If you’re looking for a homemade treat that captures the magic of everyone’s favorite cookie-caramel-chocolate combo, Homemade Twix Bites are your new go-to recipe. These delightful little squares are everything you love about the classic candy bar, just shrunk down to a perfectly poppable size. There’s something so satisfying about making these from scratch—each bite starts with tender, buttery shortbread, layered with creamy caramel, and finished off with a smooth chocolate coating. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or hoarding the tray for yourself, Homemade Twix Bites bring bakery-worthy indulgence right to your kitchen table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every great bite starts with great ingredients, and Homemade Twix Bites are proof that simple pantry staples can make magic happen. Each item here plays a crucial role—think melt-in-your-mouth shortbread, luscious caramel, and silky milk chocolate that brings it all together.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of your shortbread, providing structure without heaviness.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Gives the shortbread its irresistible richness and keeps it meltingly tender.
- Granulated sugar: Adds the perfect amount of sweetness and a subtle crispness to the base.
- Salt: Just a pinch brightens all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Soft caramel candies (unwrapped): Short-cut your way to ultra-smooth, chewy caramel in every bite.
- Heavy cream: Ensures your caramel layer stays soft and dreamy rather than sticky or hard.
- Milk chocolate chips: The silky finish that makes you want to reach for “just one more.”
- Coconut oil or vegetable shortening: Keeps the chocolate beautifully glossy and easy to dip.
How to Make Homemade Twix Bites
Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This parchment sling is your best friend later when it’s time to lift out perfectly set bars with zero sticky drama! In a medium bowl, blend flour, softened butter, sugar, and salt. Don’t overmix—just bring it together until a soft dough forms. Press this dough evenly into your pan, nudging it gently into the corners for an even bake. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the edges are a pale golden color. Let the shortbread cool completely in the pan to keep your layers pristine.
Step 2: Add the Caramel Layer
While the shortbread is cooling, it’s caramel time. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt your unwrapped caramel candies together with heavy cream. Use 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until everything is smooth and pourable. Don’t rush this—you want glossy, dreamy caramel, not a scorched disaster. Pour the molten caramel over the cooled shortbread and use a spatula to spread it all the way to the edges in an even layer. Pop the pan in the fridge for half an hour to set the caramel so you’ll get perfect, clean squares in the next step.
Step 3: Slice into Bite-Sized Squares
Once the caramel layer has firmed up, lift the slab out of the pan using those handy parchment edges. Place it on a cutting board, and grab a sharp knife (warm it briefly in hot water for extra clean cuts). Slice your bar into small, bite-sized squares—this recipe makes about 36, but you can adjust depending on your ideal treat-to-mouth ratio!
Step 4: Dip and Set the Chocolate
For the real Homemade Twix Bites experience, you need a glossy chocolate finish. In another microwave-safe bowl, melt the milk chocolate chips with coconut oil in 30-second intervals, stirring really well after each zap. Dip each caramel-topped shortbread square into the melted chocolate, using a fork to gently coat all sides. Place the coated bites onto a fresh parchment-lined tray. Chill them in the refrigerator until the chocolate is fully set and snappy.
How to Serve Homemade Twix Bites
Garnishes
For that extra-special touch, sprinkle your Homemade Twix Bites with a little flaky sea salt while the chocolate is still melty, or add a drizzle of melted white chocolate for some high-contrast flair. Edible gold dust or crushed nuts can also give your bites a festive, party-ready sparkle.
Side Dishes
Pair these rich, sweet bites with something to balance the flavors, like fresh berries for a pop of tartness or a cup of dark roast coffee for a grown-up finish. A scoop of vanilla ice cream transforms them into an irresistible sundae topping.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap a few bites in wax paper bundles for homemade gifts, stack them on a simple dessert platter for an easy yet stunning presentation, or fill mini cupcake liners with bites for a playful, candy-shop look. Set out bowls of Homemade Twix Bites for a movie night and watch them disappear!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Homemade Twix Bites fresh by transferring them to an airtight container lined with parchment between the layers. Refrigerated, they’ll stay delicious for up to a week—just let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying for the best flavor and texture.
Freezing
If you want to make a bigger batch ahead of time, these bites freeze beautifully. Arrange the squares in a single layer on a tray to freeze solid, then stack them with parchment in a sealed freezer bag or container. They’ll keep their best taste and texture for up to three months—just thaw in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
No need to reheat since these are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. However, if you’d like a slightly melty chocolate finish, let the bites rest out of the fridge for 10 minutes or give them a super-quick (5-second!) microwave nudge before serving.
FAQs
Can I make Homemade Twix Bites with dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate brings a deeper, richer flavor and cuts the overall sweetness a bit, which some people find irresistible. You can swap in an equal amount of dark chocolate chips for milk chocolate—just melt the same way, and dip as usual.
What’s the best way to prevent the caramel from sticking when cutting?
To keep your cuts tidy, make sure the caramel is fully chilled and use a sharp knife coated lightly with cooking spray or warmed under hot water. Clean the knife between slices for those picture-perfect squares.
Are there any nut-free options for garnish?
Definitely—skip the nuts and decorate with drizzled chocolate, colorful sprinkles, or little flakes of sea salt. For a seasonal twist, try crushed freeze-dried fruit or edible flower petals.
Can I use homemade caramel instead of store-bought candies?
Yes, if you have a favorite homemade caramel recipe, you can totally use it here. Just make sure it’s the kind that firms up a bit when cooled, so that your bites hold together after slicing and dipping.
How long do Homemade Twix Bites stay fresh?
Stored properly in the refrigerator, they keep their flavor and texture for up to a week. For longer storage, freezing is the way to go. Just be sure to layer with parchment so nothing sticks together.
Final Thoughts
Homemade Twix Bites are one of those recipes that feels like a little bit of kitchen magic—simple ingredients transformed into a treat that’s guaranteed to impress family, friends, and (most importantly) yourself. If you’ve been dreaming of that perfect blend of crumbly shortbread, gooey caramel, and smooth chocolate, it’s time to make a batch yourself. Each bite-sized piece is a hug in candy form, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself returning to the fridge again and again. Happy snacking!
Print
Homemade Twix Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 36 bites 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the irresistible combination of buttery shortbread, gooey caramel, and luscious chocolate with these homemade Twix Bites. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth cravings!
Ingredients
Shortbread:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Caramel Filling:
- 1 cup soft caramel candies, unwrapped
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Chocolate Coating:
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Shortbread: In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, butter, sugar, and salt until a soft dough forms. Press the dough into the prepared pan and bake for 18 to 20 minutes until golden.
- Make the Caramel Filling: Melt the caramel candies with heavy cream in the microwave, then pour over the cooled shortbread crust.
- Chill: Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set. Cut into squares.
- Coat with Chocolate: Melt chocolate chips with coconut oil, dip each square, and refrigerate until set.
Notes
- Store Twix bites in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- For a dark chocolate version, use dark chocolate chips.
- For a salted caramel twist, sprinkle flaky sea salt over the caramel before coating with chocolate.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking, No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 40 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
