If you have a sweet tooth and a love for that classic crunch-caramel-chocolate combo, this Homemade Twix Bars Recipe is going to become your new obsession. Imagine layers of buttery shortbread, luscious caramel, and silky melted chocolate coming together in perfect harmony right from your own kitchen. These bars capture the magic of the store-bought treat but with the warm, fresh flavor that only homemade can deliver. Get ready for a seriously delightful baking adventure that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but essential to create the rich textures and irresistible flavors in your homemade Twix bars. Each one plays a special role, from the buttery crunch of the shortbread to the velvety smooth caramel and that luscious chocolate finish.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect base for a tender and crumbly shortbread crust.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the shortbread slightly, balancing the buttery flavors.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: The key to that melt-in-your-mouth richness in the crust.
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk: Gives the caramel its creamy, dreamy texture.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: Adds deep, toffee-like notes to the caramel layer.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter: Enhances the buttery goodness in the caramel.
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup: Keeps the caramel smooth and chewy without crystallizing.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and complexity to the caramel flavor.
- 1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips (or dark chocolate): Top the bars with a rich, glossy chocolate layer.
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil: Helps melt the chocolate smoothly for an even finish.
How to Make Homemade Twix Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhang for easy lifting later. Next, mix the flour, granulated sugar, and softened butter together until a crumbly dough forms. Press this mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the edges turn a lovely light golden color. This buttery shortbread is the foundation for your Twix bars, so let it cool completely before moving on.
Step 2: Make the Caramel Layer
While the shortbread chills, it’s caramel time! In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sweetened condensed milk, packed brown sugar, butter, and light corn syrup. Stir constantly for about 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll notice the mixture thickening and turning a beautiful golden shade, signaling that rich caramel magic is underway. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract to round out the flavor.
Step 3: Add the Caramel Layer to the Shortbread
Pour the warm, luscious caramel evenly over the cooled shortbread base, spreading it out gently with a spatula. Let it rest for 20 to 30 minutes until it firms up nicely—this will set the stage for that perfect chew in every bite.
Step 4: Melt and Spread the Chocolate
Grab your chocolate chips and vegetable oil, combining them in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second bursts, stirring between each, until the chocolate is silky smooth and glossy. Pour this beautiful melted chocolate over your caramel layer, spreading it carefully to cover every inch. Now, let these layers set completely, either at room temperature or in the fridge, until the chocolate is firm and ready to be sliced.
Step 5: Slice and Enjoy Your Homemade Twix Bars
Once fully set, gently lift the bars out of the pan by the parchment paper edges. Slice into 16 generous bars and prepare to delight in this incredible homemade treat that tastes like candy store perfection with a homemade heart.
How to Serve Homemade Twix Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the chocolate layer for a sophisticated sweet-salty contrast that makes the flavors pop. Alternatively, a drizzle of melted white chocolate or almond slivers adds a lovely textural flourish and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
These Twix bars are indulgent on their own, but they pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a simple cup of rich, dark coffee. For a festive touch, serve alongside fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream to balance their sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the bars into bite-sized squares and serve them on a beautiful platter for parties or gatherings. You can also individually wrap them in parchment or decorative parchment bags to gift to friends and family—nothing says love like homemade Twix bars! For an extra fancy touch, place them in decorative boxes with colorful ribbons.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If there are any leftovers (and we can barely imagine there will be), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the shortbread crisp and the caramel chewy, with no loss of flavor.
Freezing
To keep these bars fresh longer, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay delicious for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the bars in the refrigerator so they stay firm and slice nicely.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat these bars since they are meant to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. However, if you want to soften the chocolate slightly, let them sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate adds a slightly bitter contrast that balances the sweetness of the caramel and shortbread beautifully. Feel free to use your favorite chocolate variety in this Homemade Twix Bars Recipe.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
This recipe relies on butter, condensed milk, and chocolate chips which are typically dairy-based. To make it vegan, substitute with vegan butter, sweetened condensed coconut milk, and dairy-free chocolate chips. Keep in mind the flavor and texture may shift slightly.
How do I know when the caramel is done?
The caramel is ready when it thickens and takes on a deep golden color, usually after 8 to 10 minutes of constant stirring. It should coat the back of a spoon smoothly without being grainy.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Definitely! Just use a larger pan and adjust the baking and setting times slightly. Keep an eye on the shortbread as it bakes to avoid over-browning.
What’s the best way to cut the bars cleanly?
Use a sharp knife warmed under hot water and wiped dry to slice through the chocolate and caramel layers smoothly. This prevents cracking and crumbling, giving you perfect, neat bars every time.
Final Thoughts
Making this Homemade Twix Bars Recipe is not just about baking a sweet treat; it’s about creating moments of joy and sharing something truly special with those you love. Once you taste that rich shortbread, gooey caramel, and silky chocolate harmony, you’ll see why this recipe is such a standout. So grab your ingredients, tie on your apron, and get ready to create homemade magic with every delicious bite!
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Homemade Twix Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
Description
Homemade Twix Bars combine a buttery shortbread base, a rich and creamy caramel layer, and a smooth milk chocolate topping to recreate the classic candy bar at home. This recipe is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with layers of texture and flavor, made entirely from scratch.
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
- Prepare the Shortbread: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing extra overhang on the sides to lift the bars out easily later.
- Make the Shortbread Base: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and softened unsalted butter. Mix until a crumbly dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan, then bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
- Prepare the Caramel Layer: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, unsalted butter, and light corn syrup. Stir continuously for about 8 to 10 minutes until the mixture thickens and turns golden. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add Caramel Layer: Pour the prepared caramel evenly over the cooled shortbread base. Spread it out smoothly with a spatula. Allow it to set for 20 to 30 minutes until it firms up.
- Melt the Chocolate: Place the milk chocolate chips and vegetable oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20-second increments, stirring thoroughly between each, until completely melted, smooth, and glossy.
- Add Chocolate Layer: Pour the melted chocolate over the set caramel layer and spread evenly. Let the bars set at room temperature or refrigerate them until the chocolate is firm.
- Slice and Serve: Once fully set, use the parchment paper to lift the entire block from the pan. Slice into 16 bars and enjoy your homemade Twix bars!
Notes
- Use parchment paper with overhang for easy removal of bars.
- Stir the caramel constantly to prevent scorching and ensure even thickening.
- Adjust the chocolate type to dark chocolate for a less sweet, richer flavor.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Microwave chocolate in short increments to avoid burning.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
