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Knock You Naked Bars Recipe

4.5 from 74 reviews

Knock You Naked Bars combine a rich, buttery chocolate chip cookie base layered with a luscious homemade caramel and peanut butter sauce, finished with a crumbly cookie topping. This decadent dessert is perfect for satisfying sweet cravings with its gooey caramel center and the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough

  • 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

Caramel Sauce

  • 5 oz evaporated milk
  • 14 oz bag caramels
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Grease a 9 x 13 inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
  4. Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated.
  5. Combine Flour Mixture: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
  6. Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
  7. Prepare Bottom Cookie Layer: Spread half of the cookie dough evenly into the prepared 9 x 13 inch pan.
  8. Bake Base Layer: Bake the cookie dough base in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, until it begins to set but is not fully baked.
  9. Make Caramel Sauce: While the cookie base is baking, melt the caramels and evaporated milk in a double boiler over simmering water, stirring frequently. Once melted and smooth, stir in the peanut butter until well combined and creamy.
  10. Spread Caramel Layer: Remove the partially baked cookie layer from the oven and immediately spread the warm caramel and peanut butter mixture evenly over the top.
  11. Add Remaining Dough: Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the remaining cookie dough over the caramel layer, distributing them evenly.
  12. Bake Final Bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the top cookie dough is golden brown and baked through.
  13. Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares to serve. This lets the caramel set and prevents it from being too gooey to slice.

Notes

  • You can line the baking pan with parchment paper for easier removal and cleanup.
  • Use a double boiler or a heat-safe bowl over simmering water to melt caramels gently and prevent burning.
  • Peanut butter adds a rich, nutty flavor, but you can substitute with almond butter if preferred.
  • These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for a week.
  • For an extra touch, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before the final bake to enhance the flavor contrast.

Keywords: Knock You Naked Bars, caramel bars, chocolate chip bars, peanut butter bars, decadent dessert, easy bars recipe