Decadent Chocolate Caramel Nut Bars
These Decadent Chocolate Caramel Nut Bars are a nostalgic treat that brings back fond memories of my childhood, reminding me of the delightful dinner parties my parents hosted. Overflowing with rich flavors, they combine a moist German chocolate cake base with a luscious layer of melted chocolate chips and creamy caramel swirled with crunchy nuts. Every bite is a perfect harmony of gooey sweetness and scrumptious textures that will make your taste buds sing! Despite having multiple steps, the rewarding outcome is worth every effort—trust me, you’ll be coming back for more!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
German chocolate cake mix
1 (18 ounce) box (No preparation needed.)
Butter or margarine
3/4 cup, melted (Melt before incorporating.)
Evaporated milk
2/3 cup, divided (Measure out 1/3 cup for the batter and reserve 1/3 cup for caramel sauce.)
Semi-sweet chocolate chips
6 ounces (No preparation needed.)
Chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans recommended)
1 cup (Chop nuts before adding.)
Caramels
50 pieces (Unwrap and prepare for melting.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the German chocolate cake mix, melted butter (or margarine), and 1/3 cup of evaporated milk. Stir until well combined, forming a thick batter.
3
Grease a 13x9 inch baking pan lightly and spread half of the cake mixture evenly across the bottom. Bake in the preheated oven for 6 minutes. This will create a foundational layer for your delicious bars.
4
While the base is baking, sprinkle the chopped nuts and semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the partially baked layer.
5
In a small saucepan over low heat, add the caramels and remaining 1/3 cup of evaporated milk. Stir constantly until the caramels are completely melted and the mixture is smooth, being careful not to burn it.
6
Once melted, drizzle the caramel mixture generously over the chocolate chips and nuts, making sure to cover as much of the surface as possible.
7
Crumble the remaining half of the uncooked cake mixture over the caramel layer, creating a final decadent topping.
8
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until the top is golden and set.
9
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares for serving. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors in each bite!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Chocolate Caramel Nut Bars?
These bars are a rich, layered dessert featuring a moist German chocolate cake base, melted chocolate chips, creamy caramel, and crunchy nuts.
What type of cake mix is required for this recipe?
You should use one 18-ounce box of German chocolate cake mix.
How much butter is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of butter or margarine, which should be melted before use.
What kind of milk is used for the batter and caramel?
You will need 2/3 cup of evaporated milk in total, divided into two parts.
How is the evaporated milk divided?
Use 1/3 cup of evaporated milk for the cake batter and the remaining 1/3 cup for the caramel sauce.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking.
What size baking pan should I use?
A 13x9 inch baking pan is the ideal size for these bars.
Should the baking pan be greased?
Yes, you should grease the 13x9 inch baking pan lightly before adding the first layer.
How long is the first layer baked?
The foundational layer of the cake mixture is baked alone for 6 minutes.
What type of chocolate chips are best for these bars?
The recipe recommends using 6 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate chips.
Which nuts are recommended for the recipe?
Chopped walnuts or pecans are recommended for the best flavor and texture.
How many caramels do I need?
You will need 50 individual caramel pieces for the filling.
How do I prepare the caramel sauce?
Melt the 50 caramels with 1/3 cup of evaporated milk in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth.
When do I add the chocolate chips and nuts?
Sprinkle the chopped nuts and chocolate chips over the first layer immediately after it finishes its initial 6-minute bake.
How is the top layer of the bars created?
Crumble the remaining half of the uncooked cake mixture over the caramel, chocolate chip, and nut layers.
What is the total final baking time?
Once fully assembled, return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes.
How do I know when the bars are done?
The bars are ready when the top is golden and the structure is set.
Can I cut the bars while they are hot?
No, you must allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares to ensure they hold their shape.
Is the cake batter supposed to be thick?
Yes, combining the cake mix, butter, and milk will form a thick batter rather than a liquid one.
Are these bars suitable for parties?
Yes, they are described as a nostalgic treat perfect for dinner parties and gatherings.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients: cake mix, butter, evaporated milk, chocolate chips, nuts, and caramels.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of either butter or margarine.
What is the preparation for the caramels?
The caramels simply need to be unwrapped and prepared for melting in a saucepan.
Should the nuts be chopped before adding?
Yes, the nuts should be chopped before being sprinkled over the chocolate chips.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include dessert, cookies, bars, chocolate, caramel, nutty, party food, sweet treats, and easy baking.
What is the texture of the finished bars?
They provide a harmony of gooey sweetness and scrumptious textures including a moist base and crunchy nuts.
How do I prevent the caramel from burning?
Keep the heat low and stir the caramel and evaporated milk mixture constantly until smooth.
Can I use a different type of cake mix?
The recipe specifies German chocolate cake mix for its specific flavor, but other chocolate mixes could be used as a variation.
Do I need to add eggs to the cake mix?
No, this recipe uses butter and evaporated milk to form the base rather than the traditional egg/oil/water instructions on the box.
How should I store these bars?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator to keep the caramel layers fresh.