Knock You Bars

These EPIC Knock You Bars are everything you want in a dessert—soft, chewy layers of chocolate chip cookie dough sandwiching a gooey, peanut butter-infused caramel center. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or simply a cozy night in, these bars are rich, indulgent, and totally unforgettable. Once you make them this way, you’ll never go back!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of chocolate chips and peanut butter caramel creates a flavor explosion that will leave everyone wanting more.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these bars are perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Versatile Treat: Great for any occasion—whether it’s a party, dessert table, or just a sweet snack at home.
• Make Ahead Option: These bars can be made in advance and stored for later enjoyment without losing their deliciousness.
• Perfect for Sharing: Cut into squares and share them easily at gatherings, making them an ideal treat for friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

To create your delicious Knock You Bars, you’ll need some essential tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Mixer
• Double boiler (or microwave-safe bowl)

Importance of Each Tool

• 9×13-inch baking dish: The right size ensures even baking and helps achieve the perfect bar texture.
• Mixer: Makes creaming the butter and sugars easier, leading to a fluffy cookie dough.
• Double boiler: Provides gentle heat for melting caramels without burning them.

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

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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 butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.

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

Set aside until needed.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Beat together 1 cup softened butter, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, and 3/4 cup packed brown sugar, along with 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, until creamy.

Step 4: Add Eggs

Add 2 large eggs, one at a time. Mix well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix in the dry ingredient mixture until fully incorporated. Be careful not to over-mix.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips.

Step 7: Bake the Base Layer

Spread half of the cookie dough mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 8–10 minutes until just set but not browned.

Step 8: Prepare Caramel Sauce

While the base is baking:
1. Melt the unwrapped caramels with 5 ounces evaporated milk in a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl until smooth.
2. Stir in 1/2 cup peanut butter, mixing well until fully melted and combined.

Step 9: Assemble Knock You Bars

Once the base layer is baked:
1. Pour the caramel mixture evenly over it.
2. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining cookie dough over the caramel layer.

Step 10: Bake Again

Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes or until the top is light golden brown.

Step 11: Cool and Serve

Remove from oven and allow your Knock You Bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares for serving. Enjoy this delightful treat!

How to Serve Knock You Bars

Knock You Bars are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a potluck, or a casual get-together with friends. Here are some creative ways to serve these delightful caramel cookie bars.

Individual Servings

• Place each bar in a cupcake liner for easy grab-and-go servings.
• Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra touch of indulgence.

With Ice Cream

• Serve warm bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert combination.
• Drizzle some chocolate sauce over the ice cream for added sweetness.

Pair with Coffee

• Offer Knock You Bars alongside freshly brewed coffee or espresso for a delightful afternoon treat.
• Dust with powdered sugar before serving to enhance presentation.

Dessert Platter

• Arrange the bars on a platter with fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries for color and freshness.
• Include small forks or toothpicks for easy serving.

How to Perfect Knock You Bars

Perfecting your Knock You Bars takes just a few simple tweaks. Follow these tips to ensure your bars turn out perfectly every time.

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps the butter cream more easily into the sugars, resulting in a smoother batter.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough bars. Mix just until combined for the best texture.
• Watch the baking time: Keep an eye on the bars as they bake; you want them golden brown but not overcooked.
• Cool completely before cutting: Allowing them to cool ensures cleaner cuts and better presentation.
• Store properly: Keep leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their softness.

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Best Side Dishes for Knock You Bars

Knock You Bars pair well with various side dishes that complement their rich flavors. Here are some great suggestions to serve alongside them.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits offers a refreshing contrast to the sweet bars.
2. Vanilla Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a healthy side option that balances sweetness.
3. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: These decadent treats enhance the chocolate flavor in the bars while adding elegance.
4. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses like brie and aged cheddar can provide savory notes that contrast nicely with the sweetness.
5. Nut Mix: Serve a bowl of lightly salted nuts to add crunch and balance flavors without overpowering the dessert.
6. Mini Cheesecakes: These bite-sized desserts offer a creamy counterpart to the chewy texture of Knock You Bars.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Knock You Bars can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can ruin your dessert. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Ignoring the Room Temperature Eggs: Using cold eggs can lead to a lumpy batter. Always ensure your eggs are at room temperature for a smooth mix.
• Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing can lead to tough bars. Mix until just combined to keep them soft and chewy.
• Not Measuring Flour Correctly: Too much flour can make the bars dry. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement.
• Skipping the Cooling Time: Cutting into warm bars makes them fall apart. Allow them to cool completely before slicing for perfect squares.
• Using Low-Quality Chocolate Chips: Not all chocolate chips melt the same. Use high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips for the best flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Knock You Bars

• Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap before placing them in the container.

Reheating Knock You Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10 minutes to restore softness.
• Microwave: Heat individual bars on a microwave-safe plate for 15-20 seconds, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Place a bar in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Knock You Bars special?

Knock You Bars stand out because of their rich layers of cookie dough and gooey caramel, making every bite indulgent and satisfying.

Can I customize my Knock You Bars?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, swap chocolate chips for white chocolate, or even include dried fruits for added texture and flavor.

How do I know when my Knock You Bars are done baking?

Look for a light golden brown top and a set center. A toothpick inserted should come out with only a few crumbs attached.

Can I use different types of nut butter in my Knock You Bars?

Yes! Feel free to use almond butter or cashew butter instead of peanut butter if you prefer different flavors.

Are Knock You Bars gluten-free?

To make these bars gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup.

Final Thoughts

Knock You Bars are not only delicious but also versatile. Their rich flavors make them perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a potluck or just a treat at home. Feel free to get creative with your mix-ins and toppings to truly personalize this classic dessert!