Spice Cake Bars with Salted Caramel Icing

Total Time Prep: 20 min. Bake: 15 min. + cooling
Yield 2 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
As a busy mom, I was always looking for baking shortcuts. When I found these bars, I knew I'd hit the jackpot. I still make them for my kids and grandkids. —Ellen Hartman, Chico, California

Ingredients

  • 1 package spice cake mix (regular size)
  • 3/4 cup butter, melted
  • 1/3 cup evaporated milk
  • 1 large egg
  • FROSTING:
  • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup evaporated milk
  • 1/4 cup butter, cubed
  • 2 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°. Grease a 13x9-in. baking pan. In a large bowl, combine cake mix, butter, milk and egg; beat on low speed 30 seconds. Beat on medium 2 minutes (batter will be thick).
  2. Transfer to prepared pan. Bake 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack.
  3. For frosting, in a large saucepan, combine brown sugar, milk and butter over medium heat; bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 3 minutes.
  4. Remove from heat. Stir in confectioners' sugar and vanilla. Immediately spread icing over cake; sprinkle with salt. Cool completely. Cut into bars. Store in airtight containers.

Nutrition Facts

1 bar: 208 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 238mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.

As a busy mom, I was always looking for baking shortcuts. When I found these bars, I knew I'd hit the jackpot. I still make them for my kids and grandkids. —Ellen Hartman, Chico, California
Recipe Creator

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