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Knock You Naked Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 150 reviews

These Knock You Naked Bars are irresistible layered dessert bars featuring a rich, buttery dough base, a decadent creamy caramel center, and a mix of chocolate chips and crunchy chopped pecans. Baked until golden and gooey, these bars are perfect for a comforting treat or special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

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

Caramel Layer

  • 14 ounces caramel squares (individually wrapped)
  • ⅓ cup heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the bars evenly.
  2. Prepare the Pan: Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This will make removing the bars easier after baking.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 cup of packed brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in 2 large eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract for added flavor.
  5. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
  6. Stir in Chocolate Chips and Nuts: Fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1 cup of chopped pecans gently until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
  7. Spread the Dough: Spread half of the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, pressing it down gently to create a uniform layer for the caramel topping.
  8. Prepare the Caramel: In a saucepan over low heat, melt 14 ounces of caramel squares with ⅓ cup heavy cream. Stir constantly until the caramel is completely smooth and combined with the cream.
  9. Add the Caramel Layer: Pour the melted caramel evenly over the dough layer in the baking pan, spreading it carefully with a spatula to cover the surface completely.
  10. Top with Remaining Dough: Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the caramel layer. Gently spread and press this dough to cover the caramel as evenly as possible, but don’t worry if it’s not perfect.
  11. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the dough layer comes out clean.
  12. Cool: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack. Cooling ensures the bars set properly and are easier to cut.
  13. Cut and Serve: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into squares and serve as desired.

Notes

  • Use parchment paper to prevent the bars from sticking and to help remove them easily from the pan.
  • Do not overbake to keep the center gooey and moist; watch the bars carefully after 25 minutes.
  • Try different nuts like walnuts or almonds as a substitution for pecans to vary the flavor and texture.
  • Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the caramel layer before adding the top dough layer for an enhanced sweet-salty contrast.
  • Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside coffee or tea for a comforting dessert experience.

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

Find it online: https://freshrecipehub.com/knock-you-naked-bars-recipe/