1 box dark chocolate fudge cake mix 1/4 cup half and half
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 14 ounce bag caramels 1/2 cup half and half
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup chopped pecans, lightly toasted in a 350 oven
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 13×9 inch pan with foil and spray it lightly with cooking spray.
In a medium bowl, using a wooden spoon combine the cake mix, 1/4 cup half and half, vanilla extract and the melted butter. It will be a fairly stiff batter. Press about half of this (may take a touch more) into the bottom of the prepared pan. It will be a thin layer.
Bake at 350 for about 5 minutes while you prepare the caramels.
Unwrap the caramels and put them, along with the 1/2 cup of half and half, in a small microwave safe bowl. Microwave for one minute, stir, then microwave in 30 second increments, stirring after each one, until they are melted and smooth.
Take the brownies out, sprinkle the pecans on top of them, then the chocolate chips. Pour the caramel sauce in an even layer over this. Then, use your hands to break up small pieces of the remaining brownie batter and place it all over the caramel. It will NOT cover the whole thing.
Place the pan back in the oven and continue baking until the top is firm and set and the caramel is bubbly, about 15 to 20 minutes.
Let cool for at least an hour, then pull them out using the foil and cut into pieces.