Homemade Twix Bar Recipe

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Craving a candy bar that hits the perfect trifecta of buttery shortbread, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate? These Homemade Twix Bars are just the thing. Each bite delivers that familiar crisp-meets-chewy texture and indulgent flavor, all without a single wrapper. Made from scratch with love (and pantry staples), these bars are a dream come true for anyone who loves the original—but wants to control the quality of ingredients.

These bars make for an irresistible dessert or edible gift. Whether you’re prepping for a holiday cookie swap or just need a decadent snack to stash in the fridge, these Twix-inspired treats will win hearts fast. They look stunning, slice cleanly, and taste even better chilled. Bonus: they’re no-bake once your shortbread layer is done, which makes the process pretty beginner-friendly too.

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What Kind of Caramel Should I Use?

For the richest, smoothest caramel layer, soft caramel candies melted with heavy cream work beautifully. You can also use homemade caramel sauce if you want complete control over the ingredients. The key is a spreadable consistency that firms up slightly when chilled but stays chewy—not hard.

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Ingredients for the Homemade Twix Bar Recipe

Shortbread Base
This is the crisp, buttery foundation. You’ll need all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, butter, and a pinch of salt. Together, they create a delicate and crumbly base that perfectly contrasts the caramel.

Caramel Layer
Soft caramel candies and heavy cream melt together into that classic gooey center. It’s sweet, chewy, and essential to mimicking the iconic Twix texture.

Chocolate Coating
Use high-quality semi-sweet or milk chocolate for a silky, snappy top layer. Melting wafers or chocolate chips both work here—just be sure to temper or chill properly to avoid bloom.

Optional Vanilla Extract
A splash in the shortbread or caramel gives it that extra bakery-made flavor. It rounds out the sweetness and brings balance.

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How To Make the Homemade Twix Bar Recipe

Step 1: Make the Buttery Shortbread Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. In a medium bowl, cream together softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. Mix in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, then gradually add flour until a soft dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 20–22 minutes, or until just lightly golden around the edges. Let it cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Caramel Layer

In a saucepan over low heat, combine soft caramel candies with a splash of heavy cream. Stir constantly until the mixture is smooth and fully melted. Pour the caramel over the cooled shortbread layer and spread evenly with a spatula. Place the pan in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to set the caramel.

Step 3: Add the Chocolate Coating

Once the caramel is firm, melt your chocolate of choice (semi-sweet or milk chocolate) in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. When smooth, pour over the chilled caramel layer and gently tilt the pan to spread it evenly. Tap the pan on the counter to smooth out air bubbles.

Step 4: Chill and Slice

Refrigerate the pan for another 30–60 minutes until the chocolate is set. Once firm, use the parchment overhang to lift the slab from the pan. Slice into bars using a sharp knife warmed under hot water (then dried) to get clean cuts. Store bars in the fridge until ready to serve.

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How to Serve and Store Homemade Twix Bars

These bars are best served chilled or at room temperature for the perfect snap-meets-chew bite. For a more traditional candy bar experience, slice them into finger-length sticks. If you’re aiming for a more decadent dessert presentation, try cutting them into squares and serving with a drizzle of extra melted chocolate or a pinch of sea salt on top.

To store, place them in an airtight container with parchment between layers to prevent sticking. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let frozen bars thaw in the fridge overnight before serving for best texture.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the caramel from sliding off the shortbread?

Make sure the shortbread is fully cooled before pouring on the caramel. Also, let the caramel set in the fridge long enough to firm up before adding the chocolate layer.

Can I use homemade caramel instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Homemade caramel sauce made from sugar, butter, and cream works wonderfully here. Just be sure it thickens enough to hold its shape once chilled.

Do I need to temper the chocolate?

Tempering gives the chocolate a beautiful glossy finish and crisp snap, but it’s not strictly necessary. If you’re short on time, chilling the bars after melting the chocolate works just fine.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour in the shortbread with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Make sure all other ingredients (especially caramels) are labeled gluten-free.

Why is my shortbread crumbly?

That’s normal—it’s supposed to have a tender, crumbly texture. Just press it firmly into the pan before baking, and it will hold together well once layered and chilled.

What kind of chocolate works best?

High-quality melting wafers or baking bars will give the best texture and flavor. Avoid low-quality chocolate chips, which may seize or not melt smoothly.

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Want More Bar Dessert Ideas?

If you’re loving the sweet layers and rich textures of these Homemade Twix Bars, here are more bar recipes you’ll want to try next:

• Caramel Cheesecake Cookies bring together caramel drizzle and creamy cheesecake in cookie form.
• Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Cups offer a tart and tangy twist with creamy layers.
• Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats for a buttery, chewy bite with bold caramel notes.
• Condensed Milk Snow Cookies are melt-in-your-mouth dreamy.
• Old Fashioned Egg Custard Pie is a creamy, nostalgic classic to add to your dessert table.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time: Follow me on Pinterest @hallarecipes.

I’d love to see how your Homemade Twix Bars turn out! Did you go with dark chocolate? Add a sprinkle of sea salt? Drop your variations and baking tips in the comments below so we can all learn (and drool) together.

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