The world has its fair share of cookie-baking grandmas, but mine shared her indulgent knock you naked brownies with us. Read on to make this delicious treat for your own family!
Jump to RecipeKnock You Naked Brownie Perfection
What makes Knock You Naked Brownies so special? Long before the Pioneer Woman Ree Drummond introduced these delicacies to the world, my Ohio-born grandmother was sharing the sweet and salty combination of chocolate and caramel with her grandchildren.
The name alone makes quite the lasting impression. Generally, “knock you naked” is not a phrase you associate with grandmothers, especially mine. She was a genteel woman, known for her vast collection of china teacups and coordinating shoes and handbags.
But she also had a sharp wit and sense of humor and appreciated the deliciousness in life. She could have simply brought us “caramel brownies,” which I would have almost definitely forgotten about. Grandmama was much more known for making peach cobbler and pansy salads. But “knock you naked brownies” has made a lasting impression.
After her death, I discovered she had written a Christian diet book in 1984. Not surprisingly, this knock you naked brownie recipe did not make the cut. But in fairness, several of those earlier recipes, like sugar-free jello mousse probably wouldn’t be a big hit today.
And these knock you naked brownies are still going strong.
What Are Knock You Naked Brownies?
Quite simply, they’re caramel ribbon brownies combining the perfect infusion of chocolate and caramel. Who doesn’t love brownies with caramel in the middle? They’re far superior to brownies with caramel chips– you’ve got to use real caramel for the gooey chocolate caramel brownie perfection.
I’m pretty sure Grandmama used a bag of candy caramels, and painstakingly removed each plastic wrapper. You can definitely do that, but I found these caramels that give you the same consistency without all the work. Also, most brownie recipes using a mix will call for “brownie mix.” This one, in contrast, uses a box of cake mix for a fluffier, moister dessert. Any chocolate cake mix will work, but favorites include German chocolate cake mix or devil’s food cake mix.
But you all didn’t come here to read about my grandmother and my whole life story– you just wanted this delicious recipe. Here it is:

Grandmama’s Knock You Naked Brownies
Equipment
- 1 baking pan 9" by 13"
Ingredients
Brownie Base
- 1 bag chocolate cake mix Use German chocolate or devil's food mix
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup butter melted
Caramel Filling
- 1 bag caramels about 11 oz. You can use the prewrapped caramels (about 60) or caramel bits.
- 1/3 cup evaporated milk
Topping
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°.
- Combine cake mix, melted butter, and ½ cup condensed milk into a pre-greased baking pan.1 bag chocolate cake mix, 1/2 cup evaporated milk, 1/2 cup butter
- Bake half of the batter at 350° for 8 minutes.
- While the mix is baking, melt the caramels and ⅓ cup condensed milk in either the microwave or a double boiler.1 bag caramels, 1/3 cup evaporated milk
- Once you've removed the cake mix from the oven, pour the caramel mixture over the top of the mix. Add the rest of your baking mix and chocolate chips.
- Bake brownies for about 18 minutes.
- Let your brownies set and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Other Favorite Brownie and Dessert Ideas

Do these knock you naked brownies seem a little bit over the top for your dessert plans tonight? Try these delicious desserts instead!
- The Best Brownie Recipes – Whether you’re in the mood for butterscotch blondies, matcha, or raspberry cheesecake, this article is chock-full of tips and brownie inspiration
- Fudgy Oatmeal Brownies- If you want something a little lighter, try this recipe instead!
- The Fudge Pie- If you’d rather have some decadent dessert that you don’t have to bake yourself, order a Fudge Pie!
- Ghiradelli Boxed Brownies– I generally have the Costco-sized box in my pantry, because they’re so delicious and so easy to make. You can even amp up the flavor by adding extra chocolate chips.
- Halloween Candy Brookies– Another way to amp up the typical chocolate treat. They’re not quite brownies, not quite cookies, but absolutely delicious.
- Black Bean Brownies– If you’re looking for a fiber-rich brownie, mix one bag boxed brownie mix with a can of black beans. Your kids will love them if you don’t eat them next to “normal” brownies since they can have a slight aftertaste.
Enjoy the Best Brownies Ever!
Whether you want to go for the full knock-you-naked brownie experience, or go the easier route by adding an egg, water, and oil to the Ghiradelli brownie box mix, be sure to enjoy this delicious dessert.
What are your favorite brownie recipes? Share with your friends and family on FamilyApp, or let us know on social #getfamilyapp!