If you have a sweet tooth craving something indulgently homemade, this Homemade Twix Bars Recipe is going to be your new favorite treat. These bars perfectly combine buttery shortbread, rich caramel, and smooth chocolate into one delicious bite that feels both nostalgic and surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you’re looking to impress friends or treat yourself, this recipe balances texture and flavor so well that it’s impossible to stop at just one.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Homemade Twix Bars Recipe plays a starring role, creating the perfect harmony of crunchy, chewy, and creamy textures. From the flaky shortbread base to the luscious caramel topping and the shiny chocolate finish, every addition is essential.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy, buttery base for the shortbread layer with just the right crumbly texture.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to the shortbread and helps balance the flavors.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Gives richness and moisture to the shortbread, making it delectably tender.
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk: The secret to creating a creamy, chewy caramel layer without fuss.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: Brings deep molasses flavor to the caramel for warmth and complexity.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter: Added to the caramel for extra smoothness and richness.
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup: Prevents crystallization in the caramel, ensuring a glossy, smooth finish.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the layers with a cozy, sweet aroma.
- 1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips (or dark chocolate, if preferred): Melts beautifully to cover the bars with a silky chocolate layer that snaps delightfully.
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil: Added to the chocolate to give it a glossy shine and perfect spreadability.
How to Make Homemade Twix Bars Recipe
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, making sure there’s some overhang to easily lift the bars later. Then mix the flour, granulated sugar, and softened butter until you have a crumbly dough. Press this evenly into the pan and bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the edges turn a lovely golden color. Once done, let it cool completely so the next layers don’t melt or slide around.
Step 2: Make the Chewy Caramel Layer
While the base cools, combine the sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, butter, and corn syrup in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously for about 8 to 10 minutes so the mixture thickens and turns a rich golden hue. Then stir in the vanilla extract, which adds a lovely depth of flavor to this luscious caramel. Pour the sticky caramel evenly over your cooled shortbread, smoothing it out. Allow it to set for 20 to 30 minutes until firm but still a bit tender under your finger.
Step 3: Melt and Spread the Chocolate Topping
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips with the vegetable oil, which helps keep the chocolate silky and glossy. Heat in 20-second bursts, stirring well between each, until everything is melted and smooth. Pour and carefully spread this luscious melted chocolate over the caramel layer to create a perfect glossy finish. You can let it set at room temperature or pop it in the fridge to firm up quicker.
Step 4: Slice and Enjoy
Once the chocolate topping is fully set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire slab from the pan. Slice into 16 bars with a sharp knife for neat edges. Now comes the best part — biting into your very own homemade version of those classic Twix bars, with fresh, irresistible layers that are so much better than store-bought!
How to Serve Homemade Twix Bars Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Homemade Twix Bars Recipe for guests, try sprinkling a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt over the chocolate layer for a wonderful salty-sweet contrast. You can also add crushed toasted nuts like pecans or almonds for extra crunch and a nutty aroma that pairs beautifully.
Side Dishes
These bars shine as a treat on their own but can be beautifully paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert experience. A cup of rich coffee or creamy hot chocolate makes an excellent companion to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting or dessert tables, stack the bars on a pretty plate and drizzle a little extra melted chocolate or caramel over the top. Wrapping individual bars in wax paper or treating them as part of a homemade dessert platter mixed with other chocolates and cookies makes them feel extra special and fun to share.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Homemade Twix Bars Recipe fresh by storing the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps retain their perfect balance of chewy caramel and sturdy shortbread without the chocolate melting or softening too much.
Freezing
If you want to make these bars ahead for a future craving, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They store wonderfully for up to 2 months, and you can thaw them overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
For that just-baked feel, gently warm the bars in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds, just enough to soften the caramel slightly but not melt the chocolate completely. This little trick makes every bite taste freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate provides a richer, slightly bitter contrast that balances the sweetness of the caramel and shortbread beautifully. Just use the same amount and melt it the same way.
Do I have to use corn syrup in the caramel?
Corn syrup helps prevent crystallization and keeps the caramel smooth and chewy. While you can experiment without it, the texture might be less consistent, so it’s recommended to follow the recipe for the best results.
How long should I bake the shortbread base?
Bake the shortbread for 15 to 18 minutes until it’s lightly golden around the edges. Baking too long can dry it out, while underbaking may make it too soft to hold the caramel layer properly.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binding agent to hold the shortbread base together.
What is the best way to cut the bars cleanly?
Use a sharp knife warmed under hot water and wiped dry before slicing. This helps cut through the chocolate and caramel layers smoothly without dragging or cracking.
Final Thoughts
Making this Homemade Twix Bars Recipe feels like a little celebration of simple ingredients turned into pure magic. Every step brings you closer to a treat that’s perfectly crunchy, chewy, and chocolatey. So why not dive in, get your hands a little sticky, and enjoy these bars fresh from your kitchen? Once you try them, they’re bound to become a cherished favorite for cozy moments and special occasions alike.
Print
Homemade Twix Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 1h 20m
- Cook Time: 10m
- Total Time: 1h 30m
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Homemade Twix Bars featuring a buttery shortbread base, a rich caramel layer, and a smooth chocolate topping, perfect for a decadent sweet treat.
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, leaving extra over the sides to enable easy removal of the bars later.
- Make Shortbread Base: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and softened butter. Mix until a crumbly dough forms. Press this dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 15-18 minutes until the shortbread is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
- Prepare Caramel Layer: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, packed brown sugar, unsalted butter, and light corn syrup. Stir continuously for about 8-10 minutes until the mixture thickens and turns a golden color. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Assemble Caramel Layer: Pour the prepared caramel evenly over the cooled shortbread base. Spread it out smoothly and let it set for 20-30 minutes until firm.
- Melt Chocolate Topping: Place the milk chocolate chips and vegetable oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20-second increments, stirring well between each, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
- Top with Chocolate: Pour the melted chocolate evenly over the set caramel layer. Spread it out and allow it to set at room temperature or refrigerate until firm.
- Slice and Serve: Once the chocolate is fully set, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper. Slice into 16 bars and enjoy your homemade Twix bars!
Notes
- For richer flavor, use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate.
- Ensure the shortbread base is completely cooled before adding the caramel to prevent melting.
- Stir the caramel continuously to avoid burning and achieve a smooth texture.
- Refrigerate the bars if your room temperature is warm to help the chocolate set faster.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerated for up to one week.
