Introduction

Knock You Naked Bars are a decadent treat combining rich caramel, chocolate chips, and crunchy pecans all baked into a buttery cookie base. These bars are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with layers of gooey caramel and chocolatey goodness. Easy to make and irresistible to eat, they are a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

The image shows a close-up of a thick, golden-brown cookie bar with visible chunks of melted dark chocolate spread throughout. A woman's hand is lifting a square piece of the cookie bar with a fork, showing the soft, chewy texture inside contrasted with the crisp edges on top. The cookie bar has a slightly cracked surface with a shiny finish from melted chocolate, sitting on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter
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
14 ounces caramel squares (individually wrapped)
⅓ cup heavy cream

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
Step 5: Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped pecans evenly into the dough.
Step 6: Spread half of the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, pressing it down gently.
Step 7: In a saucepan over low heat, melt the caramel squares with the heavy cream, stirring constantly until smooth.
Step 8: Pour the melted caramel over the dough layer in the pan and spread it evenly.
Step 9: Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the caramel layer and gently spread to cover as much as possible.
Step 10: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 11: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Step 12: Lift the bars out using the parchment overhang, cut into squares, and serve.

Tips & Variations

Use parchment paper to easily remove the bars from the pan without sticking.
Watch the baking time closely to keep the center gooey and avoid overbaking.
Spread dough and caramel as evenly as possible for a consistent texture in every bite.
Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds to vary the nutty flavor.
Use dark chocolate chips or chunks for a richer chocolate taste.
Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the caramel layer before topping with dough for a sweet and salty contrast.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, warm individual bars briefly in the microwave until soft and gooey, perfect for serving with ice cream or coffee.

How to Serve

A close-up of a large cookie cake with a thick, golden-brown surface full of melted chocolate chips, broken into several uneven pieces. A woman's hand holds one missing piece with a silver fork near the center, showing the soft and gooey inside with chocolate chunks. The cookie cake sits on a white plate against a white marbled background. The texture is rough on top with the melted chocolate creating darker spots. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of caramel for the caramel layer?

Yes, you can substitute caramel squares with soft caramel candies or homemade caramel sauce. Just ensure they melt smoothly with the heavy cream for an even layer.

What if I don’t have parchment paper?

If you don’t have parchment paper, lightly grease the baking pan with butter or non-stick spray. However, the bars may be more difficult to remove without tearing.