Homemade Twix Bars Recipe
If you’ve ever dreamed of biting into a crisp, buttery shortbread layered with rich, chewy caramel and topped with silky smooth chocolate, these Homemade Twix Bars are about to make all your dessert wishes come true. There’s something absolutely magical about recreating classic candy bars right in your own kitchen — every bite tastes fresher, bolder, and so much more special. This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple while delivering those signature layers and flavors you know and love. Whether you’re baking for a crowd, a family treat, or just to satisfy your own sweet tooth, these bars are a showstopper you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret behind perfect Homemade Twix Bars. Each one is chosen for its unique role in creating that signature look and irresistible flavor. These pantry staples come together in a way that feels almost magical!
- Unsalted Butter: The heart of the shortbread, lending incredible richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the base and keeps the dough soft and tender, unlike regular granulated sugar.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to the shortbread while keeping it delicate and crumbly.
- Salt: Just a pinch sharpens all the other flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Soft Caramels (store-bought or homemade): This is the golden, stretchy middle layer that makes these bars absolutely addictive.
- Heavy Cream: Melts into the caramel, bringing a luscious, silky smoothness that’s simply irresistible.
- Milk Chocolate Chips or Chopped Chocolate: Choose your favorite chocolate for that signature glossy, satisfying top layer.
How to Make Homemade Twix Bars
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×9-inch baking dish and line it neatly with parchment paper, letting a little hang over the edges for easy lifting later. This means your bars will release perfectly and stay looking photo-ready.
Step 2: Make the Shortbread Base
In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is fluffy and light. Add in the flour and salt, mixing until a soft, cohesive dough forms. Gently press this dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Pop it in the oven for 18–20 minutes until the edges just turn a light golden hue. Let it cool completely before you move on — patience here gives you that perfect, crisp foundation.
Step 3: Melt the Caramel Layer
While your shortbread cools, melt the caramels and heavy cream in a small saucepan set over low heat. Stir constantly until the caramels are fully melted and the mixture looks smooth and glossy. Pour the caramel right over your cooled shortbread and spread it evenly with a spatula. Slide the pan into your fridge and let the caramel set for about 30 minutes, until it’s firm but still a little bit chewy.
Step 4: Chocolate Topping
Next, melt the milk chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate) in the microwave using 20-second bursts, stirring between each until completely smooth. Pour that shiny melted chocolate over the chilled caramel, using a spatula to spread it to the edges. Give the pan a gentle shake or tap to smooth the top.
Step 5: Chill and Slice
Refrigerate your Homemade Twix Bars until the chocolate layer is set and firm (usually another 20 minutes or so). When it’s time to serve, lift the bars out by the parchment paper and slice them with a sharp knife. Run your knife under hot water and dry it between each cut for those extra-neat, bakery-style edges. Now you’ve got stunning, irresistible bars ready to impress!
How to Serve Homemade Twix Bars
Garnishes
While these bars are gorgeous on their own, you can dress them up by sprinkling a little flaky sea salt over the melted chocolate before it sets. A light dusting of gold sugar or even chocolate shavings gives your Homemade Twix Bars an eye-catching, festive touch for special occasions.
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with something cool and light, like fresh strawberries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, for a balanced dessert spread. Coffee, tea, or a tall glass of milk is a classic match, highlighting every bite of caramel and chocolate.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your Homemade Twix Bars on a tiered dessert stand, slice them into bite-size squares for party platters, or wrap individual pieces in parchment and tie with twine for irresistible edible gifts. Sharing them as part of a larger candy tray is guaranteed to make you the star of any get-together!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
For best results, keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. This not only helps the layers stay tidy and easy to slice but also maintains the crispness of the shortbread and the chewiness of the caramel for up to a week.
Freezing
You can freeze Homemade Twix Bars for up to two months. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper and seal in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re craving a batch — they’ll taste just as fresh as the day you made them!
Reheating
If you prefer a slightly softer caramel and gooey chocolate, let the bars sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes. You can also zap them in the microwave for just 5 to 10 seconds for that just-made sensation, but be careful not to overheat or the chocolate may sweat.
FAQs
Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?
Absolutely! If you love a deeper, more bittersweet flavor in your Homemade Twix Bars, swap in dark chocolate. You can even do a mix of both for something extra indulgent.
Do I have to use store-bought caramels?
Not at all. If you’d like to make your own caramel from scratch, go for it — just make sure it’s thick and chewy so it forms a lovely, firm layer in your bars. Either option works beautifully.
How do I keep the chocolate layer from cracking when I slice the bars?
Let the bars come to room temperature for a few minutes before cutting and use a sharp knife dipped in hot water (then dried). This helps glide through the chocolate smoothly and creates clean cuts every time.
Can I make Homemade Twix Bars gluten free?
Yes! Substitute your favorite cup-for-cup gluten free flour blend for the all-purpose flour in the shortbread. The results are just as delicious and satisfyingly crisp.
What’s the best way to get even layers?
After spreading each layer, take a minute to gently tap the pan on the counter so everything settles smoothly. Chilling between each step also helps set the layers perfectly before adding the next.
Final Thoughts
There’s a certain joy in biting into these incredible Homemade Twix Bars that you’ll simply have to experience yourself. The recipe is friendly and straightforward, but the result feels like an extraordinary treat — perfect for sharing, gifting, or secretly enjoying all on your own. Give them a try, and get ready for smiles at every single bite!
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Homemade Twix Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the deliciousness of these homemade Twix bars with layers of buttery shortbread, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth!
Ingredients
Shortbread Base:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Caramel Layer:
- 1 1/2 cups soft caramels (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Chocolate Coating:
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Make Shortbread Base: Cream butter and powdered sugar, mix in flour and salt, press into pan, and bake until golden.
- Prepare Caramel: Melt caramels with heavy cream, pour over cooled shortbread, and chill.
- Add Chocolate: Melt chocolate, spread over caramel layer, and refrigerate until set.
- Slice and Serve: Once set, slice into bars and enjoy!
Notes
- For a salted twist, sprinkle flaky sea salt over the caramel layer before adding the chocolate.
- Store bars in the fridge for clean cuts, and let them sit at room temperature a few minutes before serving for best texture.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
