Knock-You-Naked Bars Recipe
Introduction
Knock-You-Naked Bars are a delightfully rich and easy-to-make dessert packed with sweet caramel, chocolate chips, and a buttery cake base. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1 box cake mix (any flavor you prefer)
- 1 cup caramel sauce or caramel bits
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- ½ cup butter, melted
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine the cake mix with melted butter and mix until a thick batter forms.
- Step 2: Spread half of the batter evenly into a greased baking pan.
- Step 3: Sprinkle the caramel and chocolate chips evenly over the batter layer.
- Step 4: Carefully spread the remaining batter over the caramel and chocolate, covering them as much as possible.
- Step 5: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Step 6: Allow bars to cool before cutting into squares and serving.
Tips & Variations
- Try using butterscotch chips instead of chocolate chips for a different twist.
- For extra richness, add chopped nuts between layers.
- If the batter is too thick, add a splash of milk to help spread it more easily.
Storage
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat briefly in the microwave to enjoy them warm and gooey again.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a homemade cake batter instead of a mix?
Yes, you can substitute with your favorite homemade cake batter, just be sure it’s thick enough to layer properly.
What type of caramel is best to use?
Soft caramel sauce or caramel bits both work well. If using caramel bits, you may want to warm them slightly to help them spread evenly.
PrintKnock-You-Naked Bars Recipe
Knock-You-Naked Bars are a decadent, layered dessert featuring a moist cake base, a rich caramel and chocolate chip filling, and a buttery crumb topping. These bars combine the ease of a boxed cake mix with the indulgence of gooey caramel and melty chocolate chips, creating a foolproof treat perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Base and Topping
- 1 box yellow or white cake mix (about 15.25 oz)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 1 cup caramel sauce or caramel bits (softened)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the dry cake mix with the melted butter until a thick, crumbly dough forms. The mixture should hold together when pressed but still be slightly crumbly.
- Bake the Base Layer: Press half of the batter evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges begin to set and the top looks slightly firm.
- Add the Filling: Remove the pan from the oven and immediately spread the caramel sauce evenly over the baked base. Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly on top of the caramel layer.
- Top with Remaining Batter: Crumble the remaining half of the batter over the caramel and chocolate chip layers, distributing it evenly to cover the filling without completely pressing it down.
- Bake the Bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for an additional 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the bars are set.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing into squares. This helps the layers set and makes clean cutting easier.
Notes
- You can substitute caramel sauce with caramel bits melted with a little cream for a homemade caramel layer.
- For richer flavor, use a butter-based yellow cake mix.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Optional: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top for added texture.
Keywords: caramel bars, chocolate chip bars, cake mix dessert, easy dessert bars, layered bars
