Chocolate Caramel Fudge Bars

So yesterday was Friday, which means that I normally make some sort of dessert during nap-time!  I think dessert is the perfect way to kick off the weekend, and we always enjoy munching on treats Friday, Saturday, and Sunday!  If I could, I would just eat dessert...all the time!  I mean no real food...dessert only...and coffee!  Sadly, I have to set an example for my children and eat real food.  But we still need to eat treats from time to time, and that is why I save dessert making for the weekend!

If you read last week's dessert post, you know that I love to make something quick that starts with a mix!  I promise if you like a rich, chocolate dessert, these chocolate caramel fudge bars will not disappoint!  They have a wonderful chewy brownie texture around the edge, while the middle is more gooey and fudge-like!

Not only are these bars quick and easy because they use a store bough mix...they do not require any measuring!!!!

Here's What You Need to Make the Chocolate Caramel Fudge Bars:

• 1 box of chocolate cake mix (I really like Betty Crocker Triple Chocolate Fudge)
• 1 stick butter, melted
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 1/2 cups (more or less depending on taste) caramel bits (I used the entire bag minus the few that I sampled first)
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (more or less, I threw in a handful)

Now Let's Make the Chocolate Caramel Fudge Bars:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9x13 baking pan (I actually just use the wrapper from the stick of butter to grease the pan)
2. In a large mixing bowl add cake mix, melted butter, and eggs.  Mix until combined
3. Stir in caramel bits and chocolate chips - I just kept adding until it looked like there was A LOT in the mix...I did not measure 
   
4. Spread mixture evenly into greased pan
5. Bake in oven for twenty minutes
6. Remove from oven and press your bars down with the back of a spatula.  Cook for five additional minutes
7. Remove from oven and press bars down again
8. Cool completely in pan before cutting

I loved the way these bars came out!  My mom loved them!  John loved them!  Lacie loved them!  Poor Blakely does not have nearly enough teeth to enjoy that chewy caramel!  

I hope that you enjoy these bars with a nice cup of coffee :)