Preheat oven to 350º. Grease a 13 x 9 inch baking pan.
Combine cake mix, butter and 1/4 C. milk in a medium bowl; mix well. Press half of batter into the bottom of the pan. Bake 7-8 minutes or until batter just begins to form a crust. Remove from oven.
Meanwhile combine caramels and remaining 1/4 C. milk in a heavy saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring often, about 5 minutes or until caramels are melted and mixture is smooth. Pour melted caramels mixture over partially baked crust.
Combine cashews and chocolate chips, sprinkle over caramel mixture. Drop spoonfuls of remaining batter evenly over nut mixture.
Return pan to oven, bake 18-20 minutes more until top cake layer springs back when lightly touched. Caramel center will be soft.
Cool on wire rack before cutting into bars or squares.
Recipe submitted by florentine on 12/15/99