Knock You Naked Bars Recipe Easy Homemade Dessert

Introduction

Imagine pulling a pan of gooey, chocolatey, caramel-filled bars out of the oven, the kind that fills your kitchen with a sweet aroma so irresistible you can’t help but sneak a bite while they’re still warm. That’s exactly what happened the first time I made these Knock You Naked Bars. I was searching for a dessert to wow my family during a cozy weekend gathering, and boy, did this recipe deliver.

The name might sound cheeky, but trust me, these bars live up to it. The combination of luscious caramel, rich chocolate, and buttery cake layers is nothing short of heavenly. I remember cutting into that first batch and seeing the caramel ooze out—it was the kind of moment where you pause, take a deep breath, and smile because you know you’ve just created something magical.

Years ago, I stumbled upon a similar recipe at a church bake sale, and I’ve been tweaking and perfecting it ever since. My family can’t get enough of them, and honestly, neither can I. They’ve become a staple for birthdays, holidays, and anytime we need a little indulgence. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, these Knock You Naked Bars are what you’ve been searching for. (Prepare to guard the pan though—these disappear fast!)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple and Quick: This recipe comes together in under an hour, perfect for last-minute dessert prep.
• No Fancy Ingredients: Everything can be found at your local grocery store, and you probably have most of it in your pantry already.
• Versatile Treat: These bars are perfect for potlucks, birthday parties, or cozy weekends at home.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone, from kids to adults, will love the gooey caramel center and rich chocolate. These bars are always the first dessert to disappear!
• Unforgettable Flavor: The combination of chocolate, caramel, and buttery cookie dough creates a dessert that’s indulgent and comforting.

What sets this recipe apart is the perfect balance of sweet and salty, complemented by the soft and chewy texture. I’ve tried a lot of dessert bar recipes, but this one stands out as a family favorite—it’s dangerously good and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe will make you look like a dessert pro!

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients to create a dessert that feels anything but ordinary. Here’s what you’ll need:

• For the base and topping:
• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/3 cup evaporated milk
• For the filling:
• 1 bag (11 oz) caramels, unwrapped
• 1/3 cup evaporated milk
• Add-ins:
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (adds a delightful crunch!)

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can swap out the yellow cake mix for a chocolate cake mix or try dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor. And if you’re looking for a dairy-free option, use coconut milk instead of evaporated milk and dairy-free chocolate chips.

Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking pan: A classic size for dessert bars. If you don’t have this, you can use an 8×8-inch pan for thicker bars.
• Parchment paper: Helps make cleanup easy and ensures the bars don’t stick to the pan.
• Mixing bowls: One for the batter and one for melting the caramel.
• Microwave-safe bowl: For melting the caramels.
• Spatula: Perfect for spreading the batter and filling.

If you don’t have parchment paper, you can grease your pan with butter or non-stick spray—just make sure to coat it generously to prevent sticking. A silicone spatula works great for scraping every last bit of caramel out of the bowl!

Preparation Method

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Leave some overhang for easy removal later.
2. Prepare the base layer: In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and 1/3 cup evaporated milk. Mix until a thick batter forms.
3. Press half the batter into the pan: Use your hands or a spatula to press half the batter into an even layer in the bottom of the pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes until slightly set but not fully cooked.
4. Melt the caramels: While the base layer is baking, place the unwrapped caramels and 1/3 cup evaporated milk into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the caramel is completely melted and smooth.
5. Add the filling: Pour the melted caramel over the partially baked base layer, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the chocolate chips (and nuts, if using) over the caramel.
6. Finish the bars: Crumble the remaining batter over the filling, covering as much of the surface as possible. It doesn’t have to be perfect—those little gaps will allow the caramel to peek through.
7. Bake: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
8. Cool completely: Let the bars cool in the pan for at least 2 hours to allow the caramel to set. For quicker cooling, you can place the pan in the refrigerator after it cools to room temperature.
9. Cut and serve: Use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan. Slice into squares or rectangles and serve.

Pro tip: If you’re in a rush, you can pop the bars in the freezer for about 30 minutes to speed up the cooling process. Just be sure to let them come back to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

• Don’t overbake the base layer: It should be set but still soft to the touch. Overbaking will make the bars too firm.
• Stir the caramel constantly: This prevents it from burning or sticking to the bowl. If you’re not a fan of microwaving, you can melt the caramels in a saucepan over low heat.
• Cool completely before cutting: It’s tempting to dig in right away, but the bars need time to set. Cutting them too soon will result in a gooey mess!
• Use the right tools: A sharp knife is essential for clean cuts. Wipe the blade between slices to keep the edges neat.
• Double the recipe: These bars disappear fast, so consider making two pans if you’re serving a crowd!

Variations & Adaptations

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix and ensure your chocolate chips and caramels are certified gluten-free.
• Seasonal Twist: Add a layer of crushed peppermint candies on top during the holidays for a festive flavor.
• Peanut Butter Lovers: Swap half the chocolate chips for peanut butter chips to add a nutty kick.
• Low-Sugar Version: Use sugar-free chocolate chips and a sugar-free caramel sauce for a lighter variation.

Personally, I love adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top for that irresistible sweet-and-salty combo. It’s the little tweaks that make these bars truly your own!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these Knock You Naked Bars at room temperature, but if you want that gooey caramel experience, try warming them slightly in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. A cup of hot coffee or a tall glass of cold milk will perfectly complement these sweet treats.

For storage, keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need them to last longer, store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Before serving, let refrigerated bars sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften the caramel.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

While Knock You Naked Bars are undoubtedly a treat, it’s worth knowing what’s inside:

• Calories: ~250 per bar (depending on the size)
• Fat: ~12g per serving
• Sugar: ~18g per serving
• Carbohydrates: ~30g per serving

The yellow cake mix provides a fluffy texture, while semi-sweet chocolate chips are rich in antioxidants. If you add nuts, you’ll get a dose of healthy fats and a satisfying crunch. Keep in

Knock You Naked Bars Recipe Easy Homemade Dessert

Print Recipe

These gooey, chocolatey, caramel-filled bars are a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s simple to make and irresistibly delicious.

• Author: paula
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/3 cup evaporated milk
• 1 bag (11 oz) caramels, unwrapped
• 1/3 cup evaporated milk
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and 1/3 cup evaporated milk. Mix until a thick batter forms.
3. Press half the batter into the pan, using your hands or a spatula to create an even layer. Bake for 8-10 minutes until slightly set but not fully cooked.
4. While the base layer is baking, place the unwrapped caramels and 1/3 cup evaporated milk into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the caramel is completely melted and smooth.
5. Pour the melted caramel over the partially baked base layer, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the chocolate chips (and nuts, if using) over the caramel.
6. Crumble the remaining batter over the filling, covering as much of the surface as possible. It doesn’t have to be perfect—those little gaps will allow the caramel to peek through.
7. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
8. Let the bars cool in the pan for at least 2 hours to allow the caramel to set. For quicker cooling, you can place the pan in the refrigerator after it cools to room temperature.
9. Use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan. Slice into squares or rectangles and serve.

Notes

[‘Don’t overbake the base layer; it should be set but still soft to the touch.’, ‘Stir the caramel constantly to prevent burning or sticking.’, ‘Cool completely before cutting to avoid a gooey mess.’, ‘Use a sharp knife and wipe the blade between slices for clean cuts.’, ‘Consider doubling the recipe for larger gatherings.’]

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 18
• Fat: 12
• Carbohydrates: 30

Keywords: Knock You Naked Bars, dessert bars, caramel bars, chocolate bars, easy dessert, homemade dessert