Better Than Anything Dessert

This hearty Better Than Anything Bars recipe has become my family's signature dessert for potlucks and holiday gatherings. The incredible combination of chewy chocolate chip cookie layers sandwiching a gooey caramel peanut butter filling creates an irresistible treat that truly lives up to its ambitious name.

I first created these bars for my son's birthday when he requested something "better than anything else." The name stuck after his friends devoured the entire pan in minutes and begged for the recipe to take home to their parents.

Ingredients

• Butter: Make sure it's softened to room temperature for proper creaming with sugars
• Brown sugar: Use dark brown for deeper flavor if you prefer a more robust molasses taste
• White sugar: Helps create the perfect cookie texture with crisp edges
• Medium eggs: Room temperature eggs incorporate better into the dough
• Vanilla extract: Use pure vanilla not imitation for the best flavor profile
• All purpose flour: Measure using the spoon and level method for accurate amounts
• Baking soda: Ensures proper rise and texture in the cookie layers
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors
• Chocolate chips: Choose milk chocolate for sweeter bars or semisweet for more depth
• Caramels: Unwrapped store bought caramels work perfectly here
• Evaporated milk: Creates the perfect consistency for the caramel layer
• Peanut butter: Creamy works best but crunchy adds interesting texture if preferred

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Baking Pan:

Preheat your oven to 375°F and thoroughly coat a 9x13 inch baking pan with cooking spray. Getting into corners ensures clean removal later.

Cream the Butter and Sugars:

Beat softened butter with both sugars for at least 3 minutes until the mixture becomes noticeably lighter in color and fluffy in texture. This crucial step incorporates air into the dough for the perfect texture.

Add Wet Ingredients:

Incorporate eggs one at a time waiting until each disappears before adding the next. Pour in vanilla extract and mix until the mixture looks smooth and consistent throughout.

Mix Dry Ingredients:

Whisk flour baking soda and salt in a separate bowl until evenly distributed. Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients mixing just until no dry streaks remain to avoid tough bars.

Add Chocolate Chips:

Fold in chocolate chips gently with a spatula or wooden spoon ensuring they distribute evenly throughout the dough without overmixing.

Bake First Layer:

Press half the cookie dough into an even layer in your prepared pan. Watch carefully during baking about 8 to 10 minutes until edges just begin to set but center remains soft.

Make Caramel Filling:

Combine caramels and evaporated milk in a microwave safe bowl heating in 30 second intervals stirring between each until completely smooth. Fold in peanut butter until fully incorporated into a glossy sauce.

Create Middle Layer:

Pour warm caramel mixture over the partially baked cookie layer spreading it to reach all edges creating an even middle layer.

Add Top Layer:

Drop remaining cookie dough by spoonfuls over the caramel layer allowing some caramel to peek through which creates beautiful swirls after baking.

Final Bake:

Return the pan to the oven for 17 to 20 minutes watching for golden brown edges and slightly puffed cookie dough portions while caramel bubbles around the edges.

Pin it

The caramel peanut butter filling is what elevates these bars from good to unforgettable. My grandmother actually inspired this addition when she suggested combining her famous peanut butter fudge with my cookie bars. The first time I tried it, my husband declared it better than the dessert at our wedding which was quite the compliment.

Storage Solutions

These bars maintain their delicious texture for up to three days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week, though the texture will become slightly firmer. You can also freeze individual bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature for about an hour before serving.

Customization Options

While the classic recipe is perfection, you can easily customize these bars to suit different tastes or dietary needs. Replace the peanut butter with almond or cashew butter for those with peanut allergies. Swap in different chocolate chip varieties like dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even butterscotch chips for varied flavor profiles. For a more sophisticated version, add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the cookie dough and sprinkle the top with flaky sea salt before baking.

Serving Suggestions

These rich bars are substantial enough to stand alone, but they reach new heights when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, allowing the heat to slightly melt the ice cream into the caramel layer. For an elegant dessert plating, drizzle additional caramel sauce and a sprinkle of chopped peanuts over each serving. They also pair wonderfully with coffee or milk, making them perfect for dessert tables or after-school treats.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What makes these dessert bars unique?

The combination of a soft cookie base, creamy caramel-peanut butter filling, and chocolate chips creates a wonderfully balanced, decadent dessert.

→ Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate?

Yes, you can substitute dark chocolate chips for a richer, less sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with the caramel.

→ How do I prevent the caramel from sticking to the pan?

Ensure your baking pan is generously greased with non-stick spray to make cutting and removing the bars easier.

→ Can these bars be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them a day ahead. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for freshness.

→ What is the best way to slice the bars cleanly?

Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing. Using a sharp knife, lightly sprayed with cooking oil, helps slice through the layers neatly.