Knock You Naked Bars Recipe
If you are looking for a dessert that truly lives up to its name, Knock You Naked Bars are your new best friend in the kitchen. This irresistible bar treats combines a buttery cookie base, gooey caramel peanut butter topping, and melty chocolate chips in a way that creates a symphony of flavors and textures with every bite. Whether you’re serving these bars at a family gathering or sneaking one for yourself during a quiet moment, Knock You Naked Bars are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression and a craving for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward yet essential ingredients sets you up for success with Knock You Naked Bars. Each one plays a crucial role, from lending that tender crumb to adding sweetness and rich layers of flavor.
- All-purpose flour (2 ¼ cups): The foundation of the cookie dough, giving structure and that soft chewiness.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the dough rise just enough for a perfect texture.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Butter, softened (1 cup): Adds richness and moisture, creating a delightfully tender bar.
- Sugar (¾ cup): Sweetens the base while aiding in browning.
- Brown sugar, packed (¾ cup): Brings a deep, caramel-like flavor and chewiness to the bars.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses warmth and depth to the overall taste.
- Eggs, room temperature (2): Bind ingredients together and keep the texture moist.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (2 cups): For bursts of melty chocolate goodness in every bite.
- Evaporated milk (5 ounces): The key to smooth, decadent caramel sauce.
- Caramels (14-ounce bag): Creates the gooey, luscious layer that defines these bars.
- Peanut butter (½ cup): Adds a creamy, nutty flavor that perfectly complements the caramel and chocolate.
How to Make Knock You Naked Bars
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Start by heating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and generously grease a 9 by 13-inch pan. This step ensures your bars bake evenly and come out cleanly without sticking or breaking apart.
Step 2: Mix the Dry and Wet Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt — these dry ingredients will soon blend into a mouthwatering cookie dough. In a larger bowl, cream together softened butter, sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until you get that light, fluffy texture. Beat in eggs one at a time, making sure each is well incorporated before adding the next. Slowly mix in the flour combination, then gently fold in those luscious chocolate chips. Your batter is now ready for layering.
Step 3: Bake the Cookie Base
Spread half of the cookie dough evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing it out gently with the back of a spoon or a spatula. Pop it into the hot oven for 8 to 10 minutes — just enough time to set and create a solid, yet tender base for the caramel topping.
Step 4: Make the Caramel-Peanut Butter Sauce
While the cookie base bakes, melt the caramels and evaporated milk together over a double boiler, stirring frequently for a silky smooth consistency. Once melted, add the peanut butter and stir until fully combined. This luscious sauce will add a decadent layer that brings these bars to the next level.
Step 5: Layer the Sauce and Finish Baking
When the base is out of the oven, immediately spread the caramel and peanut butter sauce evenly over it. Then, drop spoonfuls of the remaining cookie dough on top, creating an irresistible mosaic pattern of dough and caramel. Slide your pan back in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cookie dough topping turns a delicate golden brown. Let the entire pan cool completely before cutting to preserve those glorious layers.
How to Serve Knock You Naked Bars
Garnishes
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top right after baking intensifies the flavors perfectly, adding a subtle crunch that pairs beautifully with the sweet, gooey layers. For an extra festive touch, a drizzle of melted dark chocolate or a scattering of chopped roasted peanuts adds both visual appeal and complexity.
Side Dishes
Knock You Naked Bars are delicious on their own but pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a more indulgent experience, serve alongside a hot cup of coffee or a creamy latte to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your bars into small, bite-sized squares to serve as dessert bites at a party — guests will love popping these irresistible treats while mingling. Alternatively, stack them on a decorative platter layered with parchment paper for a rustic, inviting look that beckons everyone to indulge.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your Knock You Naked Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the bars fresh while maintaining their gooey texture and chewy crust.
Freezing
If you want to keep these bars longer, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen Knock You Naked Bars can last up to three months and are a fantastic make-ahead dessert.
Reheating
To enjoy your bars warm with that freshly baked feeling, gently reheat individual pieces in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds or until the caramel softens slightly. Avoid overheating to preserve their beautiful texture.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add a delightful extra texture contrast, making each bite even more interesting. Just be sure to stir it well during the melting process to ensure smoothness.
What type of caramels work best for these bars?
Soft, creamy caramels melt best and produce the ideal gooey consistency. Avoid hard, firm caramels as they may take longer to melt and could affect the sauce texture.
Can I substitute chocolate chips with another type of chocolate?
Yes! Chopped chocolate chunks, white chocolate chips, or even butterscotch chips can be exciting alternatives that tweak the flavor to your liking.
Is it necessary to use evaporated milk in the caramel layer?
Evaporated milk gives the caramel a richer texture and depth, but you can substitute with heavy cream if needed. Just keep the same quantity for the best result.
How long do Knock You Naked Bars stay fresh?
When stored properly, these bars stay fresh and delicious for about three days at room temperature, though they are often eaten up long before then!
Final Thoughts
Creating Knock You Naked Bars is like inviting a little bit of magic into your kitchen, blending simple ingredients into an unforgettable dessert experience. I promise once you try these bars, they’ll become a regular request at your table and a go-to treat whenever you want something truly special. So go ahead, give this recipe a whirl and prepare to be knocked off your feet — these bars really do live up to their name!
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Knock You Naked Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Knock You Naked Bars are a decadent, layered dessert bar featuring a buttery cookie base loaded with semi-sweet chocolate chips, a rich caramel and peanut butter middle layer, and a luscious cookie dough topping baked to golden perfection. These bars combine classic flavors with an irresistible gooey texture, perfect for chocolate and caramel lovers looking for an indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients and Flavorings
- 1 cup butter, softened
- ¾ cup sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 eggs, room temperature
Chocolate and Candy Layers
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 bag (14 oz) caramels
- 5 ounces evaporated milk
- ½ cup peanut butter
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9 x 13 inch baking pan thoroughly and set it aside to ensure the cookie bars do not stick.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir these together evenly to distribute the leavening agents throughout the flour.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is creamy and smooth. This step is key to getting a tender texture in your cookie dough.
- Add Eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure they are fully blended and the batter is smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the dough tender.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Carefully fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips to distribute them evenly throughout the cookie dough.
- Spread Dough Base: Spread half of the cookie dough evenly into the prepared pan to form the base layer.
- Bake Base Layer: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes until set but not fully browned. Remove from oven.
- Prepare Caramel Layer: While the base is baking, melt the caramels and evaporated milk together in a double boiler until smooth. Once melted, mix in the peanut butter and stir thoroughly until the mixture is creamy.
- Apply Caramel Layer: Spread the warm caramel and peanut butter mixture evenly over the baked cookie dough base in the pan.
- Add Top Dough Layer: Using the remaining cookie dough, drop spoonfuls over the caramel layer, covering the surface loosely to allow some caramel to peek through.
- Bake Final Bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the top cookie layer is light golden brown. Keep an eye to prevent overbaking.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares and serving. Cooling ensures cleaner slices and sets the caramel layer.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature eggs to help the ingredients blend smoothly.
- Using a double boiler for melting caramel and peanut butter helps prevent burning and achieves a smooth mixture.
- Allow bars to cool completely to firm up the caramel layer and make slicing easier.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Optionally, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the caramel layer before adding the top dough to enhance the flavor contrast.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (1/24th of recipe)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Knock You Naked Bars, chocolate caramel bars, peanut butter caramel bars, layered bars, easy dessert bars, chocolate chip bars
