German Caramel Bars
German Caramel Bars are a rich, decadent dessert featuring layers of cake, melted caramel, and chocolate flavors, perfect for sweet tooths and special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt the Kraft caramels with 1/3 cup evaporated milk until smooth.
- Combine the cake mix, melted margarine, and 1/3 cup evaporated milk to form a batter.
- Spread half of the cake mixture into a greased and floured 9x13-inch pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 6 minutes.
- Drizzle the melted caramel mixture over the partially baked cake layer.
- If desired, add nuts to the remaining cake mixture.
- Spread the remaining cake mixture over the caramel layer.
- Bake at 350°F for an additional 15 to 18 minutes.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark chocolate cake mix instead of German chocolate. If you want a nuttier texture, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the remaining cake mixture before layering. To make the melting process easier, unwrap the Kraft caramels and cut them in half. If you prefer a creamier caramel, increase the evaporated milk slightly while melting.
Serving Suggestions
These caramel bars are delightful on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a fun twist, serve them alongside a warm cup of coffee or hot cocoa. They make an excellent addition to dessert platters or as an indulgent treat during gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover caramel bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, place a bar in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or until warm, ensuring the caramel remains soft and gooey.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of German Caramel Bars contains roughly 1156 calories, with 10g protein, 121g carbohydrates, and 71g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (80% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (42% of the Daily Value), and potassium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 12g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 with any cake mix flavor you prefer, such as vanilla or chocolate. However, keep in mind that the flavor profile will change. For a unique twist, try using a spice cake mix for a warm, autumnal taste.
Is it necessary to use evaporated milk?
Evaporated milk adds creaminess to the caramel and cake mixture, but you can substitute it with regular milk or heavy cream. If using regular milk, you may want to reduce the quantity slightly to maintain the right consistency.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are ready when the edges are set and the center looks slightly firm but not overly dry. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, indicating that they are perfectly baked.
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).