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Knock You Naked Bars Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 94 reviews
  • Author: Lana
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 24 bars 1x

Description

Knock You Naked Bars are indulgent dessert bars featuring a soft cookie-like base layered with gooey caramel and semi-sweet chocolate chips, finished with crunchy chopped nuts. These bars combine creamy caramel, chocolate, and a buttery dough to create a rich treat perfect for potlucks, parties, or anytime you want a delicious dessert that impresses.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

Caramel Layer

  • 14 ounces caramel squares (individually wrapped)
  • ⅓ cup heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal of the bars.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then add the vanilla extract and mix well.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined; avoid overmixing.
  5. Fold in Chocolate Chips and Nuts: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped pecans evenly throughout the dough.
  6. Spread Half the Dough: Take half of the cookie dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form a uniform base layer.
  7. Melt the Caramel Layer: In a saucepan over low heat, combine the caramel squares and heavy cream. Stir constantly until the caramel is fully melted and smooth.
  8. Add Caramel Layer: Pour the melted caramel evenly over the dough layer in the pan and spread with a spatula to cover thoroughly.
  9. Top with Remaining Dough: Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the caramel layer and gently spread it out to cover the caramel as much as possible, allowing for a rustic texture.
  10. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
  11. Cool Completely: Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Using the parchment overhang, lift the bars out of the pan for easy cutting.
  12. Serve: Cut into squares and serve as desired. These bars are delicious on their own or warmed slightly with vanilla ice cream.

Notes

  • Use parchment paper for easy removal and cleaner cuts.
  • Do not overbake to keep the caramel gooey and bars soft.
  • Variations include substituting pecans with walnuts or almonds.
  • Try using dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
  • Sprinkle sea salt on top of the caramel layer for a sweet and salty contrast.
  • Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze bars for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Knock You Naked Bars, caramel bars, chocolate chip bars, pecan dessert bars, layered dessert bars

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Find it online: https://mealsbylana.com/knock-you-naked-bars-recipe/