If you’re searching for a dessert that’s gooey, chocolatey, and completely irresistible, look no further than Knock You Naked Bars. The name itself sparks curiosity, and the taste? Absolutely unforgettable. These dessert bars are rich, layered with caramel and chocolate, and so decadent they practically melt in your mouth.
Perfect for potlucks, parties, or family gatherings, Knock You Naked Bars are one of those recipes people will beg you to share. And while they may look bakery-fancy, they’re surprisingly easy to make at home with just a few pantry staples.
What Are Knock You Naked Bars?
At their core, these bars are a layered dessert made with:
- A chewy, chocolatey base (often a cake mix shortcut).
- A gooey caramel filling.
- A layer of chocolate chips.
- Another soft, brownie-like topping.
Once baked and cooled, the bars are sliced to reveal the beautiful caramel-chocolate middle layer. The name comes from just how indulgent and addictive they are after one bite, you’ll understand why!
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Knock You Naked Bars is that they don’t require complicated ingredients. Most items are likely already in your pantry.
- Chocolate cake mix – The base shortcut, creating a chewy, brownie-like crust.
- Butter – For richness and binding.
- Evaporated milk – Essential for making smooth caramel filling.
- Caramel candies – The heart of the gooey filling.
- Chocolate chips – For melty, indulgent layers.
- Powdered sugar (optional) – For dusting the top once cooled.
Step-by-Step Recipe
Ingredients (makes about 16–20 bars)
- 1 box German chocolate cake mix (or any chocolate cake mix)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ⅓ cup evaporated milk (divided)
- 1 package (14 oz) caramel candies, unwrapped
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Base
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cake mix, melted butter, and ⅓ cup evaporated milk. Stir until dough forms.
- Press half of the mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
Step 2: Bake the Base
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, just until set. Remove from oven and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Caramel Filling
- In a saucepan over low heat, melt caramel candies with the remaining ⅓ cup evaporated milk.
- Stir constantly until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Layer the Goodness
- Pour caramel mixture evenly over baked base.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips (and nuts, if using) over caramel.
- Crumble remaining cake mixture over the top layer, leaving small gaps for caramel to peek through.
Step 5: Bake Again
- Return pan to oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, until top is set.
- Allow bars to cool completely before slicing (caramel will firm up as it cools).
Tips for Perfect Knock You Naked Bars
- Cool completely before slicing – These bars are messy if cut too soon. For best results, chill slightly before slicing.
- Line pan with parchment paper – Makes removal and cleanup easier.
- Customize chocolate – Try milk, dark, or even white chocolate chips for variety.
- Add a pinch of sea salt – Balances the sweetness and makes flavors pop.
- Make ahead – Bars taste even better the next day after the caramel sets.
Variations to Try
- Peanut Butter Twist: Add ½ cup peanut butter chips with the chocolate chips.
- Salted Caramel: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the caramel layer before adding the top crust.
- Holiday Style: Mix in red and green candies for a festive touch.
- Extra Nutty: Double the pecans or walnuts for crunch lovers.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crowd-pleasing: Always a hit at parties, bake sales, and potlucks.
- Rich and gooey: Layers of caramel and chocolate create the ultimate indulgence.
- Easy ingredients: Cake mix shortcut saves time without sacrificing flavor.
- Make once, crave forever: After one bite, you’ll want these bars on repeat.
Serving Suggestions
- With coffee or espresso: The bitterness balances the sweet richness.
- With a scoop of vanilla ice cream: Extra indulgent dessert experience.
- As a gift: Wrap slices in parchment and tie with ribbon for homemade gifts.
- On a dessert platter: Pairs well with brownies, blondies, or cookies.
Conclusion
Knock You Naked Bars aren’t just a dessert, they’re an experience. Gooey, rich, and absolutely addictive, these bars are the kind of treat that makes people stop in their tracks and ask, “What are these?!”
With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can bake a batch in under an hour and wow your family and friends. Whether you keep them for yourself (no judgment!) or share them at your next gathering, one thing’s for sure: this recipe will earn a permanent spot in your dessert collection.
So go ahead, whip up a pan of Knock You Naked Bars and get ready for the compliments (and recipe requests) to pour in.
Print
Knock You Naked Bars
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16–20 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Knock You Naked Bars are gooey, chocolatey dessert bars layered with caramel and chocolate chips. Decadent yet surprisingly easy to make, these bars are always a crowd favorite for parties, potlucks, and family gatherings.
Ingredients
1 box German chocolate cake mix (or any chocolate cake mix)
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
⅔ cup evaporated milk (divided)
1 package (14 oz) caramel candies, unwrapped
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. In a bowl, mix cake mix, melted butter, and ⅓ cup evaporated milk to form a dough. Press half into pan.
3. Bake for 8–10 minutes until set. Remove from oven.
4. In a saucepan over low heat, melt caramels with the remaining ⅓ cup evaporated milk until smooth.
5. Pour caramel over baked crust. Sprinkle with chocolate chips and nuts if using.
6. Crumble remaining dough on top, leaving gaps for caramel to peek through.
7. Bake another 20–25 minutes until top is set. Cool completely before slicing.
Notes
Tips:
- Cool completely or chill before slicing for neat bars.
- Line pan with parchment for easier removal.
- Add a pinch of sea salt to caramel for balance.
- Tastes even better the next day as caramel sets.
Variations:
- Peanut Butter Twist: Add peanut butter chips with chocolate.
- Salted Caramel: Sprinkle flaky sea salt before top crust.
- Holiday Style: Add festive candies.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free cake mix.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Bars
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg