Chocolate Chip Nutella Cake Bars

Frank Sinatra once crooned, "the best is yet to come," and it finally has with this tailgate inspired dessert. Chocolate. Nutella. Cake. In BAR form. Really, few things in life can match the ever comforting texture of a soft, chocolate filled piece of cake. Now, I am not entirely sure on what I would classify these as on the cake  vs. cookie bar debate, but I would liken them to the texture of a brownie. Either way, they will impress you.

This creation got its start with the very own Caprese Contessa's sweet mama, and then somehow ended up in the hands of one desperate for a tailgating recipe Caviar Contessa. Before you knew it, voila! The contessas were living and eating large.

Now, I must regrettably note that there are no documented photos of this recipe. Not because they were unsightly (trust me, they were not!), but the contessas ate every. last. one. quickly.

Now go put on your sweatpants because you are invariably going to end up eating every last one of these bars like we did.


Ingredients:
 *199,000 thanks to the original Caprese Contessa for providing the delectable "bones" of this recipe

-1 package (18.5 ounces) Butter Recipe Golden Cake Mix (or any store brand)
-1/3 cup sugar
-8 ounces sour cream (do not use the low far or non-fat...will make the cake dry) *This made the bars SO good!
-2/3 cup canola oil
-3 large eggs
-1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
-1 package (12 ounces) mini semisweet chocolate chips (the Caviar Contessa used jumbo chips for added "heft")
-2 tablespoons Nutella (a Caviar Contessa addition--it'll give your bars a nice light brown "tan")
-1/2 cup mini marshmallows (for topping)

What to Do:
(College girl style)

1. Preheat oven according to instructions on box (325 degrees)
2. Pour all ingredients into medium-large mixing bowl (did I mention this was a one-bowl recipe?!), and whisk until smooth (no electric mixers necessary).
3. Grease pan or cake tin with cooking spray, and pour contents into pan
4. Bake for 40-50 minutes or until fork comes out clean of cake
5. Top cake with marshmallows in last five minutes of baking or until marshmallows puff and lightly brown.
6. Let cool 10-15 minutes, and cut into squares and serve.

College Contessa Rating: Platform Stiletto