Description
Indulge in these irresistible Knock You Naked Bars, featuring layers of soft chocolate chip cookie dough, rich gooey caramel, and a creamy peanut butter center. This crowd-pleasing dessert is perfect for gatherings and sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Cookie Layers
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups chocolate chips
For the Caramel Layer
- 5 oz evaporated milk
- 14 oz caramels or caramel bits
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and baking dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously to prevent sticking.
- Cream the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, blend together the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined and creamy.
- Add eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing until the mixture becomes smooth and fully integrated.
- Combine dry ingredients and fold in chips: Mix in the flour, baking soda, and salt until you achieve a well-blended, smooth dough. Then, gently fold in the chocolate chips.
- Bake the first cookie layer: Spread half of the prepared dough evenly into the bottom of the greased baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes until just set but not fully cooked.
- Make the caramel layer: While the first layer bakes, add the evaporated milk and caramels to a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the caramels are fully melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the peanut butter until fully blended and creamy.
- Assemble the bars: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Pour the warm caramel-peanut butter mixture evenly over the baked cookie layer.
- Add the top cookie layer: Drop spoonfuls of the remaining cookie dough over the caramel layer, spacing them out for a rustic top crust.
- Final bake: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and serve: Allow the bars to cool in the baking dish for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving for neat squares and gooey perfection.
Notes
- Letting the bars cool slightly ensures cleaner slices and helps set the caramel layer.
- For easier handling, use parchment paper to line your baking dish.
- Chocolate chips can be substituted with chocolate chunks for extra texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
