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Knock You Naked Bars

These gooey, chocolatey bars are layered with a rich cookie base, soft caramel, and melty chocolate, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Base Ingredients
  • 1 box German chocolate cake mix (15.25 to 18.25 ounces) Can substitute with regular chocolate cake mix.
  • 8 tablespoons butter, melted Salted butter preferred for added flavor.
  • 1/3 cup evaporated milk Not sweetened condensed milk.
Filling Ingredients
  • 1 cup caramels or caramel bits Soft caramels are classic, baking bits melt faster.
  • 1/2 cup evaporated milk To melt caramels.
  • 1 to 1.5 cups semisweet chocolate chips Options to mix with milk or dark chocolate.
  • 1/2 to 3/4 cup chopped pecans Optional, can substitute with walnuts or almonds.
Topping
  • flaky salt a pinch To enhance flavors.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, and evaporated milk. Stir until a thick, sticky dough forms.
Baking
  1. Press about two-thirds of the dough into the prepared pan in an even layer and bake for 8 to 10 minutes until set.
  2. Melt the caramels with the additional evaporated milk in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth.
  3. Remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle chocolate chips and pecans over the warm base, then pour the warm caramel on top.
  4. Pinch off small pieces of the remaining dough and scatter them over the caramel to create a patchwork top.
  5. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes until the top is dry and edges are bubbling.
Cooling
  1. Sprinkle with flaky salt, let cool at room temperature, then chill for at least 2 hours before cutting.
  2. Lift the slab out with parchment, slice into bars, and serve.

Notes

These bars are best when fully cooled and can be customized with different types of chocolate or toppings. Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.