If you have a sweet tooth craving that perfect balance of crunchy, gooey, and chocolatey, you are going to adore this Homemade Twix Bars Recipe. These bars capture everything you love about the classic candy but take it up a notch with fresh, homemade goodness. From the buttery shortbread base to the luscious caramel and silky chocolate topping, every bite feels like a nostalgic hug. Plus, making them yourself means you can share this irresistible treat with friends or savor it as a special indulgence anytime you want.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Sometimes the simplest ingredients create the most magical results, and this Homemade Twix Bars Recipe is no exception. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture that meld beautifully together.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the shortbread, lending structure and that classic crumbly texture.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right hint of sweetness to the shortbread base.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Brings richness and helps create a tender shortbread crust.
- Sweetened condensed milk: The secret to creamy, chewy caramel that’s perfectly smooth.
- Brown sugar: Deepens the caramel flavor with its molasses notes and adds moisture.
- Unsalted butter (for caramel): Enriches the caramel, balancing sweetness with velvety fat.
- Light corn syrup: Keeps the caramel smooth and prevents crystallization.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the sweet layers, making flavors pop.
- Milk chocolate chips (or dark chocolate): The final luscious coat that hardens into a glossy, decadent top.
- Vegetable oil: Added to the chocolate for a smooth melt and shiny finish.
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. This will help you lift out the entire treat later without a mess. Next, mix the flour, granulated sugar, and softened butter in a bowl until you get a crumbly dough. Press this mixture evenly into your pan and bake for about 15 to 18 minutes. You’re looking for a light golden color that signals the perfect shortbread texture—crispy, buttery, and just the right amount of crumbly. Let it cool completely before moving on to the caramel layer.
Step 2: Make the Caramel Layer
This caramel is where things get seriously delicious. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sweetened condensed milk, packed brown sugar, butter, and corn syrup. Stir constantly for 8 to 10 minutes to avoid burning—watch as the mixture thickens and turns a gorgeous golden caramel color. Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract to deepen that sweet, buttery flavor. Pour this luscious caramel over your cooled shortbread base and spread evenly. Let it set for 20 to 30 minutes until it firms up nicely but keeps that chewy quality.
Step 3: Add the Chocolate Topping
Now for the crowning glory: chocolate! Place your chocolate chips and vegetable oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second bursts, stirring in between, until the chocolate is fully melted and silky smooth. Pour this over the set caramel layer and gently spread it into an even coat. From here, you can either let it set at room temperature or pop it into the fridge for faster firming. This hard chocolate top adds the perfect snap to each bite.
Step 4: Slice and Enjoy
Once your chocolate layer is solid, use the parchment paper edges to lift the entire block out of the pan. Slice into bars to reveal each delicious layer—shortbread, caramel, and chocolate. Now, go ahead and indulge in one of the best Homemade Twix Bars Recipe creations you’ll ever make at home!
How to Serve Homemade Twix Bars Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to add a personal touch, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the chocolate right before it sets for a sweet-salty contrast that’s addictive. Chopped nuts like toasted almonds or pecans sprinkled on the caramel layer before adding the chocolate can add a delightful crunch and nuttiness that elevate the experience even more.
Side Dishes
Homemade Twix bars pair wonderfully with simple treats like a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous dollop of whipped cream. If you’re serving them as part of a dessert platter, fresh berries add a refreshing zing to balance the richness. Coffee or a bold black tea also complements the sweetness, creating a perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, arrange the bars on a rustic wooden board alongside small bowls of nuts and sea salt. You can also wrap individual bars in wax paper tied with a ribbon for gifts or party favors. Another idea is to layer chopped bars in parfait glasses with whipped cream and fruit for an easy-to-make dessert that wows.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once made, these bars keep wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is warm, storing them in the fridge can prevent the caramel from becoming too sticky and the chocolate from melting.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy your Homemade Twix Bars Recipe later, they freeze exceptionally well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll maintain their flavor and texture for up to 2 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, simply thaw at room temperature.
Reheating
There’s generally no need to reheat these bars since they are delicious cold or at room temperature. However, if you prefer a softer bite, you can warm them slightly in the microwave for 8 to 10 seconds. Just be careful not to melt the chocolate too much.
FAQs
Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate works beautifully in this Homemade Twix Bars Recipe if you want a richer, less sweet topping. Just choose your favorite dark chocolate chips or chunks and melt them the same way.
Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?
You can swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that works well for baking. Make sure the blend includes xanthan gum for the best texture in the shortbread base.
How long do these Twix bars last?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these bars stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days at room temperature. Refrigerating can extend their shelf life slightly.
Can I make the bars ahead for a party?
Definitely! This Homemade Twix Bars Recipe is perfect for making a day or two ahead. Just keep them covered and refrigerated if not serving immediately.
What if my caramel doesn’t thicken?
If your caramel seems too runny, continue cooking it for a few more minutes while stirring constantly. The mixture should thicken as it cooks and cools. Using the exact ingredients and measurements helps achieve the perfect consistency.
Final Thoughts
Making Homemade Twix Bars Recipe is such a rewarding experience, combining simple ingredients into an extraordinary treat that feels both luxurious and comforting. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, these bars bring joy to every bite. I can’t wait for you to create your own batch and fall in love with this sweet little homemade treasure!
Print
Homemade Twix Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This recipe for Homemade Twix Bars offers a deliciously rich and satisfying treat featuring a buttery shortbread base topped with a luscious caramel layer and a smooth chocolate coating. Perfect for indulging in a classic candy bar experience made from scratch, these bars are great for sharing and gifting.
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 Base: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing the edges to extend beyond the sides for easy removal later. In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and softened unsalted butter, mixing until a crumbly dough forms. Press this dough evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake the Shortbread: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes until the shortbread is lightly golden on top. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan.
- Make the Caramel Layer: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine sweetened condensed milk, packed brown sugar, unsalted butter, and light corn syrup. Stir continuously for 8-10 minutes until the mixture thickens and turns a golden caramel color. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add the Caramel Layer: Pour the warm caramel evenly over the cooled shortbread base. Use a spatula to spread it out uniformly. Let the caramel layer set for 20-30 minutes at room temperature until firm.
- Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and vegetable oil. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring thoroughly between each until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
- Add the Chocolate Layer: Pour the melted chocolate over the set caramel layer and spread it evenly. Allow the chocolate to set at room temperature or place the pan in the refrigerator until the chocolate is firm.
- Slice and Serve: Once the chocolate topping is fully set, lift the bars out of the pan by holding the parchment paper edges. Slice into 16 bars and enjoy your homemade Twix bars!
Notes
- You can substitute dark chocolate for a less sweet, richer flavor.
- Ensure the shortbread is completely cooled before adding caramel to prevent melting and mixing layers.
- Storing the bars in the refrigerator will keep them firmer and help the chocolate set faster.
- Use parchment paper with overhang for easy removal of the bars from the pan.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
