Knock You Bars

These Knock You Bars are the ultimate dessert that everyone will love. With layers of soft, chewy chocolate chip cookie dough and a rich, gooey peanut butter caramel center, they are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a potluck, book club, or just want a sweet treat to brighten your day, these bars will not disappoint. Their indulgent flavor and delightful texture make them unforgettable!

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• How to Make Knock You Bars
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
• Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
• Step 4: Add Eggs
• Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
• Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips
• Step 7: Bake the Bottom Layer
• Step 8: Make Caramel Sauce
• Step 9: Assemble Bars
• Step 10: Bake Again
• Step 11: Cool Before Serving
• How to Serve Knock You Bars
• With Ice Cream
• Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce
• Topped with Whipped Cream
• Garnished with Nuts
• Served with Fresh Fruit
• As Part of a Dessert Platter
• How to Perfect Knock You Bars
• Best Side Dishes for Knock You Bars
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Knock You Bars
• Reheating Knock You Bars
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
• How do I customize my Knock You Bars?
• What makes these bars so special?
• How long do Knock You Bars last?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these bars come together quickly.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for parties, picnics, or a cozy night in—everyone will enjoy them!
• Rich Flavor: The combination of chocolate chips and peanut butter caramel creates a deliciously indulgent experience.
• Crowd-Pleaser: These bars are always a hit at gatherings; expect compliments!
• Make Ahead: They can be prepared in advance and stored for later enjoyment.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this decadent recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Electric mixer
• Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• 9×13-inch baking dish: This size is perfect for even baking and easy serving.
• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when combining ingredients for a smooth batter.
• Double boiler: Ideal for melting caramel without burning it, ensuring a perfect consistency.

Ingredients

For the Bars:
* 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 packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

For the Caramel Sauce:
* 5 ounces evaporated milk
1 (14 oz) bag caramels, unwrapped
1/2 cup peanut butter

How to Make Knock You Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together the following:
1. 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2. 1 teaspoon baking soda
3. 1 teaspoon salt

This mixture ensures that your bars have great texture.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
1. 1 cup softened butter
2. 3/4 cup granulated sugar
3. 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
4. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Beat these ingredients with an electric mixer until creamy.

Step 4: Add Eggs

Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture. Mix well after each addition until fully blended.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients until fully incorporated.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in:
– 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

This will add delicious bursts of chocolate throughout your bars.

Step 7: Bake the Bottom Layer

Spread half of the cookie dough mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes until just set but not browned.

Step 8: Make Caramel Sauce

While the bottom layer bakes, melt together:
– 5 ounces evaporated milk
– 1 (14 oz) bag caramels, unwrapped

Use a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl to stir until smooth. Then mix in:
– 1/2 cup peanut butter

Stir until fully melted and combined.

Step 9: Assemble Bars

Once the bottom layer is baked, pour the caramel mixture evenly over it. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining cookie dough over this layer.

Step 10: Bake Again

Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes or until the top is light golden brown.

Step 11: Cool Before Serving

Remove from oven and let cool completely before cutting into squares to serve.

Enjoy making these delightful Knock You Bars, guaranteed to impress everyone!

How to Serve Knock You Bars

Knock You Bars are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy night in, these bars are sure to impress. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience.

With Ice Cream

• Serve warm Knock You Bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert combination that melts in your mouth.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

• Add a rich chocolate sauce drizzle on top for an extra layer of sweetness and visual appeal.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• A dollop of whipped cream can make the bars even more indulgent and creamy, perfect for special occasions.

Garnished with Nuts

• Sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top to add a crunchy texture and enhance the flavor profile.

Served with Fresh Fruit

• Pair your Knock You Bars with fresh strawberries or raspberries for a refreshing contrast that cuts through the richness.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Include Knock You Bars on a dessert platter alongside other treats like brownies and cookies for an impressive spread at parties.

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How to Perfect Knock You Bars

Getting the perfect Knock You Bars is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your bars turn out just right:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough until just combined to keep the bars soft and chewy.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to confirm your oven’s accuracy; this helps achieve the perfect bake.
• Let Them Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them for cleaner slices.
• Store Properly: Keep leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Knock You Bars

When serving Knock You Bars, pairing them with complementary side dishes can enhance the overall experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the bars.
2. Chocolate Fondue: Set up a chocolate fondue station where guests can dip fruits or pieces of bar for added fun.
3. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, particularly creamy varieties, pairs well with sweet desserts like these bars.
4. Coffee or Espresso: Serving coffee or espresso alongside enhances the flavors and provides a nice balance.
5. Milkshakes: For an indulgent twist, consider offering milkshakes made from vanilla or chocolate ice cream as a drink option.
6. Mini Pastries: Small pastries like eclairs or cream puffs can complement the richness of Knock You Bars beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Knock You Bars, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Using cold ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps achieve a creamy dough that bakes evenly.
• Overmixing the dough: After adding the flour mixture, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough bars instead of soft, chewy ones.
• Skipping the cooling step: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. This ensures cleaner cuts and prevents them from falling apart.
• Not measuring correctly: Use proper measuring cups for dry and wet ingredients. Accurate measurements are key for perfect texture and flavor.
• Ignoring baking time: Keep an eye on the bars while they bake. Ovens can vary in temperature, so check for a light golden brown top.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Knock You Bars in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Freezing Knock You Bars

• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Knock You Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place bars on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in 15-20 second intervals until warm. Be careful not to overheat as this can make them tough.
• Stovetop: Place bars in a pan over low heat, covering with a lid. Heat gently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Knock You Bars:

Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Yes, you can substitute semi-sweet chips with milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips based on your preference.

How do I customize my Knock You Bars?

Feel free to add nuts, dried fruits, or even swap peanut butter for almond butter for a different flavor profile.

What makes these bars so special?

The combination of soft cookie layers with gooey caramel makes Knock You Bars exceptionally rich and satisfying.

How long do Knock You Bars last?

When stored properly, they last about one week in the refrigerator and up to three months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

Knock You Bars are a delightful treat that’s both indulgent and versatile. They can easily be customized with your favorite additions like nuts or different kinds of chocolate. Whether you’re serving them at a potluck or enjoying them at home, these bars are sure to impress everyone who tries them!