Kari'S Caramel Squares
Rich caramel squares with chocolate chips and a chocolate cake base, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and serving at parties or gatherings with friends and family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together German chocolate cake mix, butter, and 1/3 cup of sweetened condensed milk.
- Press half of the mixture into the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch pan and bake at 350°F for 6 minutes.
- Melt the caramels and 1/3 cup of sweetened condensed milk until smooth.
- Stir frequently to prevent burning.
- Pour the caramel mixture over the baked layer.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly on top.
- Sprinkle the remaining half of the cake mix over the chocolate chips.
- Bake at 350°F for an additional 20 minutes.
- Cut into small squares as these are very rich.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of soft butter and adding a pinch of salt to the cake mix. You can substitute the German chocolate cake mix with a devil's food cake mix for a different taste. If you want a nutty crunch, add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top of the chocolate chips, which pairs beautifully with the sweet caramel.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these caramel squares as a delightful dessert at gatherings or as a sweet snack alongside coffee or tea. They can be cut into smaller pieces to make them more shareable. For a fun twist, try pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzling them with warm chocolate sauce. They also make a great addition to dessert platters or bake sales.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. If you prefer to freeze, wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, microwave for a few seconds until warm, but be careful not to overheat as they can become too gooey.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Kari'S Caramel Squares contains roughly 1718 calories, with 15g protein, 115g carbohydrates, and 136g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (34% of the Daily Value), protein (30% of the Daily Value), and calcium (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 478mg per serving (21% 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 for this recipe?
Yes, you can definitely experiment with different cake mixes! A devil's food cake mix can provide a rich chocolate flavor. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly, but the caramel and chocolate chips will complement any cake mix you choose.
How do I prevent the caramel from burning while melting?
To avoid burning the caramel, melt it over low heat and stir frequently. You can also use a double boiler method by placing the caramels and sweetened condensed milk in a heatproof bowl over simmering water. This gentle heat will ensure a smooth caramel without burning.
Can I make these squares ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the caramel squares a day in advance. Just store them properly in an airtight container. If you want to serve them warm, simply reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds before serving, ensuring they retain their delicious gooey texture.
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).