Knock You Naked Bars Recipe

If you’ve ever craved a dessert that’s a perfect blend of ooey-gooey caramel, melty chocolate, and chewy cookie, then these Knock You Naked Bars are about to become your new obsession. Imagine a golden cookie base, rich caramel with just the right hint of peanut butter, all topped with another layer of chocolate chip dough – it’s a taste sensation that’s impossible to describe without a happy sigh. These bars take the concept of indulgence to legendary levels, making them the ultimate treat for potlucks, bake sales, or just a quiet night in with a glass of milk. Once you try the Knock You Naked Bars, you’ll never want to make cookie bars any other way!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather just a handful of kitchen staples and you’re well on your way to the best batch of bars you’ll ever bake. Each ingredient for Knock You Naked Bars plays a starring role, creating layers of flavor, texture, and that signature gooey bite that keeps everyone coming back for more.

• All-purpose flour: The backbone that holds the bars together, giving them their classic chewy cookie texture.
• Baking soda: Lifts the dough so you get a light, tender bite rather than anything too dense.
• Salt: Just a teaspoon brings out all the best flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Butter (softened): Provides richness and ensures every bite melts in your mouth.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve those deliciously crisp edges.
• Brown sugar (packed): Deepens the flavor with a hint of molasses and makes the cookie layers extra chewy.
• Vanilla extract: An essential aromatic that brings warmth and depth to your bars.
• Eggs (room temperature): Binds everything together and gives the cookies their soft, cakey structure.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melty, chocolatey pockets that are everything you want in a cookie bar.
• Evaporated milk: Helps create that swoon-worthy smooth caramel layer.
• Soft caramels (14 oz bag): The magic ingredient for that lush, sticky-stretchy caramel center.
• Peanut butter: Adds a subtle nuttiness that keeps each bite from being overly sweet.

How to Make Knock You Naked Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Give your trusty 9×13-inch pan a generous coat of cooking spray or line it with parchment, so every bar slides out perfectly later. Prepping your pan well is key – no one wants to leave those gooey caramel edges behind!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures an even distribution and prevents clumps, so every mouthful of your Knock You Naked Bars is just right. Set this mixture aside while you jump into the fun part.

Step 3: Cream the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is creamy and light, about 2–3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each – this step gives your cookie layers their signature chewy, fudge-like texture.

Step 4: Build the Dough

Gradually add the dry ingredient mix to your creamed butter-sugar mixture, beating on low until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips by hand so every square of your bars is dotted with rich, melty chocolate.

Step 5: Bake the Base Layer

Scoop about half the cookie dough into your prepared pan and use a spatula to spread it in an even layer. Slide it into the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes – just long enough for it to set, but not brown. Think of this as the foundation for all the deliciousness to come.

Step 6: Make the Caramel Layer

While your base bakes, place the unwrapped caramels and evaporated milk in a double boiler over gently simmering water. Stir often until the caramels are completely melted and the mixture is silky smooth. Now, whisk in the peanut butter for a nutty twist. This luscious caramel sauce is the heart of the Knock You Naked Bars!

Step 7: Layer the Caramel and Top Dough

Once the base is out of the oven, pour that dreamy caramel mixture right over the warm cookie crust. Take the remaining dough and gently drop it by spoonfuls over the caramel. Don’t worry if it looks patchy – it will spread and bake up beautifully, creating those magical gooey pockets everyone loves.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until the top is just turning golden. Patience is key: let your Knock You Naked Bars cool completely before slicing for clean edges and gooey centers. Now brace yourself for the best cookie bar experience ever!

How to Serve Knock You Naked Bars

Garnishes

An extra sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top brings out the caramel flavor and adds an irresistible little crunch. You can also dust with a bit of powdered sugar or even add a drizzle of melted chocolate if you really want to take your Knock You Naked Bars over the top.

Side Dishes

These bars are rich and decadent, so keep your sides simple. A scoop of vanilla ice cream is the classic move, or serve alongside fresh berries for a fruity contrast. A tall glass of cold milk or hot coffee is always a welcome pairing, balancing each gooey, sweet bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the bars into generous squares for a homey feel, or slice them into neat little rectangles for an elegant dessert tray. Tiny cubes work wonders for party platters or lunchboxes, letting everyone sneak more than one bite. A cellophane-wrapped bar tied with a ribbon also makes a delightful homemade gift!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any remaining Knock You Naked Bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is particularly warm or you want to extend their freshness, pop them in the fridge, where they’ll stay chewy and perfect for up to a week.

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully! Just wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll hold their flavor and texture for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving for the best gooey experience.

Reheating

If you love a warm, melty middle, pop a bar in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. This revives the caramel and turns the chocolate chips gloriously soft again – perfect for reliving that straight-from-the-oven magic.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of melting caramels?

While you can swap in a thick store-bought caramel sauce in a pinch, nothing beats the texture and flavor you get from melting down real caramels with evaporated milk. If you must substitute, choose a sauce that’s on the thicker side and stir in peanut butter as directed for that perfect taste.

Can I make Knock You Naked Bars nut-free?

Absolutely! Simply leave out the peanut butter or replace it with sunflower seed butter or a similar nut-free alternative. The bars will still deliver that gorgeous caramel layer without any worry for those with allergies.

What’s the best way to cut Knock You Naked Bars cleanly?

For the neatest slices, let the bars cool completely (even chilling them in the fridge for 30 minutes helps). Use a sharp knife that’s been warmed under hot water, wiping between cuts for those picture-perfect squares.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

You sure can! Just use two 9×13 pans or try making it in a large sheet pan with slightly adjusted baking time. Make sure not to overcrowd the bars so that caramel stays gooey and the cookie doesn’t overbake.

Do Knock You Naked Bars travel well?

They absolutely do! These bars are sturdy enough to survive the journey to potlucks and parties, and the caramel helps keep them moist for hours. Just layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a sturdy container for easy, mess-free transport.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for the ultimate crowd-pleaser, look no further than Knock You Naked Bars. They really are as irresistible as the name suggests – a treat worth baking (and sharing!) again and again. Give them a try and see just how quickly they become your family’s new favorite dessert bar!

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