There’s something irresistible about homemade Twix Bars—layers of buttery shortbread, gooey caramel, and smooth chocolate come together in every bite. The crisp, crumbly base contrasts perfectly with the chewy caramel center, while the rich chocolate coating adds a decadent finish. In just under two hours, you can create these indulgent treats that rival any store-bought version.
Each bar is a symphony of textures and flavors, offering a satisfying crunch, a melt-in-your-mouth caramel layer, and a velvety chocolate shell. Packed with creamy, sweet, and nutty notes, these bars are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or impressing guests. Plus, making them at home means you can enjoy the freshest, most flavorful Twix Bars imaginable.
Ingredients for Twix Bars
- Shortbread Base:
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 ¼ cups flour
- ⅔ cup butter, softened (unsalted recommended for better control of flavor)
- Caramel Layer:
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 Tablespoons corn syrup (light or dark, depending on preference)
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
- Chocolate Layer:
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips (or dark chocolate for a richer flavor)
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil (to help the chocolate melt smoothly)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350℉. Grease a 9×9 inch pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Make the Shortbread Base: In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and flour. Cut in the ⅔ cup softened butter using a butter knife or pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake the Base: Bake for 20 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
- Prepare the Caramel: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the ½ cup butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Continue stirring for 5 minutes, then remove from heat and stir for an additional 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Layer the Caramel: Pour the caramel mixture over the cooled shortbread base. Let it cool until firm (you can speed this up by placing it in the fridge).
- Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and vegetable oil. Microwave for 1 minute, then stir. Continue microwaving in 15-second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate is completely smooth.
- Add the Chocolate Layer: Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel layer, spreading it evenly. Let it cool until the chocolate hardens.
- Cut and Serve: Once fully set, cut into squares using a warm knife (dip the knife in hot water and dry it for cleaner cuts). Enjoy your homemade Twix bars!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store your Twix Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, place them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months. If frozen, let them thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Pro tip: Layer parchment paper between bars to prevent sticking!
Recipe Variations to Try
Switch up the flavors by using dark or white chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate. For a nutty twist, sprinkle chopped peanuts or almonds over the caramel layer before adding the chocolate. You can also add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel for a sweet-and-salty treat. Get creative and make it your own!
Time-Saving Hacks
To speed up the cooling process, place the caramel layer in the fridge for 15-20 minutes instead of waiting at room temperature. Use pre-made shortbread cookies as the base for an even quicker version. Bonus tip: Microwave the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water for a smoother melt without constant stirring.
Equipment Guidance
A 9×9 inch baking pan is perfect for this recipe, but an 8×8 inch pan will work for thicker bars. Use a silicone spatula for stirring the caramel to prevent sticking and burning. For clean cuts, warm your knife under hot water and dry it before slicing. These small tools make a big difference!
Twix Bars
Ingredients
Shortbread Base
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 1/4 cups flour
- 2/3 cup butter, softened
Caramel Layer
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 Tablespoons corn syrup
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
Chocolate Layer
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350℉. Grease a 9×9 inch pan with cooking spray.
- In a small bowl, mix together sugar and flour, and cut the ⅔ cup butter in with a butter knife. Keep cutting it in the mixture until it has formed evenly-sized crumbs.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan, and bake for 20 minutes – until the edges start to turn a golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let it cool completely.
- In a sauce pan over medium heat, combine the ½ cup butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly (you don’t want the mixture to burn, so keep stirring). Continue stirring for 5 more minutes, then remove from heat and stir for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Pour the caramel mixture over the shortbread crust. Let it cool (I sped up this process by placing it in the fridge) until the caramel mixture starts to firm.
- In a microwave safe bowl, mix together the chocolate chips and vegetable oil. Microwave for 1 minute, and then remove and stir. Continue to microwave the chocolate mixture in 15 second intervals until it is completely smooth.
- Pour chocolate over top the caramel layer and let it cool.
- Once the chocolate has hardened, cut into squares with a warm knife (that will make them cut cleaner).