Caramel Layer Bars

4.78 from 9 votes

Caramel Layer Bars are a Midwest classic made with German chocolate cake mix, gooey melted caramels, and chocolate chips. An easy, nostalgic bar cookie recipe Grandma always made.

Prep Time10

Cook Time30

Total Time40

Course: Dessert Recipes

Cuisine: American

Keyword: caramel layer bars

Servings:

Author: Erin Sellin

Ingredients

15.25 oz box German Chocolate Cake Mix
10 tablespoons butter melted
2/3 cup evaporated milk divided
11 oz caramels unwrapped
1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350º F. Line a 9-inch square baking dish with foil or grease well. Set aside.
Combine Cake mix, melted butter, and 1/3 cup milk. Mix well. Put half of mixture into prepared pan and spread into an even layer. Bake for 6 minutes.
15.25 oz box German Chocolate Cake Mix, 10 tablespoons butter, 2/3 cup evaporated milk
Meanwhile, melt caramel and 1/3 cup evaporated milk, at 30 second intervals, stirring after each, until it is completely melted and smooth. Let it cool slightly while the base bakes.
11 oz caramels
Remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle evenly with 1 cup chocolate chips. Pour the caramel mixture over the top and gently spread into an even layer.
1 cup chocolate chips
Crumble the remaining dough over the caramel, it will have set up and while the based baked, so you can crumble it more like a cookie dough.
Bake for 22-25 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before serving.

Notes

Caramel quantity: The original recipe called for a 14 oz bag (about 50 caramels). Kraft bags are now 11 oz (about 36 caramels).
Cake mix size: All major brands (Betty Crocker, Duncan Hines, Pillsbury) are 15.25 oz. Use one box as written.
Cake mix type: Avoid mixes labeled “with pudding in the mix” as they can make the dough too soft.
Caramel bits shortcut: Kraft Caramel Bits (sold in the baking aisle, already unwrapped) work perfectly here. Use by weight as a substitute.
Storage: Airtight container at room temperature for 4 days, refrigerator for 1 week, freezer for 2 months.

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