Almost Candy Bars
Decadent layered bars featuring chocolate and butterscotch chips, nuts, and a rich cake base, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and sharing at parties or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cream the softened butter or margarine.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix with 4 teaspoons of water until well blended.
- Press half of the cake mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking pan to form the base layer.
- Bake the base layer for about 10 minutes, then remove from oven.
- In a saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk with semi-sweet chocolate chips and butterscotch chips over low heat, stirring until smooth.
- Spread the warm chocolate and butterscotch mixture evenly over the baked base layer.
- Sprinkle chopped nuts evenly over the top.
- Crumble the remaining cake mixture over the nuts to form the topping layer.
- Bake for an additional 15 minutes until the topping is golden brown.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider using unsweetened cocoa powder mixed with the cake mix for a richer chocolate taste. You can substitute the butterscotch chips with peanut butter chips for a different twist. If you're looking to make this recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix. Be careful not to overbake the topping layer; keep an eye on it after the 15-minute mark.
Serving Suggestions
These Almost Candy Bars are perfect as a sweet treat for gatherings or as a dessert after dinner. They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a fun twist, serve them alongside a slice of German Sour Cream Peach Pie for a delightful dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store the leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to two weeks. To reheat, place a bar in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to warm it slightly, enhancing the gooey texture without melting it completely.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Almost Candy Bars contains roughly 136 calories, with 2g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 8g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cake mix for this recipe?
Yes, you can experiment with different flavors of cake mixes, such as vanilla or red velvet, to create unique variations. Just keep in mind that this will change the overall flavor profile of the bars.
Is it necessary to use nuts in this recipe?
Nuts add a nice crunch and flavor, but you can omit them if you prefer a nut-free version. Alternatively, you can substitute with seeds or dried fruits for added texture without the nuts.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when the topping is golden brown and set. You can also insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, indicating the bars are baked but still gooey.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).