German Chocolate Caramel Bars

F.A.B. (Derek's Favorite Aunt Beth) made these for a graduation party YEARS ago. Definitely a family favorite. I've been meaning to post this recipe since this blog began, but I always make them for a potluck, etc. and always forget to take a picture. Today, I remembered! Enjoy.

1 (14 oz) package of caramels
2/3 c evaporated milk (divided)
1 box of German Chocolate cake mix
3/4 c butter, melted
1 c chopped nuts (optional...I always omit)
1 c chocolate chips (I use milk chocolate)

Melt caramels with 1/3 c evaporated milk. Keep warm. Combine dry cake mix, melted butter and remaining 1/3 c evaporated milk and nuts, stirring by hand. Press half of the mixture into a 9 X 13 prepared pan. Bake 350 degrees for about 6 minutes. Pour melted caramel over baked layer. Sprinkle chocolate chips over caramel layer.

Cover top with teaspoons of remaining cake mixture. Bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes. Cool completely before cutting.

Caramel Apple Dip

LOVE this recipe. My mother found it years ago and passed it along.

1 (8 oz) cream cheese, softened (I used 1/3 less fat)
1 cup brown sugar
1 jar caramel ice cream topping (we use Mrs. Richardson)
salted peanuts (optional)
apples

beat cream cheese and brown sugar
spread into serving dish
pour caramel topping evenly over the top
sprinkle with peanuts
chill
serve with apple wedges (toss in lemon juice to prevent browning)

Caramel Bars

Many of you probably already have this recipe somewhere, but I'll share JUST in case any of you are missing out on this ooey, gooey goodness.

CRUST
3/4 c butter
3/4 c brown sugar
1 c flour
1 c oatmeal
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt

FILLING
bag of caramels
3/4 T milk
3 T butter

OTHER
6 ounces of chocolate chips
1 c chopped nuts (we do not use the nuts)

Mix crust ingredients and press HALF in a greased 9 X 13 pan. Bake for 6 minutes at 350 degrees. Meanwhile, melt caramels, milk, and butter.

Sprinkle chocolate chips and nuts over crust. Pour over the caramel sauce. Crumble the rest of the crust over the top.

Bake 15 to 18 minutes.