Recipe: Chocolate Caramel Bars

Originally published in the Dec. 11, 2013, issue

 

Editor’s Note: Trying to decide whether to bring cake or cookies to that holiday function? Here’s the perfect combination. Makes about 20 bars.

 

Ingredients:

14-ounce package of caramels

2/3 cup evaporated milk, divided

18.5-ounce box German chocolate cake mix

2/3 cup butter, melted

6-ounce package chocolate chips

1.5 cups chopped pecans

 

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

 

2. Melt caramels in a bowl in the microwave for about two minutes. Stir in one-third cup evaporated milk and set mixture aside.

 

3. Combine cake mix, butter and remaining milk in a large bowl. Press half of this mixture in a prepared 9x13-inch baking pan and bake for six minutes.

 

4. Remove cake mix from oven. Sprinkle with chocolate chips and pecans. Pour the caramel mixture over and gently spread it. Note that the caramel mixture will not go all the way to the sides of the pan.

 

5. Spoon remaining cake mix on top of caramels, and return to the oven and bake for 20 minutes. Let cool and cut into one-inch squares.