Description
These Knock You Naked Brownies are a decadent layered dessert featuring a rich German chocolate cake brownie base topped with a luscious caramel and chocolate chip layer, all baked to perfection. This recipe combines the intense flavor of German chocolate cake mix with buttery pecans and a creamy caramel middle for a truly indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Brownie Base
- 1 box (15.25-oz.) German Chocolate cake mix (Duncan Hines recommended)
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
- 1/3 cup evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup salted butter, melted
Caramel Layer
- 60 whole caramels, unwrapped
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Finishing Touches
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the brownies.
- Prepare brownie batter: In a large bowl, combine the German chocolate cake mix, chopped pecans, 1/3 cup evaporated milk, and melted butter. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is completely combined and thick.
- Form and bake bottom layer: Grease a 9-by-9-inch square baking pan thoroughly. Press half of the brownie mixture evenly into the pan and bake for 8 to 10 minutes until slightly set but not fully baked. Remove from the oven and set aside.
- Create caramel topping: Using a double boiler or a heatproof bowl placed over simmering water, melt the 60 unwrapped caramels together with the remaining 1/2 cup evaporated milk until smooth and combined. Pour this caramel mixture evenly over the partially baked brownie base. Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the caramel layer.
- Prepare top brownie layer: Turn out the remaining brownie dough onto a piece of parchment paper. Press it with your hands into a square shape slightly smaller than the baking pan. Carefully lift the parchment paper and slide the shaped dough on top of the caramel and chocolate chip layer.
- Bake final layers: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the top layer is fully set and cooked through.
- Cool and chill: Remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, cover the pan and refrigerate for several hours to help the layers set firmly.
- Finish and serve: Before serving, generously sift powdered sugar over the surface of the brownies. Cut into 12 equal pieces and carefully remove from the pan to serve.
Notes
- Using salted butter is recommended for enhanced flavor, but unsalted butter can be used with a pinch of salt added.
- Make sure to grease the baking pan well to prevent the brownies from sticking.
- Refrigerating the brownies after baking helps to set the caramel layer and makes slicing easier.
- For a nut-free version, omit the pecans or replace with seeds if desired.
- Store leftover brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: brownies, caramel brownies, German chocolate, layered dessert, pecans, chocolate chips, decadent dessert
