If you’re craving a nostalgic, crave-worthy treat that blows store-bought candy out of the water, Homemade Twix Bars are bound to become your new go-to recipe. Imagine layers of buttery shortbread, luscious homemade caramel, and a glossy chocolate topping—each bite feels like a special occasion. Whether you’re baking for friends or looking for a fun weekend project, these bars transform simple ingredients into pure magic. Once you try them, you’ll never want to settle for prepackaged candies again!

Homemade Twix Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Homemade Twix Bars truly shine because of their humble lineup of ingredients. Each component works together to create the signature taste and layered texture that make these bars so irresistible. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why every ingredient matters.

Unsalted Butter (shortbread & caramel): The buttery backbone for that tender base and rich caramel, giving the bars melt-in-your-mouth magic.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and softens the shortbread for that classic sandy crumb.
All-Purpose Flour: Creates structure in the shortbread so it holds up when sliced.
Salt: Balances sweetness in every layer and heightens all the flavors you love.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: The heart of an ultra-creamy caramel, bringing natural sweetness and silkiness.
Brown Sugar: Boosts the caramel with toasty, deep flavor and a beautiful golden hue.
Corn Syrup: Prevents your caramel from crystallizing, keeping it smooth and chewy.
Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the caramel with that aromatic warmth only vanilla can bring.
Chocolate Chips (milk or semi-sweet): Melt down into the dreamy chocolate shell that completes every one of your Homemade Twix Bars.
Coconut Oil or Vegetable Oil: Ensures the chocolate layer sets with a glossy finish and perfect snap.

How to Make Homemade Twix Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. Those handy tabs will make lifting your Homemade Twix Bars out of the pan super easy—and trust me, you’ll be glad for the easy cleanup too!

Step 2: Make the Shortbread Base

Add the softened butter and powdered sugar to a large mixing bowl and cream them together until light and fluffy—this creates that delicate, tender crumb. Next, mix in the flour and salt just until a soft dough forms. Gently press the dough evenly into your prepared pan with your fingers or the back of a spoon. Bake for 20–22 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden. Let the shortbread cool completely; patience here sets the stage for perfect layering.

Step 3: Cook the Caramel Layer

In a medium saucepan, combine sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, and salt. Warm the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly (don’t walk away!) until it starts bubbling. Once it bubbles, reduce the heat and keep stirring for 6 to 8 minutes—your caramel will thicken, turn golden, and smell absolutely heavenly. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract for that flavor pop. Gently pour the hot caramel over the cooled shortbread, spreading it evenly. Let this layer set for 30–45 minutes; now’s a great time for a sweet-smelling kitchen break.

Step 4: Melt and Spread the Chocolate Layer

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring after each, until the mixture is silky smooth—don’t overheat or the chocolate can seize. Pour the melted chocolate over your set caramel, then tilt and smooth into an even glossy layer. Pop the pan in the fridge for about an hour until the chocolate is fully firm and ready for slicing.

Step 5: Slice and Enjoy!

Once everything is set, use the parchment overhang to lift the slab out of the pan and onto a cutting board. For those perfectly crisp edges, use a sharp knife gently warmed under hot water (and dried, of course) between slices. Cut into bars or squares—whatever size makes you happiest—and get ready to fall in love with every bite of your Homemade Twix Bars!

How to Serve Homemade Twix Bars

Garnishes

These bars are stunning as-is, but a sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the chocolate adds a sophisticated touch. If you’re feeling playful, drizzle a bit of melted white chocolate or scatter festive sprinkles over the top before the chocolate sets. Each garnish adds a twist—think of it as customizing your own candy bar collection!

Side Dishes

Homemade Twix Bars are amazing on their own, but they’re also right at home on a dessert platter next to fresh berries, scoops of vanilla ice cream, or alongside a selection of fruit for a pop of color. They’re also dreamy with a cold glass of milk, a hot coffee, or a decadent mocha—perfect for parties or cozy nights in.

Creative Ways to Present

For fun presentation at parties, place each bar in a colorful mini paper liner. If you’re gifting them, wrap individual bars in wax paper and tie with baker’s twine. You can even crumble them over ice cream, layer into a trifle, or dunk half in dark chocolate for an elegant two-tone effect. The only limit is your imagination—celebrate your Homemade Twix Bars in style!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your bars in an airtight container in the fridge to keep the caramel and chocolate layers firm and fresh. Homemade Twix Bars will stay perfect for up to a week—if they last that long, which in my house would be a miracle!

Freezing

If you’d like to stash some away for a future craving, Homemade Twix Bars freeze beautifully. Just wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then place them all in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months; simply thaw in the fridge or at room temperature for a treat whenever you need one.

Reheating

No reheating required! Just let refrigerated bars sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before serving for the very best texture. The shortbread revives, the caramel gets just chewy enough, and the chocolate doesn’t crack—pure perfection every time.

FAQs

Why is my caramel grainy or hard?

Caramel can get grainy if the sugar crystallizes or is cooked at too high a temperature. Be sure to stir constantly, heat gently, and add the corn syrup to prevent crystallization, ensuring a creamy, chewy layer every time.

Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?

Absolutely! Dark chocolate makes these Homemade Twix Bars even richer and adds a slightly grown-up twist. Use your favorite chocolate chips, and feel free to sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top for extra magic.

How do I keep the shortbread from crumbling?

Make sure not to overbake the shortbread base, and press it firmly into an even layer in the pan. Letting it cool completely before adding caramel keeps it sturdy and easy to slice.

Are these safe for nut allergies?

Homemade Twix Bars as written contain no nuts, but always double-check your chocolate chips and other ingredients for cross-contamination if allergies are a concern, and avoid garnishes like nuts if serving to those with sensitivities.

Can I make these gluten free?

Yes! Swap in your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour in the shortbread. Texture may vary slightly, but you’ll still get all that delicious crunch and chew.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re looking for an unforgettable bake sale centerpiece or simply want to treat yourself (and your loved ones) to something extra, Homemade Twix Bars will always win hearts. There’s nothing quite like sharing a treat you made from scratch, so don’t hesitate—preheat that oven and bring a bit of homemade joy to your kitchen today!

Homemade Twix Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours (including chilling)
Yield: 24 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the decadent delight of homemade Twix bars with a buttery shortbread base, rich caramel layer, and luscious chocolate topping. These bars are a perfect treat for any occasion!

Ingredients

Scale

For the shortbread base:

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
½ cup powdered sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt

For the caramel layer:

1 cup sweetened condensed milk
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup unsalted butter
2 tablespoons corn syrup
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the chocolate layer:

1½ cups milk or semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable oil

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Instructions

To make the shortbread base: Cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add flour and salt, mix until a soft dough forms. Press into a prepared pan. Bake until golden.
To make the caramel: Combine ingredients in a saucepan, cook until thickened. Pour over shortbread.
To make the chocolate layer: Melt chocolate and oil, pour over caramel. Refrigerate until firm.