Knock You Naked Bars Recipe

Brace yourself: Knock You Naked Bars are pure dessert dynamite! Imagine irresistibly chewy, chocolate-studded cookie layers hugging a silky river of gooey caramel and peanut butter. One bite, and you’ll know exactly why these over-the-top bars have earned their legendary name!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how a handful of everyday ingredients transforms into such over-the-top goodness! Each component is simple but absolutely essential—delivering that perfect trio of chewy, creamy, and chocolatey flavors these bars are famous for.

• All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookie base; gives structure and keeps the bars sturdy enough to hold all that caramel goodness.
• Baking soda: Just a little helps the cookie layers bake up soft and slightly puffy.
• Salt: Essential for balancing out all the sweet flavors and making the chocolate and caramel pop.
• Butter, softened: Provides rich flavor and that classic chewy cookie texture—don’t skip the softening step for the dreamiest dough!
• Sugar + Brown sugar: White sugar gives sweetness and crisp edges, while brown sugar adds moisture and caramel-like depth.
• Vanilla extract: Layers in warm, aromatic flavor that keeps the cookie portion from tasting flat.
• Eggs, room temperature: Bind everything together and ensure tender, bakery-style results.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Dot every bite with melty pockets of chocolate—classic, but endlessly adaptable.
• Evaporated milk: Melts into the caramels for that extra-smooth, pourable caramel sauce.
• Caramels: Unwrap a bag for melt-and-go convenience—these create the signature gooey middle.
• Peanut butter: Stirred in with the caramel, it adds salt, richness, and the perfect hint of nutty flavor.

Variations

One reason Knock You Naked Bars are so beloved? You can change them up endlessly! Tweak little things to fit your pantry, please picky eaters, or give the bars a seasonal spin that’s uniquely yours.

• Nut-Free Swap: Use creamy sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter for an allergy-friendly twist with the same indulgent texture.
• Chocolate Caramel Dream: Try dark chocolate chips or chopped milk chocolate bars for a richer or sweeter chocolate layer.
• Salty-Sweet Add-On: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top after baking for craveable, grown-up flair.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend—these bars are forgiving and still bake up beautifully chewy.

How to Make Knock You Naked Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

Begin by whisking your flour, baking soda, and salt together in a small bowl. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with both sugars and vanilla until creamy and light. Mix in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Blend in the dry ingredients, then fold in chocolate chips for that classic chocolate-studded cookie goodness.

Step 2: Layer and Par-Bake the Bottom

Spread half the cookie dough evenly into a greased 9×13-inch pan, pressing gently with your fingertips or an offset spatula. Bake this layer at 375°F for 8–10 minutes; you want it just set, so it can cradle the caramel without getting soggy or overbaked.

Step 3: Make the Caramel-Peanut Butter Sauce

While the base is baking, melt the unwrapped caramels and evaporated milk together in a double boiler, stirring often. Once smooth and glossy, add peanut butter and stir until fully incorporated—the sauce should be silky, pourable, and absolutely irresistible.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

Pour the warm caramel-peanut butter sauce all over the baked cookie base, spreading to the edges. Dollop the remaining cookie dough in spoonfuls on top—it won’t fully cover the caramel, but that’s what makes beautifully gooey pockets as the bars bake.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Set

Pop the pan back in the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, until the top dough is lightly golden. Let the bars cool completely (seriously—resist!) so the caramel sets and slicing is a breeze. Then…it’s time for that unforgettable first bite!

How to Serve Knock You Naked Bars

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, scatter a pinch of flaky sea salt or a handful of mini chocolate chips on top right as the bars come out of the oven. If you’re feeling decadent, a drizzle of extra melted peanut butter or warm caramel sauce just before serving takes these Knock You Naked Bars entirely over the top!

Side Dishes

Pair your bars with something light and refreshing like a bowl of juicy berries, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or even a frosty milkshake. Their rich, gooey center absolutely sings with a little cool contrast on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the bars into bite-sized squares for party platters, wrap individually for bake sale treats, or stack casually on a cake stand for maximum “wow” at the dessert table. A parchment paper wrapper and ribbon instantly transform a humble bar into a sweet homemade gift anyone would adore!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Knock You Naked Bars tightly covered at room temperature for up to three days. If your kitchen is particularly warm, store them in the fridge for ultimate caramel stability and an extra-chewy bite!

Freezing

These bars freeze like a dream! Layer squares between sheets of parchment in an airtight container and they’ll keep for up to three months—just thaw at room temp whenever the craving hits.

Reheating

If you love a gooier, just-baked effect, pop a single bar in the microwave for 8–10 seconds. The caramel will soften, the chocolate will melt, and you’ll be in heaven all over again.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dessert that’s outrageously gooey, ultra-chocolatey, and full of sweet nostalgia, these Knock You Naked Bars absolutely deliver. Bake a pan, share with friends (if you can!), and get ready for rave reviews. You’re going to fall in love—promise!

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