Description
Looking for the kind of treat that’s so indulgent, it leaves everyone asking for the recipe? Meet Knock You Naked Bars, the ultimate dessert squares packed with chocolate chips, creamy caramel, crunchy peanuts, and a soft cookie base. These bars are a total crowd-pleaser — whether you’re searching for easy dessert ideas, party snacks, or make-ahead food ideas that never fail, this one’s got your back. The contrast of gooey melted layers and crunchy bites gives it that bakery-style decadence right from your kitchen.
Ingredients
1 box German chocolate cake mix (or chocolate fudge cake mix)
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1/3 cup evaporated milk (divided)
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped roasted peanuts (or favorite nut mix)
1 bag (11 oz) caramels, unwrapped
1/2 tsp sea salt (optional)
1/4 cup chopped pecans or almonds (optional)
Cooking spray or parchment paper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper or grease well.
- In a bowl, mix cake mix, melted butter, and 1/4 cup evaporated milk into a thick dough.
- Press half the dough into the prepared pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes.
- Melt caramels with remaining 1/3 cup evaporated milk over low heat until smooth.
- Pour caramel over the baked crust.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips and chopped peanuts over the caramel layer.
- Flatten remaining dough and place in patches over the top.
- Bake again for 18–20 minutes, until set and caramel is bubbling.
- Cool for 2 hours (or refrigerate 1 hour) before slicing into squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes total
- Category: Dessert