Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a large bowl, combine German chocolate cake mix, melted butter, 1/4 cup milk, and chopped nuts.

Mix until just combined.

Press half of the mixture into a greased 9 x 13-inch baking pan.

Bake for 6 minutes.

While the base is baking, melt caramels with 1/4 cup milk in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly, until smooth.

Remove the partially baked base from the oven.

Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the base.

Pour the melted caramel mixture evenly over the chocolate chips.

Drop the remaining batter in small dollops over the caramel layer.

Return to the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the brownies are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.

Let cool completely before cutting into squares.