Craving a dessert that’s both incredibly easy to make and outrageously delicious? Look no further than the Pioneer Woman’s “Knock You Naked Brownies.” When I stumbled upon this recipe from Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman herself, the name alone piqued my curiosity. Could these brownies truly be as irresistible as they sounded? As a devoted chocolate lover, I had to find out if these layered caramel brownies lived up to the hype – and spoiler alert, they absolutely do.
Ree Drummond Pioneer Woman Knock You Naked Brownies
These Pioneer Woman Brownies are more than just your average chocolate treat. They’re a delightful combination of gooey brownie layers, creamy caramel, and a hint of chocolate chips, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or simply a special weeknight treat, these brownies are sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.
What Makes Pioneer Woman Knock You Naked Brownies Special?
Ree Drummond’s “Knock You Naked Brownies” recipe takes a simple box of German chocolate cake mix and elevates it to a gourmet dessert. The magic lies in the layers: a fudgy brownie base, a luscious caramel center, and another layer of rich brownie, topped with melted chocolate chips and a dusting of powdered sugar. This isn’t your basic brownie; it’s a decadent, layered bar that’s surprisingly easy to assemble. While classic chewy brownies are always a good choice, these Pioneer Woman brownies offer an extra layer of indulgence that’s hard to resist.
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Brownies
To bake these heavenly Pioneer Woman brownies, you’ll need just a handful of readily available ingredients:
- Butter: 1 stick (for richness and moisture)
- Evaporated Milk: 1/3 cup plus 1/2 cup (for the brownie batter and caramel)
- German Chocolate Cake Mix: 1 box (the base for our easy brownies)
- Pecans: 1 cup finely chopped (for nutty flavor and texture)
- Caramels: 60 caramels (the star of the gooey caramel layer)
- Semisweet Chocolate Chips: 1/3 cup (for extra chocolatey goodness)
- Powdered Sugar: For dusting (a sweet finishing touch)
Essential Tools for Baking Success
Before you begin, gather these simple tools to ensure smooth baking process:
The Pioneer Woman Breezy Blossom 4 Piece Measuring Bowls
- Measuring Bowls: For easy ingredient preparation.
- 8×8 or 9×9 inch Baking Pan: The recipe recommends a 9×9 inch pan, but an 8×8 inch pan works just as well, resulting in slightly thicker brownies.
- Double Boiler or Saucepan and Heatproof Bowl: To melt the caramels smoothly and prevent burning.
- Wax Paper: Helpful for shaping the top brownie layer.
The Pioneer Woman Mazie 8 X 8 Ceramic Red Square Baker Ecomm
Farberware Classic Stainless 2 Quart Covered
Baking Pioneer Woman Brownies: Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of decadent Pioneer Woman brownies:
Getting Started with the Brownie Base
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the German chocolate cake mix, 1/3 cup evaporated milk, melted butter, and chopped pecans. 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 to form the bottom layer.
- Bake the bottom brownie layer for 8-10 minutes, until it’s set but not fully cooked.
Creating the Gooey Caramel Layer
- While the brownie base is baking, prepare the caramel layer. In a double boiler or a heatproof bowl set over a simmering saucepan of water, combine the caramels and 1/2 cup evaporated milk.
- Melt the caramels over low heat, stirring occasionally, until smooth and creamy. This may take a few minutes, so be patient.
- Once the caramel is melted, pour it evenly over the partially baked brownie base.
- Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the caramel layer.
Ree Drummond Naked Brownies Dough Emily Parulski
Assembling and Baking the Final Layers
- For the top brownie layer, take the remaining half of the brownie batter. Since it’s too thick to spread over the caramel, use your hands to flatten it into a square shape on a sheet of wax paper. Make it roughly the size of your baking pan.
- Carefully transfer the wax paper with the brownie dough square and place it on top of the caramel and chocolate chip layer. Gently peel off the wax paper. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly even; a rustic look is part of the charm.
- Bake for another 25 minutes, or until the brownies are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are okay for fudgy brownies).
Pioneer Woman Naked Brownies In Dish Emily Parulski
The Taste Test: Are Pioneer Woman Brownies Worth the Wait?
After baking, let the Pioneer Woman brownies cool to room temperature and then chill them in the refrigerator for a few hours to allow the caramel to set completely. The wait is absolutely worth it!
The first bite is an explosion of flavor and texture. The cold, fudgy brownie layers perfectly complement the gooey, rich caramel center. These are undeniably sweet brownies, perfect for anyone with a serious sweet tooth and a love for chocolate and caramel. While Ree Drummond suggests cutting them into six large pieces, I found that cutting them into 16 squares is more manageable, as they are incredibly rich. Even smaller squares are enough to satisfy your dessert cravings.
ree drummond knock you naked brownies in baking dish
The Unexpected Twist: Illini Bars Connection
Interestingly, these “Knock You Naked Brownies” bear a striking resemblance to a Midwestern treat known as Illini bars, popular at University of Illinois tailgates. It turns out Ree Drummond herself mentioned receiving a similar recipe from a friend, which inspired her to create this version. It’s highly likely that her friend shared a recipe for Illini bars! Regardless of the name, these Pioneer Woman brownies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Explore More Pioneer Woman Recipes
If you’re a fan of Ree Drummond’s approachable and delicious recipes, be sure to check out her cookbooks for more culinary inspiration:
Pioneer Woman Cooks Step Step - The Pioneer Woman Cooks―A Year of Holidays: Perfect for festive baking and holiday meals.
Pioneer Woman Cooks Super Easy Shortcut Ecomm
- The Pioneer Woman Cooks―Super Easy!: For quick and delicious meals and desserts, ideal for busy weeknights.
Pioneer Woman Cooks Dinnertime 16 Minute Ecomm
- The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Dinnertime: Filled with family-friendly dinner recipes for every occasion.
Conclusion: Bake Your Own Pioneer Woman Brownies Today!
The Pioneer Woman “Knock You Naked Brownies” are a must-try recipe for any dessert enthusiast. Easy to make with simple ingredients and a box of cake mix, these layered caramel brownies deliver an explosion of flavor and a truly decadent experience. Whether you call them Pioneer Woman brownies or Illini bars, one thing is certain: they are utterly irresistible. So, preheat your oven and get ready to bake a batch of these unforgettable brownies today!
