Peanut Butter Caramel Bars

Total Time

Prep: 50 min. + chilling Bake: 20 min. + cooling

Makes

about 3 dozen

Updated: Oct. 17, 2022
When my husband and our three sons sit down to dinner, they ask, "What's for dessert?" I have a happy group of guys when I report that these rich bars are on the menu. They're chockfull of yummy ingredients. —Lee Ann Karnowski, Stevens Point, Wisconsin
Peanut Butter Caramel Bars Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 1 package yellow cake mix (regular size)
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1 large egg
  • 20 miniature peanut butter cups, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 jar (12-1/4 ounces) caramel ice cream topping
  • 1/4 cup peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup salted peanuts
  • TOPPING:
  • 1 can (16 ounces) milk chocolate frosting
  • 1/2 cup chopped salted peanuts

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, butter and egg; beat on low speed for 30 seconds. Beat on medium for 2 minutes or until no longer crumbly. Stir in peanut butter cups.
  2. Press into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 18-22 minutes or until lightly browned.
  3. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, combine the cornstarch, caramel topping and peanut butter; stir until smooth. Cook over low heat for 25-27 minutes or until mixture comes to a boil; stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat; stir in peanuts.
  4. Spread evenly over warm crust. Bake 6-7 minutes longer or until almost set. Cool completely on a wire rack. Spread with frosting; sprinkle with peanuts. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before cutting. Store in the refrigerator.
Peanut Butter-Reduced fat/Generic
Reduced-fat peanut butter is not recommended for this recipe.