Creating these bars is a rewarding process, and with each step, you’ll feel more connected to the tradition they represent. Follow these steps for a delightful batch:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, and 1/3 cup of evaporated milk. Stir until the mixture forms a thick dough.
3. Press half of the dough into the prepared baking dish and bake for 10 minutes.
4. While the base is baking, melt the caramel bits with the remaining evaporated milk in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth. This step always reminds me of Ouma’s patience, as she would gently stir until it reached the perfect consistency.
5. Remove the baking dish from the oven and sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the partially baked crust.
6. Pour the melted caramel over the chocolate layer, spreading it gently with a spatula.
7. Drop the remaining dough by spoonfuls over the caramel layer and gently spread to cover as much as possible.
8. Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top, if using, and return the dish to the oven.
9. Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the caramel is bubbling at the edges.
10. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This is the hardest part for me, as I always remember Mama Lou saying, “Good things come to those who wait.”