When it comes to indulgent desserts, Knock You Naked Bars take the prize. With layers of chocolate, caramel, and nuts in a gooey yet slightly chewy texture, these bars are the ultimate treat for chocolate and caramel lovers. Perfect for potlucks, celebrations, or just as a way to spoil yourself, they’re bound to be a hit. Here’s a deep dive into how to make this irresistible dessert, tips for success, and why they’re so beloved.
Why These Bars Are a Must-Try
Irresistible Layers: The combination of German chocolate cake, gooey caramel, and melted chocolate chips creates layers of rich flavor and texture.
Easy to Prepare: Despite their indulgent appearance, these bars are surprisingly simple to make with a few key ingredients.
Perfect for Any Occasion: These bars can be a centerpiece at parties, a thoughtful homemade gift, or a treat for yourself.
Customizable: Swap out the pecans or add a drizzle of chocolate on top for extra flair.
Ingredients Breakdown
German Chocolate Cake Mix: This boxed mix provides the perfect chocolate base for these bars. Its slight sweetness pairs perfectly with the caramel layer.
Pecans: Chopped pecans add a nutty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the gooey caramel and chocolate.
Evaporated Milk: Used in both the dough and caramel mixture, it contributes to the creamy and smooth texture.
Unsalted Butter: Melted butter helps bind the dough and gives it a rich, buttery flavor.
Caramels: The star of the show, caramels are melted into a luscious, golden layer of sweetness.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: These add depth to the chocolate flavor without being overwhelmingly sweet.
Step-by-Step Directions
Prepare the Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan generously. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
1 box German chocolate cake mix
1 cup chopped pecans
1/3 cup evaporated milk
1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
Stir until the mixture forms a thick dough.
Create the Base Layer
Press half of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Use your hands or the back of a spoon to smooth it out.
Bake this layer for 8 minutes to partially set the base.
Make the Caramel Filling
While the base is baking, prepare the caramel mixture:
In a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, combine 60 unwrapped caramels and 1/2 cup evaporated milk.
Heat over low heat, stirring frequently until the caramels are fully melted and smooth.
Assemble the Layers
Once the base layer is out of the oven, sprinkle 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over it.
Pour the melted caramel mixture over the chocolate chips, spreading it evenly.
Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the caramel layer. It won’t cover the caramel entirely, and that’s okay—the gaps create a beautiful marbled effect when baked.
Final Bake
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 18-20 minutes. The top layer should look slightly set but still soft.
Cool and Slice
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. For best results, refrigerate them for 1-2 hours before slicing to ensure clean cuts.
Slice into bars or squares and serve.
Tips for Success
Use Fresh Caramels: Stale or hard caramels may not melt smoothly. Opt for fresh, high-quality caramels to ensure a silky texture.
Double Boiler Hack: If you don’t have a double boiler, melt the caramels in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your evaporated milk and butter are at room temperature for easier mixing.
Chilling Is Key: Don’t skip the cooling step; it helps the caramel layer set and makes slicing easier.
Customizable Nuts: If you’re not a fan of pecans, swap them for walnuts or omit them entirely.
Variations and Serving Ideas
Variations
Peanut Butter Twist: Add a swirl of peanut butter to the caramel layer for an extra nutty flavor.
Salted Caramel: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the caramel layer for a sweet-and-salty contrast.
Dark Chocolate Delight: Substitute dark chocolate chips for semi-sweet for a more intense chocolate flavor.
Serving Ideas
A La Mode: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Holiday Flair: Dust the top with powdered sugar or drizzle melted white chocolate for a festive touch.
Why These Bars Are Crowd-Pleasers
The combination of chocolate, caramel, and pecans creates a balance of flavors and textures that’s hard to resist. The gooey caramel layer adds richness, while the chocolate chips melt into the base, creating a fudgy consistency. The crunch from the pecans provides the perfect contrast to the softness of the layers. Whether you’re bringing these to a potluck or serving them at a family gathering, these bars are guaranteed to disappear quickly.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Storing
Keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
To freeze, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Make-Ahead
You can prepare the dough and caramel layer a day in advance. Assemble and bake the bars fresh when needed.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)
Calories: 320
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 4g
(Note: Nutritional values will vary depending on specific brands and portion sizes.)
Final Thoughts
Knock You Naked Bars live up to their name by delivering a dessert experience so good, it’s unforgettable. Whether you’re craving a sweet treat or looking to impress at your next gathering, these bars are a foolproof option. With their gooey layers of caramel and chocolate paired with a chewy cookie crust, they’re the epitome of indulgence. Make them today and see why they’ve become a beloved classic in kitchens everywhere!