Lately, my motto has been “the simpler, the better.”
Life has been far too busy to allow me time to idle in the kitchen and take my time with French dishes like coq au vin and beef bourguignon.
It’s been more like, “Hmmm, I wonder if there’s any chili left in the freezer?” (her) or “I’ll just got to McDonald’s” (um, him).
And dessert? Well, instant gratification is the name of the game in this house.
Like, “For a snack I’ll take down two sleeves of Thin Mints and then finish the bag of pistachios I opened this afternoon.” (him) or “Just one small scoop of that ice cream that I bought for Lloyd but secretly bought for myself, oh wait, make that two small scoops” (um, her).
So it should come as no surprise that I’m going Sandra Lee on you. First it was the slutty brownies- the easiest indulgence ever. Then it was the s’mores bars, which are close behind in the simplicity category. And here I’ve got yet another “quick and dirty” treat.The only nuisance with this recipe is unwrapping the caramels, but if you play the “one for you, one for me game,” it’s not really a chore.
Knock You Naked Brownies
Adapted from The Pioneer Woman
Yields 9-12 generous brownies
Ingredients
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1 box fudgy cake mix
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1 C finely chopped pecans
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1/3 C evaporated milk PLUS an additional 1/2 C evaporated milk
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1/2 C butter, melted
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1 bag whole caramels, unwrapped (about 60 total)
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2/3 C milk chocolate chips
Directions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
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In a large bowl, mix together cake mix, pecans, 1/3 C evaporated milk, and butter. Stir together until totally combined. Mixture will be thick.
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Press half the mixture into a greased 9 x 9 inch square baking pan. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Remove pan from oven and set aside.
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In a double boiler, melt caramels with additional 1/2 C evaporated milk. Stir until smooth. Pour over brownie base. Sprinkle chocolate chips as evenly as you can over the caramel.
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Take remaining dough and use your hands to press it into a large square about the size of the pan. (It’s ok if it’s smaller, or it’s not a perfect square). Set it on top of the caramel and chocolate chip layer.
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Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Allow to cool to room temperature.
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Cover and refrigerate for several hours, preferably overnight. Cut into either nine or twelve helpings, and carefully remove from the pan.
These are similar to a recipe my mom made growing up, more commonly known as turtle brownies. It may even be exact. All I know is that this name is much more fun! These decadent brownies are rich, fudgy, and oozing with buttery caramel. If you a caramel lover, you won’t be able to resist these treats!
Sometimes the simplest things are the best. These brownies look perfect!
Brownies don’t last very long when they are around me.
Annnd I have no clothes on now.
Get it? They knocked me naked? Never mind.
Could you make these with the Jiffy Cake mix size boxes? I’m cooking for only two and as much as we would both LOVE to eat a whole pan of these, we don’t need the calories. Plus, I don’t have to go to the store if you have a ‘reduced’ recipe (hint hint).
Thanks!
Why does one small scoop of ice cream always turn into a tray of brownies for me?
I love your little tray – what a great way to present these incredible looking brownies.
Hey sometimes quick and dirty is the best treat
Love caramel in brownies.
Ooh yum!! These sound and look absolutely deliciously sinful! I love caramel!! Btw I love your tiered stand!!
why does it say add remaining dough on top? did you mean mixture??
I’ve been wanting to make these! Yours look delicious!
We made these as a kid too! Love them! All that caramel oozing out has me drooling!
I’ve heard about these, and your photos really make me want to try them. All that caramel in the brownies must taste amazing!
Those are gorgeous! I love recipes that start with a box.. haha
I’m totally game for a shortcut when it comes to brownies…especially if it gives me time to include that oozy caramel!
The hardest part of this recipe for me would be actually getting the caramels into the brownies instead of straight into my mouth!
@Deborah, Agree!
@Jennifer Mercedes, Remaining dough/mixture, yes!
@Sydney @ The Crepes of Wrath, Thanks, it was a shower gift!
@gmorgan, I actually haven’t tried so I’m not sure! You could try to scale everything down…i.e., half the caramels… again, I have no idea but it’s worth a shot. I’m sure it would be delicious!
@The Mrs @ Success Along the Weigh,
@Belinda @zomppa, DITTO!
Hehee! Now I get the title after seeing your quick and dirty secret in there. LOVE it!
These are one of my favorite brownies EVER! But they’ve never looked as gorgeous as yours!!!
OMG, these look amazing. Love the caramel in the middle–these are definitely a dangerous treat to have around!
The oozing caramel is really tempting. I wouldn’t know whether to lick or bite.
All of these seductive desserts. Is someone getting ready for their honeymoon?!
Love ya! Xo
These look absolutely OUT OF THIS WORLD!!! So delicious-looking! And knowing the recipe comes from the Pioneer Woman means they must taste absolutely incredible, too!
I loooooove Turtle Brownies, but I like your name even better!
At least you have been super busy and have a lot on your plate to explain your cooking rut, I’m just being lazy.
These brownies look great.
Holy COW look at that caramel layer. I am utterly helplessly lusting after one of these
These look so amazing. It is great when you get simple and decadent.
Yum! I’ve been wanting to PW’s recipe for a while, and you have rekindled my desire for these bad boys. Can’t wait to try!!
Oh I would so get naked for these brownies!! They look awesome!
These sound amazing! And I’m with you, lately we’ve been so busy the easier the meal, the better!
Yes, the simpler the better! There’s just not enough time in the day to work from 8-6 and then come home and make all these crazy desserts, unless you’re Superman. Although I don’t think Superman even bakes
Holy yum. These look incredible, Liz! There are all these new, naughty brownies I have to try! Better add this one to the list.
Brownies and caramel? Does it get any better?!
I am kind of in love with that oozing caramel!
I now know what has been missing in my life.
looks fantastic. I’ve been wanting to try this recipe!
These look so googy and delicious. I love your display piece, too, that would be so nice to have.
Ooh. Anything that calls for a bag of caramels has my name written all over it. Great recipe Liz!
Wow these brownies look amazing! I love recipes that are simple. Def have to try!
I am all for “the simpler, the better” — these look amazing!!!
I work for Bass Pecan Company and every year they have a recipe contest where you can win $1000. You should check it out!! If you like baking with pecans this is perfect for you! Bass Recipe Blog