If you have a soft spot for that perfect blend of crunchy, chewy, and chocolatey, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Homemade Twix Bars Recipe. These bars are a delightful twist on the classic candy bar we all love, made right in your kitchen with simple ingredients and so much love. The buttery shortbread base, luscious homemade caramel, and a rich chocolate topping come together for a treat that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Trust me, once you try this recipe, those store-bought versions will feel like a distant memory.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may look straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in creating those layers of texture and flavor that make this Homemade Twix Bars Recipe so irresistible. From the crisp shortbread to the creamy caramel and silky chocolate, every component is essential to the final magic.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure for the buttery shortbread crust.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds just a touch of sweetness to balance the crust’s richness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Essential for that tender, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread texture.
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk: The secret ingredient for smooth, creamy caramel with a luscious consistency.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: Brings deep, molasses-like notes to the caramel layer.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter: Adds richness to the caramel, making it wonderfully smooth.
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup: Keeps the caramel soft and prevents crystallization.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the caramel’s flavor with warm, fragrant notes.
- 1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips (or dark chocolate, if preferred): Melts beautifully for a glossy, decadent topping.
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil: Keeps the melted chocolate smooth and shiny, perfect for dripping and spreading.
How to Make Homemade Twix Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Base
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhang for easy removal later. Mixing the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and softened butter together creates a crumbly dough that you’ll press firmly into your pan. This base will bake for 15-18 minutes until it transforms into a lightly golden, crisp canvas that anchors the entire bar. Letting it cool completely ensures your caramel layer won’t melt on contact.
Step 2: Make the Caramel Layer
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine that sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, unsalted butter, and light corn syrup. Stir constantly for about 8-10 minutes as this mixture thickens and turns a gorgeous golden caramel. This stirring step is crucial to prevent burning and to develop that smooth, rich texture that’s the heart of your Homemade Twix Bars Recipe. Once thickened, you’ll stir in vanilla extract to add depth and warmth to the flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the Caramel Layer
Pour your luscious caramel over the cooled shortbread base and spread it evenly with a spatula. This layer needs to set for about 20-30 minutes until it firms up nicely but still retains that delightful chewiness we’re after. This is the moment where patience pays off; waiting ensures each bar has that perfect bite.
Step 4: Melt and Spread the Chocolate
Next, melt the chocolate chips with the vegetable oil in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring after each to keep it silky smooth. The oil does wonders by preventing your chocolate from seizing and gives a shiny finish that looks as good as it tastes. Pour and spread this glossy chocolate over the set caramel layer for that irresistible final touch.
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Allow your bars to set fully at room temperature or pop them into the fridge for quicker firming. Using the parchment paper overhang, carefully lift the entire slab from the pan and transfer it to a cutting board. Slice into 16 perfect bars and prepare yourself for a moment of pure indulgence.
How to Serve Homemade Twix Bars Recipe
Garnishes
While these bars are delicious on their own, adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the chocolate layer just before it sets adds a fantastic flavor contrast and a bit of sparkle. A light dusting of cocoa powder or crushed pretzels can also introduce subtle texture and flavor notes that elevate the experience.
Side Dishes
Homemade Twix Bars Recipe pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or alongside a fresh cup of coffee for a decadent afternoon pick-me-up. They also complement fresh fruit like raspberries or sliced bananas, which balance out the richness and make for a well-rounded dessert plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, cut the bars smaller and arrange them on a tiered dessert tray with colorful cupcake liners. Wrap individual bars in parchment and tie with twine for a charming homemade gift. You can even place a few bars alongside brownies or cookies for an irresistible treat platter that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Homemade Twix Bars Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This allows the chocolate to remain firm but easily sliceable, and the caramel stays delightfully chewy without drying out.
Freezing
Wrap bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container to freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Although these bars are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, you can soften them slightly by warming briefly in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This will make the caramel gooey again but be careful not to melt the chocolate completely.
FAQs
Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate adds a richer, slightly bittersweet touch that pairs excellently with the sweet caramel and buttery shortbread. Feel free to choose whichever chocolate suits your preference best in this Homemade Twix Bars Recipe.
Is there a way to make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for structure, or add it separately. This swap still yields a delightful shortbread base without compromising texture.
How do I prevent the caramel from burning?
Stirring constantly while cooking the caramel and keeping the heat at medium or slightly below is key. Watch it closely as the sugars thicken, and avoid rushing the process to achieve that perfect golden color without burning.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
You can, but reduce or omit any additional salt like a sprinkle of sea salt on top to avoid an overly salty result. Unsalted butter lets you control the salt balance precisely in this recipe.
How long does it take for the bars to fully set?
Typically, setting at room temperature takes about 1 to 2 hours, but refrigerating speeds it up to around 30 minutes. Make sure the chocolate is firm before slicing for clean edges and optimal texture.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Twix Bars Recipe is one of those wonderfully rewarding desserts that brings a bit of bakery magic straight into your kitchen. From the first crisp bite to the last melting moment of caramel and chocolate, these bars are bound to become a favorite for sharing and indulging alike. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and dive into making these treats—you won’t regret it!
Print
Homemade Twix Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Homemade Twix Bars feature a buttery shortbread base topped with a luscious homemade caramel and a smooth chocolate layer, creating the perfect sweet and crunchy treat reminiscent of the classic candy bar. Made with simple ingredients and easy steps, this recipe yields 16 delicious bars that are perfect for snacks or dessert.
Ingredients
Shortbread Base
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
Caramel Layer
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Topping
- 1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips (or dark chocolate, if preferred)
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring there is extra hanging on the sides for easy removal later.
- Make Shortbread Base: In a bowl, mix together the flour, granulated sugar, and softened butter until you get a crumbly dough. Press this mixture evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 15-18 minutes until lightly golden. Allow it to cool completely before proceeding.
- Cook Caramel: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, butter, and corn syrup. Stir continuously for 8-10 minutes until the mixture thickens and turns a golden color. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Spread Caramel Layer: Pour the warm caramel over the cooled shortbread base and spread it out evenly. Let the caramel set for 20-30 minutes until firm.
- Melt Chocolate: Place the chocolate chips and vegetable oil into a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20-second increments, stirring after each until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
- Apply Chocolate Topping: Pour the melted chocolate over the set caramel layer and spread evenly. Allow the bars to set at room temperature or place in the refrigerator until the chocolate firms up.
- Slice and Serve: Once the chocolate is firm, lift the entire slab out of the pan using the parchment paper edges. Slice into 16 bars and enjoy your homemade Twix treats!
Notes
- For a richer chocolate flavor, substitute milk chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips.
- Ensure the shortbread base is completely cool before adding caramel to prevent melting or mixing.
- Use light corn syrup to achieve a smooth and creamy caramel texture.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For easier slicing, chill the bars thoroughly before cutting.
