Knock You Naked Bars Recipe
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.
- Author: Dylan
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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
- 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.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- 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.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated.
- Combine Flour Mixture: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
- Prepare Bottom Cookie Layer: Spread half of the cookie dough evenly into the prepared 9 x 13 inch pan.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Remaining Dough: Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the remaining cookie dough over the caramel layer, distributing them evenly.
- 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.
- 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