Ragbrai Goodies! Caramel Chip Bars

Caramel Chip Bars

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter, cubed

• 32 caramels

   or 1 1/3 c Kraft caramel bits (balls) (approximately one pkg)

• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk

•        1 package yellow cake mix

• 1/2 cup canola oil

         2 eggs

• 2 cups miniature semisweet chocolate chips - (need to use miniature)

• 1 cup vanilla or white chips

• 1 Heath candy bar (1.4 ounces), chopped

Directions

1. In a large saucepan, combine the butter, caramels and milk; cook and stir over medium-low heat until smooth. Cool.  (I melt this in the microwave in a 4-cup glass measuring cup on medium power - 2 minutes, stir, 2 minutes, stir, and 1 more minute if necessary. Cool.)
2. In a large bowl, beat the cake mix, oil and eggs until blended. Stir in chips and chopped candy bar (dough will be stiff).
3. Press three-fourths into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 12 minutes. Place on a wire rack for 10 minutes.
4. Pour caramel mixture over the crust. Drop remaining dough by spoonfuls onto caramel layer. Bake for 20-25 minutes longer or until edges are golden brown.  Do not overbake.
5. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes; run a knife around edges of pan. This is important or they will be difficult to get out of the pan.  
6. Cool 40 minutes longer; cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Yield: 2 dozen.