Knock You Naked Bars

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Rich, chewy, and outrageously indulgent, Knock You Naked Bars are the ultimate dessert for anyone who believes more is more when it comes to chocolate. These bars are packed with layers of buttery cookie dough, gooey caramel, crunchy nuts, and melty chocolate chips—each bite is a full-blown flavor explosion. They’re not just sweet treats; they’re an experience that makes your eyes widen and your taste buds cheer.

Perfect for parties, potlucks, or those moments when you want to impress without the stress, Knock You Naked Bars are surprisingly easy to make. With a texture that’s both fudgy and slightly crisp around the edges, these bars are dangerously addictive. The name doesn’t lie—after just one bite, you might just forget where you are.

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Ingredients for this Knock You Naked Bars Recipe

• 1 box German chocolate cake mix
• 1/3 cup evaporated milk (divided)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 60 caramel squares, unwrapped
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional but heavenly)
• Cooking spray or parchment paper for lining the pan

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Step 1: Prepare the Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. In a medium bowl, combine the German chocolate cake mix, 1/3 cup evaporated milk, and the melted butter. Stir until fully combined into a thick dough.

Press half of this dough mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes, just until the crust starts to set. Remove from the oven and set aside while you prepare the filling.

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Step 2: Make the Caramel Layer

While the crust is baking, unwrap your 60 caramel squares and place them in a saucepan with 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the caramel is melted and smooth. This creates that iconic gooey layer that makes these bars so unforgettable.

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Step 3: Assemble the Layers

Pour the hot caramel mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust. Sprinkle a generous layer of chocolate chips over the caramel, followed by a handful of chopped nuts if using. For the top layer, take the remaining dough and either press it flat with your fingers or roll small bits and place them over the chocolate layer like a patchwork topping. Don’t worry if the caramel peeks through—it adds to the gooey appeal.

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Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20–25 minutes, or until the top is set and slightly crisp. The edges will be bubbling and the chocolate nice and melty.

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Step 5: Cool and Chill

This part requires a little patience! Let the bars cool completely at room temperature, then transfer them to the fridge for at least 2 hours. This helps the layers firm up and makes them easier to cut cleanly.

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Storage Instructions

To keep your Knock You Naked Bars fresh and fabulous, follow these simple storage tips:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep them in a cool spot away from direct sunlight.
• Refrigerator: These bars hold up even better when chilled. Store them in a sealed container for up to 1 week. Just let them sit at room temp for a few minutes before serving to regain their chewy texture.
• Freezer: Yes, you can freeze them! Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and place in a zip-top freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for 1–2 hours before enjoying.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – based on 16 bars)

• Calories: ~320
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Sugar: 30g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 160mg

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Yes! While German chocolate is classic for this recipe, devil’s food or fudge cake mix also works wonderfully.

2. What can I use instead of caramel squares?

You can use a high-quality jarred caramel sauce, but ensure it’s thick and rich—thin sauces may make the bars too gooey.

3. Are these bars gluten-free?

Not by default, but you can substitute a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and double-check that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

4. Can I leave out the nuts?

Absolutely. The nuts add texture and crunch, but the bars are still delicious without them.

5. How long do they need to chill before cutting?

At least 2 hours in the fridge. This helps them set up and makes slicing much cleaner.

6. Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Just use a 9×13-inch pan and increase the baking time slightly—watch the edges for doneness.

7. Can I use homemade caramel instead of store-bought?

Definitely. A thick homemade caramel sauce will give them a richer, more luxurious flavor.

8. Why are they called “Knock You Naked” bars?

Because they’re so sinfully delicious, they might just knock your socks—and everything else—off!

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