Knock You Naked Bars Recipe: A Crowd-Pleasing Easy Dessert Recipe

Sometimes you come across a dessert name so intriguing that you can’t help but wonder, “What in the world is that all about?” Knock You Naked Bars are precisely that kind of treat. Equal parts humor and decadence, these bars are layered with gooey caramel, rich chocolate, and a base made from cake mix that’s deceptively simple yet unbelievably delicious. Despite the bold name, these sweet bars are family-friendly—though they do deliver a knockout punch of flavor! If you’re on the lookout for an easy dessert recipe that doubles as a conversation starter, keep reading.

this now & bake later ❤️

What Are Knock You Naked Bars?

Legend has it these bars got their cheeky name because, after one bite, you’re “knocked” off your feet by how amazing they taste. There’s no solid historical record detailing their origin, but they’ve floated around potlucks and bake sales for generations, each time leaving a trail of impressed dessert lovers. The foundation is typically made using German chocolate cake mix, forming two chocolatey layers sandwiching a dreamy caramel center. Between each bite, you’ll find pockets of melted chocolate chips and optional crunchy nuts, creating a taste and texture combo that’s hard to resist.

The Layered Architecture of Deliciousness

1. The Bottom Layer: A sweet, chocolatey dough that bakes into a firm yet chewy crust.
2. The Caramel Filling: Melted caramel squares combined with evaporated milk create a gooey, sticky center.
3. The Topping: Crumbled leftover dough, chocolate chips, and—if you’d like—nuts. Once baked, the top layer fuses into a lightly crispy, sweet shell, concealing the caramel lava beneath.

Ingredients & Preparation Overview

Here’s everything you need to make these indulgent bars come to life:

Why These Ingredients?

• German Chocolate Cake Mix: A convenient shortcut, providing a sweet chocolate flavor as your bar’s base.
• Butter: Helps bind the cake mix into a dough.
• Evaporated Milk: Thins the caramel and also moistens the dough.
• Caramel Squares: The star of the show, these melt into a luscious filling.
• Chocolate Chips: Because you can never have too much chocolate.
• Nuts (Optional): Adds crunch and a subtle nutty flavor that complements caramel perfectly.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan and Oven

1. Preheat: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease or Line: Coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or line with parchment paper. This step makes the bars easier to lift out later.

2. Make the Chocolate Dough

1. Combine Cake Mix, Butter, and Milk: In a medium bowl, stir together the German chocolate cake mix, melted butter, and half (1/3 cup) of the evaporated milk. You’ll end up with a thick, pliable dough.
2. Divide the Dough: Separate it into two portions. One portion should be slightly larger, as it’ll form the base. Keep the smaller portion aside for the topping.

3. Bake the Bottom Layer

1. Press & Bake: Press the larger portion of dough into the bottom of your prepared pan, creating an even layer.
2. Partial Bake: Bake the dough for about 8-10 minutes. This gives the crust a head start before adding the gooey caramel, preventing a raw bottom layer.

4. Melt the Caramel

1. Caramel + Milk: While the bottom layer is baking, place the unwrapped caramel squares and remaining 1/3 cup evaporated milk into a saucepan over medium-low heat.
2. Stir Continuously: Caramel can scorch easily, so keep the mixture moving until it’s smooth and fully melted. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly (about 1-2 minutes) so it doesn’t immediately soak into the crust.

5. Assemble the Layers

1. Caramel Pour: Carefully pour the melted caramel sauce over the partially baked crust. Spread it gently with a spatula, leaving about a 1/4-inch border around the edges to prevent excessive sticking.
2. Chocolate Chips & Nuts: Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the caramel layer. If adding nuts, distribute them evenly now.
3. Top with Remaining Dough: Take the smaller dough portion you set aside earlier. Flatten it out in your hands or roll it between sheets of parchment, then place it in pieces over the chocolate-caramel layer. It won’t cover everything perfectly, but that’s okay—gaps let the caramel peek through.

6. Final Bake

Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 15-18 minutes, or until the top dough is set. The caramel may be bubbling slightly around the edges, and the kitchen will smell like a chocolate-caramel dream. Keep an eye on it to avoid overbaking—caramel can burn if left too long.

7. The Hardest Part: Cooling

Your Knock You Naked Bars need at least 30-45 minutes to cool and set. If you can’t wait (and we won’t judge), slice a small corner and grab a fork. For cleaner slices, allow the bars to come to room temperature or even chill them in the fridge for about an hour. This step makes the caramel less runny, giving you neat layers when slicing.

Tips, Variations & Serving Suggestions

1. Salted Caramel Upgrade: For that sweet-salty interplay, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the caramel layer before topping with dough.
2. Chocolate Overload: Swap some of the chocolate chips for white chocolate or peanut butter chips, adding extra dimension.
3. Cooling Hacks: Speed things up by placing the pan on a wire rack, or let it rest in a cool area of your home. A quick fridge stint helps, but keep an eye on moisture.
4. Storage & Shelf Life: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. These also freeze well for up to two months.

FAQ: All About Knock You Naked Bars

Q: Why are they called Knock You Naked Bars?
A: The name is mostly playful folklore, suggesting you’ll be “knocked” speechless by how irresistible they are. There’s no unsavory meaning—just a fun nod to how a bite can surprise you with its decadence.

Q: Can I freeze them?
A: Absolutely. Once fully cooled and sliced, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap or foil, then store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes when you’re ready to eat.

Q: How do I prevent the caramel from oozing out?
A: First, don’t spread caramel all the way to the edges. Also, ensure you partially bake the bottom crust so it holds firm. Finally, let the bars cool thoroughly before slicing.

Why You’ll Love These Bars

There’s no shortage of recipes out there promising layers of chocolate and caramel, but Knock You Naked Bars stand out for their convenience and wow factor. By using a cake mix, you shortcut a lot of the measuring and guesswork. The silky caramel center, punctuated by melty chocolate chips, creates a luscious mouthfeel that’s guaranteed to please guests or family members. Whether for a bake sale, potluck, or weekend treat, these bars make a memorable impression.

If you’re hunting for an easy dessert recipe that’s fun to talk about, a breeze to assemble, and downright addictive, look no further. Knock You Naked Bars check every box. They’re a testament to how a few standard ingredients—cake mix, butter, milk, caramel—can come together in a surprising way. Go ahead and embrace the whimsical name; it’s part of the charm!

Ready to give these bars a whirl? Grab your ingredients, turn on your oven, and get ready to taste a layering of chocolate and caramel that might just knock you off your feet. And don’t forget to share with friends—after all, half the fun is watching their reactions when they ask, “What in the world are these called?!”

Knock You Naked Bars Recipe: A Crowd-Pleasing Easy Dessert Recipe

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• Author: Evelyn Marcella Rivera
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

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Description

Indulge in these decadent dessert bars that combine a crunchy, buttery crust, a luscious, creamy filling, and a rich, silky chocolate ganache topping. These Knock You Naked Bars are incredibly easy to make and are sure to delight any crowd—perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth at parties or as a special treat any day.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

For the Base:

• 1 1/2 cups Graham cracker crumbs (About 10-12 crackers finely crushed)
• 1/2 cup Unsalted butter (Melted)
• 1/4 cup Granulated sugar

For the Filling:

• 8 oz Cream cheese (Soften to room temperature)
• 1 cup Smooth peanut butter (Or substitute with almond butter)
• 1/2 cup Powdered sugar (Sifted)
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract

For the Topping (Chocolate Ganache):

• 1 cup Semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup Heavy cream

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Instructions

Prepare the Base:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
3. In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the pan.

Make the Filling:

1. In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add the peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract; beat until the filling is creamy and well combined.
3. Spread the filling evenly over the prepared crust.

Bake and Cool:

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, until the edges are slightly golden and the filling is set.
2. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan.

Prepare the Chocolate Ganache:

1. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. (Alternatively, microwave the cream in a microwave-safe bowl for about 30 seconds.)
2. Pour the hot cream over the semisweet chocolate chips in a bowl. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.

Assemble the Bars:

1. Pour the chocolate ganache over the cooled filling, using a spatula to spread it evenly.
2. Refrigerate the entire pan for at least 30 minutes to allow the ganache to set before slicing into bars.

Notes

• For added texture, try sprinkling chopped nuts or shredded coconut on the ganache before it sets.
• Ensure the cream cheese is well softened to achieve a smooth, lump-free filling.
• These bars are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and can be enjoyed chilled.

Enjoy your Knock You Naked Bars—a crowd-pleasing, irresistibly indulgent dessert that’s sure to leave everyone craving more!

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 300