Looking for the ultimate indulgent treat to wow your guests? This Knock You Naked Bars Recipe is a decadent, gooey masterpiece that’s perfect for a football party or any casual gathering. Inspired by a gift of “killer brownies” I once received, this Knock You Naked Bars Recipe uses a German chocolate cake mix, melted caramel, and chocolate chips to create a handheld dessert that’s impossible to resist. Here’s why these bars will steal the show!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Grab-and-Go Goodness: This Knock You Naked Bars Recipe is tailor-made for football food—easy to eat with your hands.
- Rich and Gooey: Layers of fudgy cake mix, caramel, and chocolate make it a texture lover’s dream.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This Knock You Naked Bars Recipe is a mischievous, fun treat for friends old and new.
- Simple Yet Stunning: Basic ingredients transform into something extraordinary.
Tools Needed
To whip up this irresistible Knock You Naked Bars Recipe, you’ll need a few kitchen staples. Missing anything? Check out Our Shop for quality gear!
- 9×9 Baking Pan: Ideal for thick, gooey bars.
- Rubber Spatula: Perfect for mixing and pressing the thick batter.
- Double Boiler: Essential for melting caramels smoothly.
- Knife or Chopping Board: For chopping pecans.
Ingredients
For the Knock You Naked Bars Recipe:
- 1 box (18.5 oz) German chocolate cake mix
- ⅓ cup + ½ cup evaporated milk (divided)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
- 60 soft caramels, unwrapped (about 14 oz)
- ⅓ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×9 baking pan.
- Mix the Base: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, ⅓ cup evaporated milk, melted butter, and chopped pecans. Stir with a rubber spatula until thick and combined.
- Divide and Press: Split the batter in half. Press one half evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan using your fingers.
- Bake First Layer: Bake for 8–10 minutes until just set (not fully cooked). Remove from oven.
- Melt Caramel: In a double boiler, melt 60 caramels with ½ cup evaporated milk, stirring until smooth.
- Layer Caramel: Pour the melted caramel over the baked base, spreading it evenly.
- Add Chocolate: Sprinkle ⅓ cup chocolate chips in a single layer over the caramel.
- Top Layer: On a clean surface, press the remaining batter into a square slightly smaller than the pan. Carefully place it over the caramel and chocolate.
- Bake Again: Bake for 20–25 minutes until set. Cool to room temperature, then chill in the fridge for several hours before cutting into bars. Enjoy your Knock You Naked Bars Recipe!
Expert Tips For Perfect Knock You Naked Bars Recipe
- Even Layers: Divide the batter precisely for balanced gooeyness in this Knock You Naked Bars Recipe.
- Don’t Overbake: The first layer should be set, not fully cooked, to stay fudgy.
- Chill Well: Refrigeration firms up the caramel for clean cuts.
- Pecan Prep: Finely chop pecans for even distribution.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12–16 bars
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 28–35 minutes
- Total Time: ~45 minutes (plus chilling)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Pouring Batter: It’s too thick—press it instead in this Knock You Naked Bars Recipe.
- Skipping the Chill: Warm bars will ooze and fall apart—patience pays off.
- Too Many Chips: Stick to a single layer of chocolate chips to let caramel shine.
- Uneven Layers: Split batter evenly or the texture will be off.
Variations
- Nut Swap: Try walnuts or almonds instead of pecans in your Knock You Naked Bars Recipe.
- Chocolate Twist: Use dark or milk chocolate chips for a flavor switch.
- Salt Kick: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the caramel layer.
- Cake Mix Hack: Swap German chocolate for devil’s food for extra richness.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: Serve cold or warm slightly in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for gooeyness.
- Freezing: Freeze this Knock You Naked Bars Recipe for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different cake mix for this Knock You Naked Bars Recipe?
Yes, devil’s food or dark chocolate works well for a bolder flavor.
2. Why are my bars too gooey?
They need more chilling time—refrigerate for at least 2–3 hours.
3. Can I skip the nuts in this Knock You Naked Bars Recipe?
Absolutely, omit pecans for a nut-free version.
4. How do I cut clean bars?
Chill thoroughly and use a sharp knife wiped between cuts.
5. Can I make these ahead?
Yes, prep this Knock You Naked Bars Recipe a day in advance and store in the fridge.
6. What’s the best way to melt caramels?
Use a double boiler for smooth results—microwaving works but stir often.
Conclusion
This Knock You Naked Bars Recipe is the ultimate football party treat—gooey, chocolatey, and packed with caramel decadence. It’s a fun, easy dessert that’s perfect for grabbing and sharing with friends, especially those old college buddies who’ll appreciate the playful name. Make this Knock You Naked Bars Recipe for your next game day and watch it disappear—clothes optional! Happy baking!
