If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that will leave everyone speechless, look no further than Knock You Naked Bars. With layers of gooey caramel, rich chocolate, and the satisfying crunch of pecans, these bars are a treat that lives up to their cheeky name. Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this recipe is easy to make and impossible to forget.
Below, you’ll find the step-by-step guide to whipping up these crowd-pleasing dessert bars, along with tips and FAQs to ensure your baking experience is as smooth as the caramel layer in this recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy to Make: Uses a cake mix shortcut for a quick and simple dessert.
Irresistibly Gooey: The melted caramel and chocolate chips create a dreamy texture.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for potlucks, bake sales, or family gatherings.
Make-Ahead Friendly: These bars taste even better the next day!
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Essential Tools & Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or spoon for mixing
- Saucepan for melting caramel
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula for spreading layers
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create these irresistible bars, you’ll need:
- 1 box German chocolate cake mix
- ⅓ cup evaporated milk (divided)
- ¾ cup melted butter
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 package caramels (14 oz, unwrapped)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
These simple ingredients come together to form a dessert that’s anything but ordinary.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure your bars don’t stick.
2. Prepare the Base Layer
In a mixing bowl, combine the German chocolate cake mix, half of the evaporated milk (about 3 tablespoons), and melted butter. Stir until the mixture forms a thick dough.
3. Bake the First Layer
Press half of the dough into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the layer is slightly set.
4. Create the Caramel Layer
While the base is baking, melt the caramels with the remaining evaporated milk in a saucepan over low heat. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
5. Assemble the Bars
Once the base layer is out of the oven, pour the melted caramel evenly over it. Sprinkle the caramel layer with chocolate chips and chopped pecans for added texture and flavor.
6. Add the Top Layer
Take pieces of the remaining dough and flatten them with your hands. Place these flattened pieces over the caramel layer. Don’t worry if they don’t cover everything completely—this creates a rustic look and allows the caramel to peek through.
7. Bake Again
Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the top layer is set and slightly golden.
8. Cool and Serve
Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares or rectangles. If desired, dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
Tips for Perfect Knock You Naked Bars
- Use Parchment Paper: For easy removal and cleanup, line your baking dish with parchment paper before greasing it.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your bars during both baking stages to prevent overcooking, which can make them dry.
- Customize Your Toppings: While pecans are classic, you can substitute them with walnuts or even shredded coconut for a twist.
- Patience is Key: Letting the bars cool completely ensures they hold their shape when cut—no one likes a gooey mess (unless you’re eating it straight from the pan!).
Serving Suggestions & Common Mistakes to Avoid
Serving Suggestions
These Knock You Naked Bars are amazing on their own, but you can make them even better with these serving ideas:
1. Serve Warm with Ice Cream
- Warm up a bar and pair it with vanilla, caramel, or chocolate ice cream for the ultimate dessert.
2. Drizzle with Extra Caramel or Chocolate Sauce
- Amp up the decadence by adding an extra drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce on top.
3. Pair with Whipped Cream
- A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds a light and airy contrast to the rich bars.
4. Serve with Coffee or Hot Chocolate
- The chocolate and caramel flavors pair beautifully with a cup of coffee, espresso, or hot cocoa.
5. Sprinkle with Sea Salt
- For a sweet-and-salty twist, add a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid & How to Perfect the Bars
1. Not Letting the Bars Cool Completely
- Why It Matters: If you cut into the bars too soon, they’ll fall apart.
- How to Fix It: Let them cool for at least 1 hour before slicing.
2. Using Regular Milk Instead of Evaporated Milk
- Why It Matters: Regular milk won’t give the same creamy consistency.
- How to Fix It: Stick to evaporated milk for the best texture.
3. Skipping the Pre-Bake Step
- Why It Matters: If you don’t pre-bake the bottom layer, the dough won’t hold up to the caramel.
- How to Fix It: Always bake the first layer for 8-10 minutes before adding the caramel.
4. Overbaking the Bars
- Why It Matters: Overbaked bars can turn dry and hard instead of gooey.
- How to Fix It: Bake just until set in the center (20-25 minutes).
5. Not Spreading the Top Layer Evenly
- Why It Matters: If the top layer is too thick in some spots, it won’t bake evenly.
- How to Fix It: Flatten pieces as evenly as possible before placing them on top.
Storage & Shelf Life
Refrigeration (Best for Longer Storage)
- Store bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing (For Make-Ahead Desserts)
- Wrap bars individually in plastic wrap, then store in an airtight container.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating (For Warm, Gooey Bars)
- Microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore the soft, gooey texture.
FAQs About Knock You Naked Bars
1. Why are they called Knock You Naked Bars?
The name comes from their indulgent, over-the-top deliciousness that’s so good, it’s almost scandalous! While they won’t literally knock you naked, they will leave you craving more with every bite.
2. Can I use a different cake mix?
German chocolate cake mix is recommended for its distinct flavor that complements the caramel and chocolate layers. However, you can experiment with other cake mixes like devil’s food or yellow cake if you prefer.
3. How do I store these bars?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed container for up to 3 months—just thaw before serving!
4. Can I make these bars nut-free?
Absolutely! Simply omit the pecans if you have a nut allergy or prefer a nut-free version. The bars will still be deliciously gooey and satisfying.
5. What’s the best way to cut these bars?
For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between slices. Chilling the bars in the refrigerator before cutting can also make them easier to handle.
Why You’ll Love Knock You Naked Bars
These dessert bars are more than just a sweet treat—they’re an experience! The combination of textures and flavors makes every bite unforgettable:
- The soft, cake-like base provides a sturdy foundation for all the gooey goodness above it.
- The caramel layer adds a luxuriously creamy sweetness that pairs perfectly with chocolate chips and pecans.
- The slightly crispy top layer ties everything together for a dessert that’s both indulgent and satisfying.
Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because you’re craving something sweet, Knock You Naked Bars are guaranteed to impress anyone lucky enough to try them.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get baking—these decadent dessert bars will knock your socks off (and maybe even more)!
