Imagine sinking your teeth into the most irresistible dessert that combines the rich, velvety smoothness of caramel with the indulgent crunch of chocolate - all nestled in a tender cake-like base that will make your taste buds dance with joy! These Caramel and Chocolate Gooey Bars are not just a dessert; they're a life-changing experience that transforms ordinary baking into an extraordinary culinary adventure. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe promises to deliver mouthwatering magic that will have everyone begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 bars
Ingredients
- 1 package yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with butter or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Mix thoroughly until a soft dough forms. The mixture should be slightly crumbly but able to hold together when pressed.
- Press about two-thirds of the cake mix dough into the prepared baking pan, creating an even base layer. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to ensure a uniform thickness.
- Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly across the dough base, creating a consistent chocolate layer.
- In a separate bowl, mix the caramel sauce with sweetened condensed milk until well combined. This will create a rich, smooth caramel mixture.
- Carefully pour the caramel and condensed milk mixture over the chocolate chips, ensuring it spreads as evenly as possible.
- Crumble the remaining cake mix dough over the caramel layer, creating a rustic, uneven topping that allows some caramel to peek through.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The top should be golden brown and the edges slightly crisp.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan for at least 1 hour. This allows the caramel to set and makes cutting easier.
- Once cooled, cut into 16 equal bars. For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between slices.
Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and consistent texture.
- For extra richness, consider using high-quality chocolate chips like Belgian or dark chocolate.
- Line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean cutting.
- Allow the bars to cool completely to achieve the perfect gooey consistency.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
- For a professional touch, slightly warm the bars before serving to enhance their gooey texture.
- Experiment with different cake mix flavors or add chopped nuts for additional texture and flavor complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 35mg
