Follow these straightforward steps to create your own Better Than Anything Bars:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Prepare Brownie Mix: In a large bowl, combine the brownie mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Stir until well blended, without overmixing.
3. Bake Brownies: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake according to the package instructions (approximately 30-35 minutes), or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
4. Cool Brownies: Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes.
5. Poke Holes: Use the end of a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke holes evenly across the surface of the warm brownies.
6. Add Caramel Sauce: Drizzle the caramel sauce over the warm brownies, ensuring it seeps into the holes for maximum flavor.
7. Add Condensed Milk: Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the caramel layer, spreading it evenly.
8. Chill: Refrigerate the brownies for about 1 hour to help set the filling.
9. Top with Whipped Topping: Once cooled, spread the whipped topping evenly over the layers.
10. Add Chocolate Chips and Nuts: Sprinkle the chocolate chips and, if desired, chopped nuts on top of the whipped topping.
11. Garnish: If desired, add chocolate shavings or a dollop of whipped topping for a beautiful finishing touch.
12. Cut Bars: For serving, cut the bars into squares or rectangles as preferred.

These steps will lead you to create some of the most delicious and memorable bars you’ll ever experience.