German Chocolate Caramel Bars

I originally had a version of these delightful bars years ago. I do remember loving them a great deal. I loved them so much I immediately wrote down the recipe on a 3x5 card...that is how you know it was awhile ago...pre-Pinterest.

The original recipe was called Knock Ya Nakeds.

A name which my boys found HEE-larious. They seemed to think the ability of a treat to knock ones clothes off was pretty impressive and a whole lot of funny.

When I handed out these yummy treats out to my boys, Middle took a bite and then dropped his pants.

"Mom! Look these were so good they knocked my pants off!"

It was right then I realized I might want to come up with another name, or there could be a whole pants dropping epidemic.

Hence the new treat name--German Chocolate Caramel Bars. 

Whatever ya call them, they are gloriously yummy. I mean GLOR-EEE-US.

The texture is similar to a brownie, but has that ooey gooey caramel layer. Throw in the nuts, and I am pretty sure I am gonna eat the whole pan.

The. Whole. Pan.

It is a good thing I work out.

These really are heavenly. I would be remiss if I didn't tell you to make them as soon as you can.

German Chocolate Caramel Bars

Print Here

1 box German chocolate cake mix
1 cup chopped pecans
1/3 cup, plus 1/2 cup evaporated milk (divided)
3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 package caramel bits
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup milk chocolate chips

Combine cake mix, pecans and 1/3 cup evaporated milk, and butter. Press half of the mixture into  a greased 8x8 baking dish (for thinner bars use a 9x13 dish).

Bake at 350 degrees for 8 minutes.

Melt caramel bits in a double broiler with the remaining 1/2 cup evaporated milk. When the mixture is completely smooth and incorporated evenly and in the vanilla.

Poor the caramel over the slightly cooled baked layer. Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the caramel layer. Drop the rest of the batter in spoonfuls evenly over the top.

Bake for 16-18 minutes.

Cool completely and cut into squares.

Have a glorious Thursday!

Linking Here:
Your Homebased Mom,
Thirty Handmade Days