Chocolate Squares
Chocolate Squares offer a luscious combination of chocolate, caramel, and nuts, creating a rich, decadent treat perfect for dessert or snacking. The layered bars feature a crunchy base, gooey caramel, chocolate chips, and chopped nuts, making them a crowd-pleaser for chocolate lovers and those seeking indulgent sweets.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt the caramels in 1/3 cup evaporated milk and set aside.
- Mix all other ingredients except chocolate chips and caramel mixture, then press half the batter into a greased 9 x 13-inch cake pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 6 minutes.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle with chocolate chips. Spread the caramel mixture over the chocolate chips.
- Dollop the remaining batter over the caramel mixture by spoonfuls.
- Bake for an additional 18 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet. If you're short on time, you can substitute the caramels with a store-bought caramel sauce. To prevent the chocolate from burning, sprinkle it on right after removing the pan from the oven, allowing it to melt slightly before spreading. Make sure to grease the pan well to avoid sticking.
Serving Suggestions
These chocolate squares are perfect for dessert or as a sweet snack. Serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat, or pair with a cup of coffee for a delightful afternoon pick-me-up. They also pair beautifully with Aunt Pat'S Easy Cobbler for a family dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, place in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, just until warmed through, or enjoy them cold for a delightful treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chocolate Squares contains roughly 1116 calories, with 11g protein, 158g carbohydrates, and 50g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (92% of the Daily Value), iron (48% of the Daily Value), and calcium (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1051mg per serving (46% of the Daily Value).
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?
Yes, you can substitute the German chocolate cake mix with any chocolate cake mix for a different flavor profile. Vanilla cake mix can also work if you prefer a lighter base. Just keep in mind that the taste and texture may vary slightly based on your choice.
What can I use instead of nuts?
If you're allergic to nuts or prefer not to use them, you can easily omit them altogether. Alternatively, you can replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a crunchy texture without the nut allergy concerns.
Can I make these chocolate squares ahead of time?
Absolutely! These chocolate squares can be made a day in advance. Just allow them to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. This will help the flavors meld together, making them even more delicious when you're ready to serve.
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).