Why you’ll love Homemade Twix Bars
Fresh Ingredients, Better Taste
Homemade Twix bars are made with fresh, high-quality ingredients, which means you can taste the buttery richness of the shortbread, the smoothness of the caramel, and the depth of real chocolate without any artificial flavours or preservatives.
Customisable Sweetness & Texture
You can adjust the sweetness, thickness of the chocolate, and even the chewiness of the caramel to match your preferences, making them just right for your taste. Plus, add-ins like a sprinkle of sea salt or a touch of vanilla can elevate the flavours even more.
Satisfaction of Making Them from Scratch
There’s something satisfying about creating candy bars from scratch. You get to see every layer come together, and that makes the first bite even more rewarding. Plus, it’s a fun and achievable kitchen project!
Impressively Shareable
Homemade Twix bars look and taste impressive. They make a perfect treat for sharing at gatherings, giving as gifts, or just surprising friends and family with something homemade and delicious.
Control Over Ingredients
You have control over what goes into them! Use high-quality chocolate, avoid artificial ingredients, or even make them gluten-free if needed.
Top Tips for the best Homemade Twix Bars
1. Choose the Right Shortbread Base
- Don’t overwork the dough to avoid a tough shortbread. Just mix until combined.
2. Make Caramel with the Right Consistency
- Use a mix of sweetened condensed milk, butter and sugar for a soft caramel that’s not too runny.
- Cook the caramel slowly over medium-low heat and stir continuously. Stop once it thickens and reaches a deep golden colour.
- Test the consistency by dropping a small amount onto a cold plate; it should set without being too hard or too gooey.
- Let the caramel cool completely before adding the chocolate layer to prevent it from melting or slipping off.
3. Use High-Quality Chocolate for Melting
- Temper the chocolate if possible (heat to 43-46°C, cool to 27-28°C, then reheat to 31-32°C) for a firm, glossy finish that snaps when you bite it.
- If you don’t have time to temper then use simple melted chocolate.
4. Layer and Chill Correctly
- After pressing the shortbread into your pan and baking it, let it cool completely before adding the caramel layer.
- Chill the caramel layer in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or until it firms up. This makes it easier to spread the chocolate evenly.
- Once you pour the chocolate, let the bars set at room temperature initially, then chill in the fridge briefly to firm up the chocolate without causing condensation.
5. Experiment with Flavours
- Try different types of chocolate or add a touch of vanilla or espresso to the caramel for depth of flavour.
- For a twist on the shortbread, add a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg for a unique flavour.
Ingredients you’ll need for Homemade Twix Bars
Shortbread Base
– 125 g all-purpose flour
– 115 g unsalted butter, softened
– 50 g caster sugar
– Pinch of salt
Caramel Layer
– 200 g sweetened condensed milk
– 75 g light brown sugar
– 100 g unsalted butter
Chocolate Layer
– 300 g milk chocolate
How to make Homemade Twix Bars
Step 1: Make the Shortbread Base
1. Preheat your oven to 175°C and line a 20×20 cm (8×8 inch) baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, caster sugar, and salt. Add the softened butter and mix until it forms a crumbly dough.
3. Press the dough evenly into the lined baking pan.
4. Bake for 22 minutes or until the edges are golden. Allow it to cool completely.
5. Slice into 16 even rectangles.
Step 2: Prepare the Caramel Layer
1. In a saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar and butter.
2. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, for 10–15 minutes until the mixture thickens and turns a golden caramel colour. Be careful not to let it burn.
3. Let the caramel cool slightly and spread onto the shortbread sticks. Let the caramel set before coating in chocolate.
Step 3: Add the Chocolate Layer
1. Melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring after each increment until smooth.
2. Cover the the caramel shortbread sticks with melted chocolate.
3. Allow the chocolate to set at room temperature for a few minutes, then refrigerate for an additional 20–30 minutes to fully set.
Step 4: Once fully set, enjoy your homemade Twix bars!
Storage tips
1. Room Temperature (for Short-Term Storage)
- If you plan to eat the Twix bars within 2-3 days, you can store them at room temperature.
- Place them in an airtight container to keep the caramel and chocolate from drying out or becoming stale.
- Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
2. Refrigerator (for Longer Storage)
- To keep them fresh for up to a week, place the Twix bars in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator.
- You can layer the bars with parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking.
- Before serving, let them sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes for the best texture and flavour.
3. Freezer (for Extended Storage)
- For long-term storage, you can freeze the Twix bars.
- Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap or wax paper, then place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.
- They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- Thaw in the fridge overnight, or leave them at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before enjoying.
Other recipes you might like
S’mores Dip – S’mores dip – My Simple Eats
Banana Bread Muffins – Banana Bread Muffins – My Simple Eats
Cinnamon Roll Cake – Cinnamon Roll Cake – My Simple Eats
Homemade Twix Bars
Ingredients
Shortbread Base
- 125 g all-purpose flour
- 115 g unsalted butter softened
- 50 g caster sugar
- Pinch of salt
Caramel Layer
- 200 g sweetened condensed milk
- 75 g light brown sugar
- 100 g unsalted butter
Chocolate Layer
- 300 g milk chocolate
Instructions
Shortbread Base
- Preheat your oven to 175°C and line a 20×20 cm (8×8 inch) baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, caster sugar, and salt. Add the softened butter and mix until it forms a crumbly dough.
- Press the dough evenly into the lined baking pan.
- Bake for 22 minutes or until the edges are golden. Allow it to cool completely.
- Slice into 16 even rectangles.
Caramel Layer
- In a saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar and butter.
- Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, for 10–15 minutes until the mixture thickens and turns a golden caramel colour. Be careful not to let it burn.
- Let the caramel cool slightly and spread onto the shortbread sticks. Let the caramel set before coating in chocolate.
Chocolate Layer
- Melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring after each increment until smooth.
- Cover the the caramel shortbread sticks with melted chocolate.
- Allow the chocolate to set at room temperature for a few minutes, then refrigerate for an additional 20–30 minutes to fully set.
- Step 4: Once fully set, enjoy your homemade Twix bars!
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