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Knock You Naked Bars Recipe

4.8 from 52 reviews

These Knock You Naked Bars are a decadent layered dessert combining a buttery chocolate chip and pecan cookie base with a rich, creamy caramel layer in the middle. They yield a perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and gooey textures that are irresistibly delicious and easy to make for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Caramel Layer

  • 14 ounces caramel squares, individually wrapped
  • ⅓ cup heavy cream

Chocolate Chip Pecan Dough

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is at the perfect temperature when your bars are ready to bake.
  2. Prepare the Baking Pan: Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal of the bars once baked.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
  5. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
  6. Fold in Chocolate Chips and Pecans: Carefully fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped pecans to evenly distribute throughout the dough without deflating it.
  7. Spread Half the Dough: Press half of the prepared dough into the bottom of the lined baking pan, spreading it evenly to form the base layer.
  8. Melt the Caramel: In a saucepan over low heat, melt the caramel squares with the heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  9. Add the Caramel Layer: Pour the melted caramel evenly over the dough layer in the pan, using a spatula to spread it smoothly without disturbing the base.
  10. Top with Remaining Dough: Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the caramel layer. Gently spread or pat the dough to cover most of the caramel layer, creating a rustic top crust.
  11. Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden and set. Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
  12. Remove and Serve: Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

  • Using parchment paper with an overhang makes removing the bars from the pan easier and cleaner.
  • Make sure not to overmix the dough after adding the dry ingredients to keep the bars tender.
  • Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to prevent the caramel from oozing out.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Keywords: Knock You Naked Bars, caramel bars, chocolate chip pecan bars, layered bars recipe, easy dessert bars