Knock You Bars

These Knock You Bars are the ultimate dessert for any occasion! Whether you’re hosting a potluck, celebrating a birthday, or just craving something sweet, these bars deliver rich flavors and a delightful texture. The combination of soft chocolate chip cookie dough and gooey peanut butter-infused caramel makes every bite memorable. Once you try these indulgent treats, you’ll find it hard to resist making them again!

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Bars:
• For the Caramel Sauce:
• How to Make Knock You Bars
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
• Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
• Step 4: Combine Mixtures
• Step 5: Layer the Cookie Dough
• Step 6: Prepare the Caramel Sauce
• Step 7: Assemble & Bake Again
• Step 8: Cool & Serve
• How to Serve Knock You Bars
• Pair with Ice Cream
• Drizzle with Extra Caramel
• Serve with Fresh Fruit
• Enjoy with Coffee or Tea
• 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
• What are Knock You Bars?
• Can I customize my Knock You Bars?
• How do I know when my Knock You Bars are done baking?
• Are Knock You Bars suitable for potlucks?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The blend of chocolate, caramel, and peanut butter creates a flavor explosion that is hard to beat.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, these bars are perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Versatile Treat: Great for various occasions such as potlucks, parties, or family gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools on hand is essential.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Double boiler (or microwave-safe bowl)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• 9×13-inch baking dish: Ensures even baking and the perfect size for this recipe.
• Mixing bowls: Allows for efficient mixing of ingredients without mess.
• Double boiler: Provides gentle heat for melting caramel without burning.

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 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

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Beat together the softened butter (1 cup) with granulated sugar (3/4 cup) and brown sugar (3/4 cup) until creamy.
2. Add in the vanilla extract (1 teaspoon) followed by two large eggs (room temperature) one at a time. Mix well after each addition.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until fully incorporated. Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips (2 cups) gently.

Step 5: Layer the Cookie Dough

Spread half of the cookie dough mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Bake for 8–10 minutes until slightly set.

Step 6: Prepare the Caramel Sauce

While the base is baking:
1. Melt caramels (14 oz bag) with evaporated milk (5 ounces) in a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl.
2. Stir until smooth; then add in peanut butter (1/2 cup) and mix until fully melted.

Step 7: Assemble & Bake Again

Pour the caramel mixture evenly over the baked cookie layer.
Drop spoonfuls of remaining cookie dough over the caramel layer.

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

Step 8: Cool & Serve

Remove from oven and allow bars to cool completely before cutting into squares. Enjoy your delicious Knock You Bars!

How to Serve Knock You Bars

Knock You Bars are a decadent treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party, attending a potluck, or just indulging at home, these bars are sure to impress. Here are some fun serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience.

Pair with Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic flavor complements the rich caramel and chocolate perfectly.
• Chocolate Ice Cream: For chocolate lovers, this pairing adds an extra layer of indulgence.

Drizzle with Extra Caramel

• Caramel Sauce: A warm drizzle of caramel sauce enhances the gooeyness and adds more sweetness.
• Chocolate Sauce: A chocolate drizzle creates a beautiful presentation and adds richness.

Serve with Fresh Fruit

• Sliced Strawberries: Their tartness balances the sweetness of the bars.
• Banana Slices: Soft bananas pair well with the chewy texture of Knock You Bars.

Enjoy with Coffee or Tea

• Brewed Coffee: The bitterness of coffee contrasts nicely with the sweet flavors.
• Herbal Tea: A calming tea can provide a soothing complement to these rich bars.

How to Perfect Knock You Bars

Making Knock You Bars is simple, but a few tips can help you achieve perfection. Here are some suggestions for ensuring your bars come out just right:

• Bold Measure Ingredients Accurately: Precise measurements lead to the perfect texture and balance of flavors.
• Bold Use Room Temperature Eggs: Using eggs at room temperature helps create a smoother batter for better mixing.
• Bold Don’t Overbake: Remove them from the oven when they are lightly golden; they will continue to cook as they cool.
• Bold Chill Before Cutting: Allowing the bars to cool completely makes cutting easier and helps them hold their shape.
• Bold Store Properly: Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for maximum freshness.

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Best Side Dishes for Knock You Bars

Knock You Bars make a delightful dessert, but pairing them with complementary side dishes can elevate your treat. Here are some great options that go well with these delicious bars.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the bars.
2. Cheese Platter: A variety of cheeses can provide a savory balance to the sweetness.
3. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These add an elegant touch while maintaining the chocolate theme.
4. Nutty Trail Mix: A crunchy mix provides texture and flavor variations that complement the soft bars.
5. Mini Cheesecakes: Individual cheesecakes offer a creamy counterpart that pairs beautifully with caramel flavors.
6. Yogurt Parfaits: Layered yogurt with granola and fruit creates a light option alongside your rich dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Knock You Bars can be simple, but avoiding a few common mistakes will help you achieve the best results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the Cooling Time: Allowing the bars to cool completely is crucial for easy cutting and serving. Patience pays off!
• Overmixing Dough: Mixing too long can lead to tough bars. Mix until just combined for that perfect chewy texture.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Room temperature eggs and softened butter mix better, yielding a smoother dough. Don’t rush this step!
• Not Measuring Flour Correctly: Overpacking flour can make bars dry. Use the spoon-and-level method for precise measurements.
• Ignoring Baking Times: Keep an eye on your bars while baking. Ovens can vary, so check them a minute or two early.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• These Knock You Bars can last up to one week in the fridge.

Freezing Knock You Bars

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to three months for best quality.

Reheating Knock You Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Warm bars for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place in a pan over low heat, covering briefly until warmed through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are Knock You Bars?

Knock You Bars are decadent dessert bars made with chocolate chip cookie dough and a gooey peanut butter caramel filling. They are soft, chewy, and utterly delicious.

Can I customize my Knock You Bars?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, swap chocolate chips for white chocolate, or even mix in your favorite candies for a fun twist.

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

Look for a light golden brown color on top. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.

Are Knock You Bars suitable for potlucks?

Yes! These bars are perfect for potlucks as they travel well and are sure to impress your friends with their rich flavor.

Final Thoughts

These Knock You Bars offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures that make them an irresistible treat. Whether for a gathering or just a sweet indulgence at home, they’re versatile enough to cater to various tastes. Try customizing them with different mix-ins or toppings!