When I first made these Knock You Naked Bars, I had no idea how much they’d steal the show. One bite, and I was hooked! Imagine layers of chewy cookie dough and gooey caramel, all complemented by a hint of peanut butter and loads of rich chocolate.
They were such a hit my family practically fought over the last piece! Don’t be intimidated by the name; these bars are ridiculously easy to make and guaranteed to wow any dessert lover. Whether you’re prepping for a potluck, a cozy family night, or just want to treat yourself, these bars will quickly become a go-to. Trust me, their sweet, salty, and utterly satisfying combination makes them absolutely unforgettable!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
These bars are not just about indulgence–there’s so much to love!
Simple and Quick to Prepare
With basic pantry ingredients, you can whip these up in no time. Even the caramel filling is super easy to make! No complicated steps are involved, making this recipe ideal for busy days when you need a sweet treat fast. The simplicity of the recipe ensures that you can enjoy homemade caramel bars with minimal effort.
Perfect Texture Combo
You’ll love the chewy cookie dough layers balanced by the gooey caramel center. It’s pure bite-sized bliss. Each bite offers a delightful contrast between the rich, chewy dough and the soft, luscious caramel filling. The combination of textures makes these bars incredibly satisfying with every mouthful.
Customizable Flavors
From different chocolate chips to nut-free options, these bars can be tailored to fit anyone’s taste buds. Feel free to experiment with different add-ins like crushed nuts, candies, or a sprinkle of sea salt. The flexibility of the recipe allows you to create variations that will please everyone at your table.
Great for Sharing
Their rich layers and sweet flavors make them perfect for parties, picnics, or even gifting during the holidays. These bars are visually appealing and easily cut into servings, making them perfect for sharing with friends and family. Their delightful taste and beautiful layers make them an ideal treat for any gathering or celebration.
Cooking Time
These Knock You Naked Bars don’t keep you waiting long!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
Here’s your shopping list for these decadent bars!
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Butter
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Eggs
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Evaporated milk
- Caramels
- Peanut butter
Variations
There are plenty of ways to make these bars your own!
- Nut-Free Option: Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter. It’s just as creamy and works perfectly.
- Fancier Chocolate: Use dark or milk chocolate chips, or even chunks for extra indulgence.
- Add Some Crunch: Chopped nuts, pretzels, or even shredded coconut can elevate the texture.
- Gluten-Free Swap: Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour for equally delicious results.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13 Baking Pan: For baking the perfect layer of cookie dough and caramel.
- Mixing Bowls: For combining the dry and wet ingredients easily.
- Double Boiler: To melt caramels smoothly with evaporated milk.
- Spatula: Great for spreading the layers evenly.
How to Make Knock You Naked Bars?
Follow these easy steps for a dessert everyone will rave about!
Step 1. Prepare the Pan and Preheat the Oven
Grease your 9×13 pan and preheat the oven to 375°F. It’s important to get everything ready before starting. 🏡
Step 2. Make the Cookie Dough
Mix the flour, baking soda, and salt in one bowl. Then, beat together softened butter, sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract in another bowl until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, all while mixing. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients and stir in the chocolate chips. 🍫💛
Step 3. Bake the Bottom Layer
Spread half the cookie dough in the prepared pan. Pop it in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, just until it sets. This will be the base of your bars! 🍪
Step 4. Melt the Caramel Filling
Melt the caramels and evaporated milk using a double boiler. Stir constantly until smooth, then add peanut butter and mix thoroughly. The result is a rich, creamy caramel sauce you’ll pour over the baked base. 🍮✨
Step 5. Add the Top Layer
Drop spoonfuls of the remaining cookie dough over the caramel layer. It doesn’t need to cover it all; the caramel peeking through makes it even more enticing. 💛
Step 6. Bake and Cool
Bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the top layer is nicely golden. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely before slicing. This step is crucial to avoid messy cutting! 🔥
Tips for Making the Recipe
Set yourself up for success with these handy tips!
- Use Softened Butter: Room-temperature butter blends perfectly with the sugars, creating a creamy dough.
- Go Slow with the Caramel: Melt it on low heat to avoid burning and keep it silky smooth.
- Cool Completely: Waiting ensures the caramel sets up nicely, making it easier to cut clean squares.
How to Serve Knock You Naked Bars?
Make these bars the star of your dessert table with a few presentation tricks. Dust the tops with powdered sugar for a simple yet chic touch. If you’re hosting a get-together, stack the bars on a cake stand to show off their tempting layers. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate syrup to take them to the next level. They’re also perfect just as-is with a tall glass of milk or cup of coffee!
Nutritional Information
Each serving offers a dreamy combo of flavors and textures.
- Calories: 439
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fat: 22g
Make Ahead and Storage
These bars are as convenient as they are delicious!
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. They’re just as good chilled as they are warm.
- Freezing: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge.
Knock You Naked Bars are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Their layers of ooey-gooey caramel and chewy chocolate cookie dough make them absolutely irresistible. Once you make a batch, you’ll understand why this is one recipe everyone needs in their dessert lineup. Happy baking! 🎉💖
For a visual guide, watch the full recipe video here:
Knock You Naked Bars Recipe
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Butter
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Eggs
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Evaporated milk
- Caramels
- Peanut butter
Instructions
- Grease your 9×13 pan and preheat the oven to 375°F. It’s important to get everything ready before starting. 🏡
- Mix the flour, baking soda, and salt in one bowl. Then, beat together softened butter, sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract in another bowl until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, all while mixing. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients and stir in the chocolate chips. 🍫💛
- Spread half the cookie dough in the prepared pan. Pop it in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, just until it sets. This will be the base of your bars! 🍪
- Melt the caramels and evaporated milk using a double boiler. Stir constantly until smooth, then add peanut butter and mix thoroughly. The result is a rich, creamy caramel sauce you’ll pour over the baked base. 🍮✨
- Drop spoonfuls of the remaining cookie dough over the caramel layer. It doesn’t need to cover it all; the caramel peeking through makes it even more enticing. 💛
- Bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the top layer is nicely golden. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely before slicing. This step is crucial to avoid messy cutting! 🔥
Notes
- Use Softened Butter: Room-temperature butter blends perfectly with the sugars, creating a creamy dough.
- Go Slow with the Caramel: Melt it on low heat to avoid burning and keep it silky smooth.
- Cool Completely: Waiting ensures the caramel sets up nicely, making it easier to cut clean squares.
