Homemade Twix Bars
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Homemade Twix bars are one of those desserts everyone loves. With layers of buttery shortbread, soft caramel, and chocolate, they’re hard to resist.
I started making these when we wanted a dessert that felt special but didn’t require complicated steps. This homemade twix bars recipe quickly became a go-to.
What Reader’s Are Saying
I have made these multiple times. They are so good and they always get requests to bring these. – Marci
They taste just like the classic candy bar, but even better because they’re fresh and made at home. Plus, you can cut your twix cookie bars into bars or squares depending on the occasion.
If you love chocolate caramel desserts, this twix bars recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again. And if you enjoy easy dessert bars, be sure to check out my other bar cookie recipes, including my favorite 7 Layer Bars and Easy Brookies.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Tastes like real Twix bars… only better!
- Simple ingredients and easy steps
- Perfect make-ahead dessert
- Great for parties, holidays, or gifting
- Doubles easily for a crowd
Ingredient Notes
This section includes ingredient notes and substitution options. Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.
- Butter: Use softened butter for a smooth shortbread base.
- Flour: Regular all-purpose flour.
- Caramel candies: Use soft, individually wrapped caramels like Kraft, Brach’s, or Werther’s Chewy Caramels. Avoid hard caramels, as they won’t melt smoothly or set properly.
- Heavy cream: Helps create a smooth, pourable caramel.
- Chocolate chips: I used milk chocolate and added a dark chocolate drizzle.
- Coconut oil: Keeps chocolate smooth and easy to slice. Shortening works well too.
- Sea salt (optional): A sprinkle of flaked salt for a sweet and salty finish.
How to Make Homemade Twix Bars
This section shows you how to make the recipe with step-by-step photos and instructions. For the full printable recipe, see the recipe card below.
These homemade Twix bars come together in three simple layers:
- Shortbread base. Press and bake until lightly golden
- Caramel layer. Melt and pour, then chill until set
- Chocolate topping. Spread, chill, slice, and serve
No candy thermometer needed. Just simple steps and reliable results.
If you’ve made my carmelitas before, you’ll love how similar the caramel layer feels here. And if you enjoy layered desserts like lemon bars, this recipe will be right up your alley.
How to Keep Twix Bars from Separating
One of the most common issues with homemade Twix bars is the chocolate layer separating from the caramel.
You may even notice in my photos that the chocolate layer pulls away slightly when sliced. This can happen if the caramel layer is too cold before adding the chocolate.
I have since learned that chilling the caramel just until set, about 45 to 60 minutes, works best. It should be firm but not fully cold. This helps the layers stick together.
It also helps to let the bars sit at room temperature for a few minutes before slicing.
Storage
- Fridge: Store covered for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Freeze in layers with parchment for up to 2 months.
- To serve: Let sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
Tip: For best texture, avoid serving straight from the fridge since the caramel will be too firm.
Tips for the Best Twix Bars
- Don’t overbake the shortbread. Light golden edges are perfect
- Stir caramel often to prevent burning
- Do not over-chill before adding chocolate to prevent separation.
- Allow bars to sit at room temperature 10 minutes or so before slicing.
- Run your knife under hot water for clean slices.
More Bar Cookie Recipes You’ll Love
If you love these homemade Twix bars, here are a few more easy dessert bars to try:
- Sugar Cookie Bars
- Grandma’s PB&J bars
- Funfetti bars
- Unicorn bars
- Oatmeal lemon creme bars
- Harvest spice bars
Homemade Twix Bars
Ingredients
Shortbread Base Ingredients:
- ¾ cup butter, softened
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
Caramel Layer Ingredients:
- 11 ounces soft caramel candies, unwrapped
- 3 Tablespoons heavy cream
Chocolate Layer Ingredients:
- 12 ounces milk chocolate chips, or semi-sweet
- 1 Tablespoon coconut oil
- flakey sea salt, to taste (optional)
Instructions
For the Shortbread Base
- Preheat your oven to 375℉. Add the softened butter and granulated sugar to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Next, mix in the vanilla and then add the flour gradually. Mix just until all of the flour is incorporated.
- Line a 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper. Pat the dough into the dish.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are starting to turn golden brown. Set aside to cool.
For the Caramel Layer
- Add the soft caramels and heavy cream to a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring often, until melted- about 5 minutes. Pour over the shortbread base.
- Place the shortbread and caramel in the fridge to cool until set, about 45 minutes.
For the Chocolate Layer
- Combine the chocolate and coconut oil in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30 second intervals, stirring after each, until fully melted. Pour over the hardened caramel and top with flake sea salt, if using. Place the bars back into the fridge to chill until the chocolate has fully set- about 45 minutes.
- When the chocolate has fully hardened, let the bars sit at room temp for 10 minutes then slice the bars into your desired size and enjoy.
Notes
Nutrition
Did You Make This Recipe?
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Additions and variations
- Semi-sweet chocolate version: Swap milk chocolate for semi-sweet for a richer flavor
- Salted caramel bars: Add flaky salt on top
- Homemade caramel: Use instead of candies for deeper flavor
- Double batch: Double all ingredients and bake in a 9 x 13 pan.
What Are Millionaire Cookie Bars?
Homemade Twix bars are also known as millionaire cookie bars or millionaire shortbread. They all feature the same three layers: shortbread, caramel, and chocolate.
Seriously, can not wait to make these! We are HUGE Twix fans in our home, so I have no doubt that these will be a huge hit.
So easy to make and they taste just like the original Twix. Thanks for the recipe!
These were soooo delicious. I recommend them to anyone that is wanting to try them. The only downside is caramel and a toddler don’t mix. Thank goodness for local carpet cleaners! I will definitely be adding this as a go-to recipe.
What could I use instead of heavy cream in the Caramel? Full fat coconut milk?
I haven’t tired with coconut milk myself but I think it should be fine.
Can you freeze these?
I haven’t tried to freeze these myself but they should do fine frozen. Just thaw them out before enjoying.
I have frozen these and they are just fine
Can I use heavy cream instead of coconut oil for the chocolate ganache?
I think that would work well! Enjoy!
I have made these multiple times. They are so good and they always get requests to bring these.
In the photo it appears that the chocolate is separating a bit from the caramel? is that the case? I would hate to cut them into bars and have the chocolate part separate or break off from the caramel layer.
I have learned that only chilling until the caramel layer is set (about 45-60 mins) and not letting it get super cold helps the chocolate layer stick. I hope this helps!