Knock You Nakeds
Decadent caramel and chocolate layered bars with crunchy nuts, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and sharing at gatherings or as a rich dessert treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the cake mix, chopped nuts, 1/3 cup evaporated milk, and melted butter. Mix well.
- Press half of the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9 x 13-inch Pyrex dish.
- Bake at 350°F for 8 minutes.
- Melt the caramel candies in a double boiler or microwave with 1/2 cup evaporated milk until well mixed.
- Pour the caramel mixture over the baked layer.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips over the caramel layer.
- Cover with the remaining cake mixture and press gently to cover the chips.
- Bake for 18 minutes at 350°F.
- Allow to cool before slicing.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nut-free version, you can substitute the chopped nuts with more cake mix or crushed graham crackers. If you're looking to enhance the flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cake mixture. Be careful not to overbake, as the bars can become dry. For a twist, try adding mini chocolate chips alongside the caramel for extra indulgence.
Serving Suggestions
These bars are perfect for parties or as a sweet snack. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a cup of coffee for a delightful dessert experience. They also pair beautifully with the flavors of Great Peanut Butter Cookies for a fun dessert platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Knock You Nakeds in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them, which will keep them fresh for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm individual pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or until just heated through, for a gooey treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Knock You Nakeds contains roughly 1151 calories, with 27g protein, 114g carbohydrates, and 73g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (54% of the Daily Value), iron (42% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (41% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 12g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely! While the German chocolate cake mix gives a rich flavor, you can experiment with other cake mixes like chocolate or vanilla. Each will impart a different taste to your bars, so feel free to get creative with your favorite flavors.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars should be golden brown on top and firm to the touch. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to prevent overcooking.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, Knock You Nakeds can be made ahead of time. Prepare them up to the baking stage and store the unbaked mixture in the fridge for a day or two. You can also bake them and store them for later, just be sure to let them cool completely before storing.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).