Knock You Naked Bars Recipe
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.
- Author: zara
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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