Ooey Gooey Chewies
Chewy caramel and chocolate bars with nuts and coconut offer a rich, indulgent treat perfect for sharing at gatherings or satisfying dessert cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a small saucepan, melt caramels in 1/3 cup evaporated milk over low heat, stirring occasionally, until smooth.
- In a large bowl, mix together the remaining evaporated milk, cake mix, and melted butter.
- Press half of the mixture into the bottom of an ungreased 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
- Bake for 10 minutes or until set.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the caramel mixture. For a nut-free version, you can substitute the pecans with sunflower seeds or omit them entirely. If you don't have chocolate cake mix, a vanilla mix can work; just add cocoa powder to achieve the chocolate flavor. Be mindful of the baking time to prevent overbaking for that gooey texture.
Serving Suggestions
These chewy bars are perfect on their own, but you can serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon snack. For a festive touch, serve alongside Coconut Cake With Frosting for a sweet dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, microwave for about 10-15 seconds, ensuring they don’t become too hot, or enjoy them cold for a chewy treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ooey Gooey Chewies contains roughly 903 calories, with 7g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 77g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. It also contributes 7g 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 make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, these bars can be made a day in advance. Just allow them to cool completely, then cover them tightly with plastic wrap and store at room temperature. This will help the flavors meld together, making them even more delicious when ready to serve.
What can I substitute for the evaporated milk?
You can substitute evaporated milk with an equal amount of whole milk or a mixture of milk and cream for a richer flavor. If you're looking for a dairy-free option, use canned coconut milk, which will add a nice coconut flavor to the bars.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when they appear set and slightly firm to the touch. They will continue to firm up as they cool, so avoid overbaking. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, indicating that they are perfectly 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).