"Southern Living" Bar Cookie
Sweet and indulgent, these bar cookies feature layers of rich caramel, chocolate chips, and pecans atop a moist cake-like base. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or satisfying a dessert craving, they combine chewy, crunchy, and chocolatey textures for a delightful treat everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine caramels and 1/4 cup evaporated milk in a small saucepan.
- Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally until smooth. Set aside.
- In a bowl, combine cake mix, melted butter, egg, and remaining evaporated milk.
- Spoon half of the mixture into a greased 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan, spreading evenly.
- Bake at 350°F for 6 minutes.
- Remove from oven; sprinkle with chocolate chips and pecans.
- Spoon caramel mixture on top of the chocolate and pecans.
- Carefully spoon the remaining cake mixture over the caramel layer.
- Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.
- Cool on a wire rack and cut into bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use fresh caramel candies as they melt more smoothly. If you prefer a nut-free option, you can substitute the pecans with additional chocolate chips or dried fruit. Ensure the butter is melted before mixing to help blend the ingredients seamlessly. To enhance the flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cake mix mixture.
Serving Suggestions
These Southern Living Bar Cookies are delightful on their own but can be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. They also pair wonderfully with coffee or milk, making them an excellent treat for afternoon gatherings or dessert tables. For a fun twist, try serving them with a drizzle of chocolate sauce on top.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover 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 until warm. This will soften the caramel and make them gooey again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "Southern Living" Bar Cookie contains roughly 231 calories, with 2g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 14g 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 a different cake mix flavor?
Yes, you can experiment with different cake mix flavors like chocolate or vanilla, but keep in mind that it will alter the overall flavor profile. A chocolate cake mix would complement the chocolate chips nicely, while vanilla might provide a lighter taste. Just ensure the mix has a similar texture.
How do I prevent the bars from sticking to the pan?
To prevent sticking, make sure to grease the pan well with cooking spray or butter. You can also line the pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. This method not only prevents sticking but also makes it simpler to cut the bars into neat squares.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars can be made a day or two in advance. Store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Just let them cool completely before storing. If you prefer warm bars, you can reheat them before serving, ensuring they are just as delicious as when they were freshly 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).