Knock You Naked Bars Recipe
Knock You Naked Bars are a delightful treat featuring layers of cookie dough, rich caramel sauce, and chocolate chips. This sweet dessert is perfect for satisfying your cravings and is sure to impress guests at gatherings or family functions.
Why you’ll love it
These bars are a unique combination of flavors and textures. The soft, chewy cookie layer is complemented by a gooey caramel center and crunchy chocolate chips. They are incredibly easy to prepare, making them a great option for both seasoned bakers and beginners. Plus, they can be made ahead of time, making them perfect for parties or family events.
Ingredients
For the Bars:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the Caramel Sauce:
- 5 ounces evaporated milk
- 1 bag (14 oz) caramels
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
Substitutions & key variations
If you’re in a pinch or want to create a different flavor, there are several substitutions and variations you can try:
- For a gluten-free option, swap out all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend.
- Replace semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or white chocolate for a new twist.
- If you want to add some crunch, consider folding in chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, into the cookie dough.
Step-by-step
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix well and set it aside for later.
Step 3: Mix the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter along with the sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until it’s creamy and smooth.
Step 4: Add the Eggs
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure everything is thoroughly combined.
Step 5: Combine the Mixtures
Gradually mix in the flour mixture until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix the dough.
Step 6: Stir in the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 7: Spread the Dough
Spread half of the cookie dough into the greased pan in an even layer.
Step 8: Bake the Base
Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes. You want it slightly underbaked, as it will continue to cook when you add the caramel.
Step 9: Prepare the Caramel Sauce
While the cookie dough is baking, melt the caramels and evaporated milk in a double boiler, stirring until smooth.
Step 10: Add Peanut Butter to Caramel
Once the caramels are melted, stir in the peanut butter and mix until well incorporated and smooth.
Step 11: Add Caramel Layer
Spread the caramel sauce evenly over the baked cookie dough base in the pan.
Step 12: Add Remaining Dough
With the remaining cookie dough, drop spoonfuls on top of the caramel mixture. Gently spread this dough to cover as much of the caramel as possible.
Step 13: Bake Again
Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is light golden brown.
Step 14: Cool and Serve
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares to serve.
Success tips
- Make sure your butter is softened; this helps create a creamy texture in your dough.
- Don’t overbake the bars; they should be soft and chewy in the center.
- If you notice the edges browning too quickly, you can cover the bars with aluminum foil toward the end of baking.
How to serve
These Knock You Naked Bars are best served at room temperature. You can also warm them slightly in the microwave for a gooey experience. They pair wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Storage & reheating
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds until warm, or let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the bars a day in advance and keep them covered at room temperature.
2. What should I do if the caramel is too thick?
If your caramel sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a little more evaporated milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
3. Can I prepare the dough and then bake later?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and keep it in the refrigerator for a couple of hours before spreading it into the pan and baking.
4. What’s the best way to cut the bars?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for clean edges.
5. Can I use other types of chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate or even add in components like toffee bits or dried fruit.
Nutrition notes / equivalents
These bars are a sweet indulgence and rich in calories, primarily from sugars and fats. Enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Conclusion
Once you try these Knock You Naked Bars, you’ll understand why they earned such a catchy name! With their delightful layers and delicious flavors, they’ll become a favorite in your dessert rotation. Don’t hesitate; gather your ingredients, and start baking these irresistible bars today!
Links to related recipes
- Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies
- No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars
- Caramel Brownies
- Chewy Oatmeal Cookies
- Double Chocolate Chip Cookies
Knock You Naked Bars
Ingredients
For the Bars
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour Can be substituted with a gluten-free flour blend.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup butter, softened Make sure the butter is softened for a creamy texture.
- ¾ cup sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 eggs Add one at a time during mixing.
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips Can be replaced with dark, milk, or white chocolate.
For the Caramel Sauce
- 5 ounces evaporated milk
- 1 bag (14 oz) caramels
- ½ cup peanut butter
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix well and set it aside for later.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter along with the sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until it’s creamy and smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure everything is thoroughly combined.
- Gradually mix in the flour mixture until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix the dough.
- Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Baking
- Spread half of the cookie dough into the greased pan in an even layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, slightly underbaked.
- While the cookie dough is baking, melt the caramels and evaporated milk in a double boiler, stirring until smooth.
- Once the caramels are melted, stir in the peanut butter and mix until well incorporated and smooth.
- Spread the caramel sauce evenly over the baked cookie dough base in the pan.
- Drop spoonfuls of the remaining cookie dough on top of the caramel mixture and gently spread to cover.
- Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is light golden brown.
Finishing
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares to serve.