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Knock You Naked Bars Recipe

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3.9 from 64 reviews

Knock You Naked Bars are decadent caramel cookie bars featuring a rich and gooey caramel layer infused with peanut butter, sandwiched between layers of soft, chocolate-chip-studded cookie dough. These bars are a heavenly treat with a perfect balance of sweet, buttery, and chocolate flavors, ideal for dessert lovers seeking a delightful homemade confection.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 bars

Ingredients

Bars

  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • ¾ cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Caramel Sauce

  • 5 ounces evaporated milk
  • 1 bag (14 oz) caramels
  • ½ cup peanut butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9 x 13 inch baking dish thoroughly and set it aside for later use.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of leavening and salt.
  3. Cream the butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy.
  4. Add eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the creamed butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition to maintain a smooth batter.
  5. Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing gently to combine. Avoid overmixing to keep the dough tender.
  6. Fold in chocolate chips: Carefully fold the semi-sweet chocolate chips into the cookie dough, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  7. Form base layer: Spread half of the cookie dough evenly in the prepared 9×13 baking dish to create the base layer.
  8. Par-bake base: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes until the dough is slightly set but not browned. Remove from the oven.
  9. Prepare caramel layer: While the base is baking, melt caramels and evaporated milk together in a double boiler over gently simmering water. Stir frequently until smooth. Add the peanut butter and stir until fully melted and combined.
  10. Spread caramel: Pour and spread the warm caramel-peanut butter sauce evenly over the par-baked cookie base layer.
  11. Add top cookie layer: Drop spoonfuls of the remaining cookie dough on top of the caramel layer, spacing them to cover most of the surface.
  12. Final bake: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top cookie layer is golden brown and cooked through.
  13. Cool and serve: Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares and serving.

Notes

  • Ensure the butter is fully softened to make creaming easier and result in a smoother dough.
  • For a stronger peanut flavor, consider using natural or crunchy peanut butter as a variation.
  • Use a double boiler to gently melt the caramel and evaporated milk, preventing scorching or burning.
  • Cool bars completely to allow the caramel layer to set and prevent runny slices.
  • Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
  • For an extra touch, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the caramel layer before adding the top cookie dough for gourmet contrast.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Bars
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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