is surprisingly simple: a box cake mix. While you could certainly opt for a homemade brownie or chocolate cake base, sometimes, it’s best to simply trust Grandma’s wisdom. And in this case, her wisdom points straight to the convenience and consistent results of a box mix. This choice not only makes the recipe incredibly easy to prepare but also ensures a wonderfully tender, rich chocolate base every time.
The recipe specifically calls for a German Chocolate cake mix, and for good reason. Its distinct chocolate flavor and moist texture are perfect for these bars. While other chocolate cake mixes might work, I’d advise a bit of caution. Varieties that include added chocolate chips or state they have “pudding in the mix” might result in a base that’s too moist or overly gooey, which could compromise the structural integrity needed to support the luscious caramel layer. Sticking to a standard German Chocolate cake mix ensures the best balance of flavor and texture for these classic bars.
Crafting the Gooey Caramel Layer: A Sweet Dilemma
The heart of these bars is, of course, the gooey caramel layer. Over the years, I’ve noticed a subtle shift in the size of caramel bags available in stores. What was once a standard 14 oz bag now often comes in an 11 oz package. This presents a slight dilemma for the caramel enthusiast! For those who love an extra-generous caramel layer, I recommend purchasing a second bag and using some of it to make up the difference. However, if you prefer a slightly less intense caramel experience or simply want to keep things easy, the 11 oz bag will absolutely work fine. This recipe isn’t an exact science, and a little variation in caramel quantity won’t diminish the delicious outcome.
Tips for Baking Flawless Caramel Layer Bars
- Don’t Skip the Cooling: It’s tempting to dive into these warm, but allowing them to cool completely is crucial for clean cuts and for the caramel to set properly. Patience is a virtue here!
- Perfect Cuts: Once cooled, use a sharp, warm knife to cut the bars. Wiping the knife clean between cuts will help you achieve neat, attractive squares.
- Grease or Line: Always ensure your baking pan is adequately prepared with non-stick spray or lined with foil for easy removal.
- Even Spreading: When pressing the first half of the dough into the pan, try to create an even layer to ensure consistent baking.
- Melting Caramel: Melt the caramels and evaporated milk slowly over low heat or in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring frequently to prevent scorching and ensure a smooth, lump-free mixture.
Variations to Make These Bars Your Own
While the classic Caramel Layer Bar recipe is perfect as is, there’s always room for a little customization:
- Nutty Crunch: Add a layer of chopped pecans or walnuts over the chocolate chips before spreading the caramel for an added textural dimension and nutty flavor.
- Chocolate Variety: Experiment with different types of chocolate chips. Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips could offer interesting flavor twists. A mix of semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips could also be delightful.
- Salted Caramel Delight: A sprinkle of sea salt flakes over the warm caramel layer after it’s spread can elevate the flavors and add a sophisticated touch.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of cinnamon or a tiny dash of nutmeg in the cake mix batter could add a subtle warmth, especially appealing during the cooler months.
- Different Cake Mixes: While German Chocolate is recommended, you could try a Devil’s Food or even a yellow cake mix for a different flavor profile, keeping in mind the moisture warning mentioned earlier.
These caramel layer bars go by many names across different regions, but for me, they’ll always be Grandma’s Caramel Layer Bars. If you grew up in the Mid-West, or anywhere else with a strong tradition of comforting homemade desserts, I hope this recipe brings back wonderful, nostalgic memories for you too. They are more than just a dessert; they are a taste of home and a reminder of simpler times.
Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, a potluck, or just a sweet treat for yourself, these bars are guaranteed to be a hit. Their delightful combination of rich chocolate and gooey caramel is truly unforgettable. So roll up your sleeves, embrace the simplicity of a box mix, and prepare to create a dessert that will earn you rave reviews!
Caramel Layer Bars
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Ingredients
- 14 oz caramels, unwrapped
- 2/3 cup evaporated milk
- 1 box German Chocolate Cake Mix
- 3/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/3 cup evaportated milk
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spary a 13×9 inch baking sheet with non-stick spray, or line with foil.
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Melt caramel and 2/3 cup evaporated milk, let cool slightly.
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Combine Cake mix, ¾ cup butter, and 1/3 cup milk. Mix well. Put half of mixture into prepared pan. Bake for 6 minutes.
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Sprinkle evenly with 1 cup chocolate chips.
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Spread caramel mixture of the chocolate chips.
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Crumble the remaining dough over the caramel.
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Bake for 25 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before serving.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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