A decadent treat featuring layers of chocolate, caramel, and pecans, these Knock You Naked Bars are a show-stopper for any dessert lover. The combination of gooey caramel, rich chocolate, and a slightly crunchy pecan-studded base makes this dessert irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Indulgent and Decadent: Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with layers of chocolate and caramel.
- Easy to Make: Uses a German chocolate cake mix as the base for convenience.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for parties, potlucks, or gifting.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Stores well, so you can prepare them in advance.
Ingredients
- 1 box (about 18.5 oz) German chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/3 cup evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk (additional)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 60 caramels, unwrapped
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, chopped pecans, 1/3 cup evaporated milk, and melted butter until well blended.
- Press half of the cake mix dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan and bake for 8 minutes.
- In a double boiler over low heat, melt the caramels with the remaining 1/2 cup of evaporated milk, stirring until smooth.
- Remove the pan from the oven, sprinkle chocolate chips over the baked layer, and pour the melted caramel mixture over the chips.
- Drop the remaining cake mix dough in spoonfuls over the caramel layer and bake for an additional 18-20 minutes.
- Cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 12 bars
Variations
- Nut-Free: Omit the pecans or substitute with sunflower seeds for a nut-free version.
- Dark Chocolate Lovers: Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
- Salted Caramel: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the caramel layer for a sweet-salty twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Freezing: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: For a warm, gooey texture, microwave a bar for 10-15 seconds.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Yes, while German chocolate cake mix is recommended, you can substitute with a regular chocolate or devil’s food cake mix.
2. Do I need a double boiler for the caramel?
A microwave-safe bowl can be used to melt the caramels, but stir frequently to avoid burning.
3. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead?
Store-bought caramel sauce can work in a pinch, but the texture may differ slightly.
4. How do I keep the bars from sticking to the pan?
Ensure the baking pan is well-greased or lined with parchment paper for easy removal.
5. Can I substitute margarine for butter?
Butter is preferred for its rich flavor, but margarine can be used if needed.
6. What’s the best way to slice these bars neatly?
Chill the bars in the fridge for 30 minutes before slicing to achieve clean edges.
7. Are these bars suitable for a bake sale?
Absolutely! They are easy to transport and always a hit.
8. Can I add extra toppings?
Yes, consider adding a drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of crushed nuts on top.
9. How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The top should look set, and the edges will slightly pull away from the pan.
10. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, they taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Conclusion
Knock You Naked Bars are the ultimate dessert for chocolate and caramel lovers. Easy to prepare and undeniably indulgent, they’re perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself! Whether for a celebration or a simple treat, these bars promise to wow every time.
Print
Knock You Naked Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these irresistibly decadent Knock You Naked Bars featuring layers of rich chocolate, gooey caramel, and crunchy pecans. Perfect for dessert lovers seeking a homemade sweet treat.
Ingredients
- 1 box (about 18.5 oz) German chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/3 cup evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk (additional)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 60 caramels, unwrapped
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Prepare Base Layer: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, chopped pecans, 1/3 cup evaporated milk, and melted butter. Mix until well blended.
- Bake Base: Press half of the dough into the prepared baking pan, spreading evenly. Bake for 8 minutes.
- Melt Caramel: While the base is baking, melt the caramels with the remaining 1/2 cup evaporated milk in a double boiler over low heat. Stir until smooth.
- Layer the Bars: Remove the pan from the oven. Sprinkle chocolate chips over the baked base. Pour the melted caramel mixture evenly over the chocolate chips.
- Top Layer: Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the caramel layer, distributing evenly.
- Final Bake: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 18-20 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.
Notes
- For easy caramel melting, microwave the caramels and milk in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
- These bars are easiest to cut when chilled but can be served at room temperature for the ultimate gooey experience.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *