Craving a truly indulgent dessert? Like many home bakers, I often turn to Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, for reliably delicious and comforting recipes. While exploring her website, one recipe title jumped out: Knock You Naked Brownies. The name alone sparked curiosity! Could these Chocolate Brownies Pioneer Woman style truly be that good? Promising layers of gooey caramel and rich chocolate, these brownies had all the hallmarks of a crowd-pleaser. As a devoted chocoholic, I was eager to bake a batch and see if they lived up to the hype.
Ree Drummond Pioneer Woman Knock You Naked Brownies
Image: Ree Drummond’s Knock You Naked Brownies, showcasing layers of brownie, caramel, and chocolate, ready to be served.
What Makes These Pioneer Woman Chocolate Brownies Irresistible?
These aren’t your average box-mix brownies. Ree Drummond elevates a simple German chocolate cake mix into something extraordinary. The recipe focuses on creating a layered brownie experience, starting with a fudgy base, followed by a generous river of caramel, and topped with more brownie batter and chocolate chips. The combination of textures and flavors – the chewy brownie, the smooth caramel, and the bursts of chocolate – promises a truly decadent treat. It’s a step up from classic brownies, offering a richer, more indulgent experience perfect for special occasions or when you simply need a serious chocolate fix.
Gather Your Ingredients and Tools
Before diving in, let’s make sure you have everything you need to bake these chocolate brownies Pioneer Woman would be proud of. The ingredient list is relatively simple, focusing on pantry staples and readily available items.
Ingredients:
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/3 cup plus 1/2 cup evaporated milk (divided)
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) German chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, but recommended)
- 60 caramels, unwrapped
- 1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Essential Tools:
Having the right tools makes baking easier and more enjoyable. For this recipe, you’ll need:
- 8×8 inch baking pan (a 9×9 inch pan will also work, as per the original recipe)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Double boiler or saucepan and heatproof bowl for melting caramels
- Wax paper or parchment paper
The Pioneer Woman Breezy Blossom 4 Piece Measuring Bowls
Image: Pioneer Woman Breezy Blossom Measuring Bowls, a colorful and practical set for baking ingredients.
The Pioneer Woman Mazie 8 X 8 Ceramic Red Square Baker Ecomm
Image: Pioneer Woman Mazie 8×8 Ceramic Red Square Baker, ideal for baking brownies and other desserts.
Farberware Classic Stainless 2 Quart Covered
Image: Farberware Classic 2 Quart Double Boiler, a useful tool for melting caramels smoothly.
Baking Pioneer Woman’s Knock You Naked Brownies: Step-by-Step
Now for the fun part – baking! Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of these decadent chocolate brownies Pioneer Woman style.
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Prep the Pan & Base Layer: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your 8×8 inch baking pan. In a mixing bowl, combine the German chocolate cake mix, 1/3 cup evaporated milk, melted butter, and chopped pecans (if using). Mix until just combined – the batter will be thick. Divide the batter in half. Press half of the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
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Bake the First Layer: Bake the base layer for 8-10 minutes, or until it’s set but not fully cooked. While the base layer is baking, prepare the caramel layer.
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Melt the Caramel: In a double boiler or a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water, combine the unwrapped caramels and 1/2 cup evaporated milk. Stir occasionally until the caramels are completely melted and smooth. This may take a few minutes, so be patient.
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Assemble the Caramel Layer: Once the base brownie layer is out of the oven, pour the melted caramel evenly over the top. Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the caramel layer.
Ree Drummond Naked Brownies Dough Emily Parulski -
Top with the Second Brownie Layer: This is slightly tricky but manageable. Take the remaining brownie batter and place it on a sheet of wax paper or parchment paper. Using your hands, gently flatten and shape it into a square that’s roughly the size of your baking pan. Carefully invert the square of batter over the caramel and chocolate chip layer. You can patch up any gaps as needed. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly smooth – it will bake together beautifully.
Pioneer Woman Naked Brownies In Dish Emily Parulski -
Bake to Perfection: Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center (avoiding the caramel layer) comes out mostly clean. The brownies should be set and slightly jiggly.
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Cool and Chill: Let the brownies cool completely at room temperature. Then, for best results, chill them in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours, or even overnight. This chilling time is crucial as it allows the caramel to set and the brownies to become firm and fudgy.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once chilled, cut the chocolate brownies Pioneer Woman style into squares. Dust with powdered sugar if desired. These brownies are rich, so even smaller squares are satisfying!
ree drummond knock you naked brownies in baking dish
The Verdict: Are They Really “Knock You Naked”?
These chocolate brownies Pioneer Woman recipe are seriously delicious. The combination of the fudgy brownie, the gooey caramel, and the melted chocolate chips is incredibly satisfying. They are undeniably sweet and rich, perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth. The chilling time is essential – it transforms them into a truly decadent and manageable treat. While the name might be a bit cheeky, the flavor is no joke. These brownies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a wonderful make-ahead dessert.
A Sweet Surprise: The Illini Bar Connection
Interestingly, these “Knock You Naked Brownies” bear a striking resemblance to another Midwestern favorite: Illini Bars. These bars are popular in the Midwest, particularly around the University of Illinois (hence the name “Illini”). It turns out Ree Drummond herself mentioned that this recipe is a re-creation of “killer brownies” she received from a friend. It’s highly likely those “killer brownies” were indeed Illini Bars! Regardless of the name, these layered caramel brownies are a timeless treat, perfect for any occasion.
If you’re looking for a truly decadent and impressive dessert, these chocolate brownies Pioneer Woman “Knock You Naked Brownies” are a must-try. Just be warned – they are incredibly addictive!
