Caramel Bars
Caramel Bars combine a rich, buttery cake crust with gooey caramel, chopped nuts, coconut, and chocolate for a decadent treat. Perfect for dessert or a sweet snack, their layered textures and flavors appeal to chocolate and caramel lovers alike, making them ideal for gatherings or indulgent moments.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt caramels with 1/3 cup evaporated milk over low heat, stirring until smooth.
- Combine remaining evaporated milk with cake mix, melted margarine, and mix well.
- Press half of the cake mix into the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 6 minutes.
- Sprinkle one cup nuts, shredded coconut, and semi-sweet chocolate pieces over the crust.
- Pour the caramel mixture over the toppings.
- Drop teaspoons of the remaining cake mix over the caramel and gently press into the caramel layer.
- Sprinkle remaining nuts on top and press lightly into the surface.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
- Cool slightly, then refrigerate before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure your caramel layers are smooth, melt the caramels slowly and stir continuously to prevent burning. You can substitute the nuts with seeds for a nut-free version or use a different type of chocolate cake mix for varied flavors. If you prefer a richer taste, consider adding a pinch of sea salt to the caramel mixture. For a fun twist, try pairing these bars with a scoop of Strawberry Ice Cream Cake.
Serving Suggestions
These caramel bars are delightful on their own but can be served with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. They also pair well with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. For a festive touch, consider serving them alongside Cheesecake Topped Brownies at your next gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover caramel bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, microwave individual bars for 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven at a low temperature until just warmed through. Avoid reheating too long to maintain their gooey texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Caramel Bars contains roughly 232 calories, with 2g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 15g 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 low-fat evaporated milk in this recipe?
Yes, you can use low-fat evaporated milk, but keep in mind that the bars may be slightly less rich. The texture should remain similar, but for the best flavor, full-fat evaporated milk is recommended.
What can I do if my caramel is too thick?
If your caramel mixture is too thick, you can add a bit more evaporated milk, a tablespoon at a time, while melting until you reach your desired consistency. Stir well to combine and ensure a smooth layer.
How can I make these bars gluten-free?
To make these caramel bars gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix instead of regular cake mix. Make sure all other ingredients, particularly the chocolate pieces and nuts, are certified gluten-free as well.
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).