Caramel Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe

If you’ve got a sweet tooth and a soft spot for gooey, classic treats, you’re going to adore this Knock You Naked Bars Recipe. Imagine chewy, chocolate-chip-studded cookie dough hugging a luscious, creamy ribbon of peanut butter caramel—these dessert bars have it all! With every bite, you’ll taste layers of flavors and textures that strike the perfect balance between buttery-soft and satisfyingly crisp, making these bars a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for potlucks, parties, or any moment that demands a little extra decadence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather up these humble pantry staples to whip up your Knock You Naked Bars Recipe; each ingredient plays a star role in crafting that irresistibly rich, gooey texture and boldly nostalgic flavor. You’ll be amazed at how just a handful of simple items combine to create something truly spectacular.

• All-purpose flour: Provides the bars with a sturdy, chewy structure that still stays tender.
• Baking soda: Helps the bars rise just enough for that soft, cookie-like texture.
• Salt: Balances out the sweetness and deepens all the flavors.
• Butter, softened: Adds richness and a melt-in-your-mouth base for the dough.
• Sugar: Gives the bars their signature caramelized sweetness and helps with that perfect cookie crust.
• Brown sugar (packed): Lends a deeper, toffee-like flavor and keeps everything moist.
• Vanilla extract: Boosts the warm, bakery-inspired aroma that makes these bars irresistible.
• Eggs: Bind the dough and add tenderness for that craveable chew.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Pockets of rich, melty chocolate are a must in every bite.
• Evaporated milk: Essential for a silky, creamy caramel layer that doesn’t seize up.
• Carmels (14 oz bag): The key to making that ultra-gooey caramel center—use your favorite brand.
• Peanut butter: Swirls into the caramel, adding a subtle nutty depth that rounds out every flavor.

How to Make Knock You Naked Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven warms up, lightly grease a 9 x 13 inch baking pan—this simple step ensures those luscious bars will come out easily and keeps them looking neat when you slice them up later.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a small bowl, combine your all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Give them a quick whisk or stir just until everything’s evenly blended. This keeps your dough uniform and avoids lumps, setting the stage for perfectly textured bars.

Step 3: Make the Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is creamy and fluffy. Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually mix in your prepared flour mixture until everything comes together. Finally, fold in those chocolate chips—the moment you see them stud the dough, you know something magical is about to happen.

Step 4: Bake the Bottom Layer

Spread half of the cookie dough evenly into your prepared pan. Don’t worry if it seems like a thin layer—that’s exactly what you want for that perfect cookie base. Bake this layer for 8 to 10 minutes, just until it’s set but not fully cooked. This step creates a sturdy foundation while keeping the center wonderfully soft.

Step 5: Make the Caramel-Peanut Butter Filling

While the bottom layer is baking, combine the unwrapped caramels and evaporated milk in a double boiler (or a heatproof bowl set over simmering water). Gently melt them together, stirring often, until perfectly smooth. Add the peanut butter, whisking it in until the mixture is totally luscious, creamy, and decadent—it should be pourable and dreamy.

Step 6: Pour and Layer

Once your cookie base is out of the oven, immediately pour the warm peanut butter caramel evenly over it. Smooth it gently all the way to the edges. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining cookie dough over the caramel, letting some caramel peek through. These golden pockets of dough will bake into a gorgeous, rustic topping.

Step 7: Final Bake

Slide the pan back into the oven and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes, until the top is set and lightly golden—don’t overbake! The key to a great Knock You Naked Bars Recipe is a soft, gooey center, so pull them out as soon as the top looks just right. Let cool before slicing (if you can wait!).

How to Serve Knock You Naked Bars Recipe

Garnishes

Dusting the cooled bars with a little powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate transforms each piece into a true showstopper. If you want to take things up a notch, a dollop of whipped cream or a scattering of chopped roasted peanuts can add extra flair and crunch.

Side Dishes

These bars are perfectly rich on their own, but if you’re planning a dessert spread, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a mug of hot coffee. Both offer a creamy or bold complement to the sweet, salty layers of your Knock You Naked Bars Recipe.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your bars into small squares for bite-sized treats, or serve them in rustic, parchment-lined baskets at a picnic. For a special occasion, try stacking two or three pieces slightly askew and drizzle with additional caramel for a bakery-worthy dessert plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. Just make sure the bars are completely cool before storing—this keeps the caramel gooey and the dough tender.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then tuck them into a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to three months—just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready for a treat.

Reheating

If you want to recapture that just-baked magic, pop a bar into the microwave for 10-15 seconds. The caramel will get oozy and warm, and those chocolate chips will turn delightfully melty all over again.

FAQs

Can I make this Knock You Naked Bars Recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free baking blend. Just be sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder for the best texture—your bars will still be just as gooey and delicious.

What’s the best way to cut these bars cleanly?

Allow the bars to cool completely, then use a sharp knife coated with a bit of nonstick spray. Wipe the blade between cuts for perfectly neat squares every time.

Can I use a different type of chocolate?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with milk or dark chocolate chips, or add a mix for depth. You can even toss in white chocolate for a fun twist on your Knock You Naked Bars Recipe.

Do I have to use peanut butter in the caramel layer?

No, but peanut butter adds a wonderful nutty richness. If you need a nut-free alternative, sunflower seed butter works well and gives that same creamy consistency.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Certainly! Just use two 9 x 13 inch pans or a larger, rimmed baking sheet. Adjust your baking time as needed, and you’ll have plenty of Knock You Naked Bars Recipe to share with everyone.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dessert that dazzles on every level, this Knock You Naked Bars Recipe can’t help but steal the show. Give it a try—your friends and family will be begging for the recipe, and you’ll have a new go-to treat for every occasion!

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