Knock You Naked Bars Recipe – A Sweet and Gooey Bars Recipe You’ll Love

I started to love these bars recipes on a rainy Tuesday and a leftover bag of caramels. I didn’t plan to bake, but something about the cozy gloom made me crave a gooey, melty dessert. These Knock You Naked Bars hit every warm, chocolatey note I needed — and wow, did my kitchen smell amazing. You’ll see what I mean.

Why You’ll Love These Bars

This bars recipe brings together everything we love about classic cookie bars: chewy golden layers, gooey melted chocolate in every bite, and a soft caramel center that stays deliciously rich and sticky. It’s sweet, buttery, and just messy enough to be fun. Whether you’re baking for a weekend treat, potluck, or midnight craving, this bars recipe always delivers comfort and flavor. You don’t need fancy tools or complicated steps either.

It all comes together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, the ingredients are pantry-friendly — things you probably already have on hand like flour, butter, sugar, eggs, and chocolate chips. Even the caramel layer is simple to make, with options for heavy cream or evaporated milk. It’s beginner-friendly but satisfying enough for seasoned bakers too. This is the kind of bars recipe you’ll remake again and again, because it’s just that reliable, crave-worthy, and easy to love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dough

You’ll start with a classic cookie dough base:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

You can also toss in chopped pecans if you’d like a little crunch.

For the Caramel Filling

Choose your preferred method:

• Option 1: 14 oz bag of caramels + 5 oz evaporated milk
• Option 2: 14 oz caramel squares + ⅓ cup heavy cream

Melt together gently and stir in ½ cup peanut butter if you want a nutty twist.

Optional Add-ins

Feel free to make it your own:

• 1 cup chopped pecans
• Extra chocolate chips
• Coconut flakes or dried fruit

Must-Have Tools

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper (for easy removal)
• Mixing bowls and spatula
• Electric mixer
• Saucepan or double boiler for the caramel

How to Make Knock You Naked Bars

These bars recipe come together in four simple steps. The hardest part is waiting for them to cool!

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This keeps the bars from sticking and helps with cleanup.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a small bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt.

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter with both sugars and vanilla until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Gradually add the flour mixture and stir until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips (and pecans, if using).

Step 3: Layer and Bake

Spread half the dough into your pan and bake for 8–10 minutes until the top looks set.

While that bakes, melt the caramels and evaporated milk (or cream) over low heat, stirring constantly. Once smooth, stir in the peanut butter if using.

Pour the warm caramel mixture evenly over the baked layer.

Scoop the remaining dough by spoonfuls and dot it over the caramel. It won’t cover everything perfectly — that’s okay.

Return the pan to the oven and bake another 15–20 minutes, until the top turns a light golden brown.

Step 4: Cool and Slice

This part’s key: let the bars cool completely in the pan. The caramel needs time to set. Once cool, lift them out with the parchment and cut into squares.

Tips for the Best Texture

Use parchment for easy removal. Don’t overbake — you want that soft, gooey center. Let the bars cool fully before slicing, or the caramel will ooze out. Trust the cooling time!

Flavor Variations

You can change the flavor of this bars recipe by:

• Swapping pecans for walnuts or almonds
• Using dark chocolate chips or chunks
• Sprinkling flaky sea salt over the caramel layer before baking

Serving Ideas

These bars recipe are terrific warm, especially with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also shine next to a mug of coffee or tea. Wrap them in parchment and twine for sweet homemade gifts.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Store these at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days. If you want to freeze them, layer with parchment and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw before serving.

Recipe Card: Knock You Naked Bars

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Explore Similar Recipes

If you’re into rich and chewy bakes, try the Chewy Brookies – The Best of Both Worlds next.

For something cozy and fall-ready, these Easy Pumpkin Muffins – Soft and Flavorful are a go-to.

Or check out our Mini Dessert Recipes – Perfect Bite-Sized Treats when you need variety.

Don’t miss the Chocolate Cobbler – A Southern Delight either — it’s pure comfort.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something rich, nostalgic, and easy to make, this bars recipe is calling your name — loudly and sweetly. It starts with a chewy cookie base that’s buttery and soft, then gets layered with luscious, melted caramel and plenty of gooey chocolate chips. Every bite hits that perfect balance of sweet, soft, and just a little bit indulgent. Whether you’re baking on a lazy Sunday afternoon or pulling something together for a last-minute get-together, this bars recipe has your back.

It’s easy enough for beginners to follow, but still satisfying for seasoned bakers who want something dependable and crowd-pleasing. You don’t need special tools or complicated steps — just simple ingredients and one pan. It’s the kind of treat that feels homemade in the best way: warm, comforting, and shareable. If you’ve been searching for a go-to dessert that never disappoints, this bars recipe might just become your new favorite.

You’ll find more cozy desserts and behind-the-scenes baking fun on Pinterest and Instagram . Hope to see you there!