Knock You Naked Bars

Get ready to be blown away by these Knock You Naked Bars—a luscious dessert featuring layers of gooey caramel and a touch of peanut butter nestled between rich, chocolatey cookie dough.

Every bite is an irresistible blend of flavors and textures, transforming a simple treat into pure indulgence.

These bars are a delightful blend of sweetness and texture, making them a fantastic treat for any occasion.

Whether you’re hosting a gathering, bringing a dessert to a potluck, or just indulging a sweet craving, these caramel cookie bars are sure to be a hit.

Now, let’s get into making these gooey, peanut-buttery delights that are guaranteed to wow your taste buds!

Ingredients:

For the Cookie Layers:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt (reduced for better balance)
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (slightly less for a chewier texture)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 1 3/4 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (slightly reduced to prevent overpowering the caramel)

For the Caramel Filling:

• 5 oz evaporated milk
• 14 oz soft caramel candies, unwrapped
• 1/3 cup peanut butter (reduced slightly for better caramel consistency)

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.

Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugars: In a large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine & Add Chocolate Chips: Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips.

Step 5: Bake Base Layer: Spread half of the cookie dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, until just set.

Step 6: Prepare Caramel Layer: While the base is baking, melt caramels and evaporated milk in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water (double boiler method). Stir frequently until smooth, then mix in peanut butter until fully combined.

Step 7: Layer the Caramel: Pour the caramel mixture evenly over the baked cookie base.

Step 8: Add Top Layer: Drop spoonfuls of the remaining cookie dough over the caramel, gently spreading without fully covering it.

Step 9: Final Bake: Return to the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set.

Step 10: Cool & Serve: Let the bars cool completely before cutting to allow the caramel to set. Enjoy!

Pro Tips

Soft Cookie Base: Let your butter reach room temperature for a smooth, easily spreadable cookie dough.

Even Layers: Distribute the dough evenly in the pan to create a uniform base and top layer, ensuring the caramel and peanut butter blend seamlessly.

No-Stick Solution: Grease the pan well to prevent the caramel from sticking, making the bars easier to slice and serve.

Silky Caramel: Melt caramels slowly with evaporated milk, stirring frequently to prevent burning and achieve a smooth, creamy texture.

Clean Cuts: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing to maintain sharp edges and preserve the distinct layers.

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