Knock You Nekkids
A decadent layered dessert featuring a cake mix base, caramel, chocolate chips, and pecans, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings at gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine dry cake mix, chopped pecans, 1/3 cup evaporated milk, and melted butter.
- Press half of the batter into the bottom of a greased 13 x 9 inch glass baking dish.
- Bake for 8 minutes.
- Meanwhile, melt the vanilla caramels with the remaining 1/2 cup evaporated milk in the microwave, stirring often until smooth.
- Pour the caramel mixture over the baked layer.
- Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips over the caramel layer.
- Dot the remaining batter on top of the chocolate chips.
- Bake for 18 minutes.
- Allow to cool before cutting into squares.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider toasting the chopped pecans before mixing them in. If you don't have evaporated milk, you can substitute it with an equal amount of regular milk or a mix of heavy cream and water. Ensure the butter is melted but not too hot to avoid cooking the batter. For a twist, try adding a pinch of sea salt on top before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Cut into small squares for a delightful treat that pairs beautifully with coffee or tea. These bars make a great addition to a dessert platter or picnic. Consider serving them alongside a scoop of ice cream for a decadent dessert similar to the Ultimate Brownie Sundae. They are perfect for gatherings or as a homemade gift.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, place squares in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or until warm. This dessert is also delicious served cold or at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Knock You Nekkids contains roughly 426 calories, with 1g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (13% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 4g 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 type of nut instead of pecans?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds based on your preference. Just ensure they are chopped to a similar size for even distribution in the batter. This flexibility allows you to customize the recipe to your liking or based on what you have on hand.
What can I do if I can't find vanilla caramels?
If vanilla caramels are unavailable, you can use soft caramel candies or make your own by cooking sugar, cream, and butter together. Alternatively, consider using chocolate caramel for a richer flavor, though it will alter the overall taste of the dish slightly.
How do I know when the baked bars are done?
The bars are done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs. Keep in mind that they will continue to cook slightly as they cool, so it's better to err on the side of slightly underbaking them.
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).