Name: Better Than Anything Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups graham cracker crumbs; 1/2 cup butter, melted; 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk; 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips; 1/2 cup caramel sauce or melted caramel candies; 3/4 cup toffee bits or chopped Heath bars; Optional: sea salt for sprinkling

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These Better Than Anything Bars are an indulgent, layered dessert that truly lives up to the name. I love how they combine a buttery, crumbly base with rich caramel, chocolate, and toffee bits to create the ultimate sweet treat. Every bite has that perfect balance of chewy, crunchy, gooey, and melty—making them impossible to resist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love these bars because they’re incredibly easy to make, but taste like something from a fancy bakery. The layers come together quickly and bake in one pan, and the results are always a hit—whether I’m making them for a party, a potluck, or just to satisfy my sweet tooth. They’re rich, over-the-top, and completely addictive in the best way.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Graham cracker crumbs
Sweetened condensed milk
Butter, melted
Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
Caramel sauce or melted caramel candies
Toffee bits or chopped Heath bars
Optional: sea salt for sprinkling on top

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
I mix the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to create a crust.
I pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the crust.
I sprinkle a generous layer of chocolate chips over the milk.
I drizzle caramel sauce across the top, then finish with a layer of toffee bits.
I bake the bars for 25–30 minutes until the edges are golden and the center is set.
I let the bars cool completely before slicing. If I want cleaner cuts, I chill them in the fridge first.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 16 bars, depending on how I slice them. It takes 10 minutes to prepare and 25–30 minutes to bake, with at least 30 minutes of cooling time.

Variations

Sometimes I use crushed Oreos or shortbread cookies instead of graham crackers for the crust. I’ve also tried peanut butter chips or white chocolate chips for a twist. For extra texture, I add chopped pecans or almonds. And if I want a bit of salt to balance the sweetness, I sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top before baking.

Storage/Reheating

I store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. They also freeze well—I wrap them tightly and thaw in the fridge before serving. I don’t usually reheat them, but if I want them warm and gooey, I microwave a bar for 10–15 seconds.

FAQs

Can I use homemade caramel?

Yes, I often use homemade caramel sauce—it gives an extra rich flavor. Store-bought also works great for convenience.

Are these bars very sweet?

They are definitely sweet and rich. I usually cut them into small squares because a little goes a long way.

Can I make them nut-free?

Absolutely. I skip any toffee bits that contain nuts or use nut-free toppings instead. The bars are just as delicious.

Do they need to be refrigerated?

Not necessarily. I keep them at room temperature unless it’s very warm. Refrigerating them helps the bars firm up more, which is helpful for cleaner slices.

Can I make them ahead?

Yes, I often make them a day in advance. They hold up really well and taste even better after sitting for a bit.

Conclusion

These Better Than Anything Bars are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves layered, gooey, over-the-top desserts. They’re easy to make, full of texture and flavor, and perfect for sharing—or not. Whenever I want to wow a crowd or just spoil myself, these bars always do the trick.