Homemade Twix Bites Recipe
If you’ve ever dreamed of recreating your favorite candy bar at home, Homemade Twix Bites will absolutely win your heart. Imagine layers of buttery shortbread, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate, all in the perfect two-bite size. These irresistible treats are far easier to make than you might guess, and they deliver that classic sweet-salty crunch you crave in every single morsel. Whether you’re making a batch for a party, a lunchbox treat, or just to satisfy a midday craving, these bites will quickly become a go-to in your dessert repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Homemade Twix Bites is how each ingredient plays a starring role. There’s nothing fancy here—just pantry staples working their magic to deliver that iconic combination of flavors and textures. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:
- All-purpose flour: Creates the sturdy, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread base that holds everything together.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the shortbread layer.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Gives both richness and tenderness to the base and caramel; using unsalted lets you control the flavor.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Sweetened condensed milk: The secret to luscious, creamy caramel that sets up beautifully.
- Brown sugar: Deepens the caramel flavor with hints of molasses.
- Corn syrup: Ensures a smooth, glossy caramel that doesn’t crystallize.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the caramel’s flavor.
- Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips: Melts into a decadent, glossy top layer—choose your favorite for a personalized twist.
- Coconut oil or butter: Gives the chocolate topping extra shine and a silky-smooth finish.
How to Make Homemade Twix Bites
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang to make lifting out the finished bars a breeze. This little bit of prep work will save you so much time (and stress) later when it’s time to slice your Homemade Twix Bites.
Step 2: Make the Shortbread Base
In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, softened butter, and a pinch of salt until a crumbly dough forms. It might look a little dry at first, but keep mixing—your hands work great here! Press the dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan, making sure it’s packed down tight and reaches all the corners. Bake for 18–20 minutes, until lightly golden. Let the base cool completely before moving on to the next layer.
Step 3: Cook the Caramel Layer
Now, for that iconic chewy caramel! Combine the sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, butter, and corn syrup in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly—don’t walk away!—until the mixture thickens and turns a light caramel color, about 8–10 minutes. When it’s ready, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Pour the caramel over your cooled shortbread, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Pop the pan in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to set.
Step 4: Add the Chocolate Topping
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil (or butter). Microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring between each, until the chocolate is smooth and glossy. Pour this luscious layer over the chilled caramel and spread to the edges. Chill again until the chocolate is fully set—about 1 hour.
Step 5: Slice and Enjoy!
When everything is firm, lift the slab out of the pan using the parchment paper. With a sharp knife, cut into small, bite-sized squares. Each piece delivers a perfect blend of crunchy, creamy, and chocolaty—your Homemade Twix Bites are ready to wow!
How to Serve Homemade Twix Bites
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top of the chocolate before it sets. You can also dust with edible gold stars or drizzle with a contrasting chocolate (like white or dark) for a bakery-worthy finish. These little flourishes add both beauty and a pop of extra flavor to your Homemade Twix Bites.
Side Dishes
Twix Bites are pretty irresistible on their own, but they pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a cup of rich coffee, or even a fresh fruit platter. Setting them out alongside other homemade candies or cookies turns any spread into a dessert lover’s dream.
Creative Ways to Present
These treats are made for sharing! Stack them in cupcake liners for a party tray, pack them into mason jars with a ribbon for sweet gifts, or arrange them in a bento box for a playful lunchbox surprise. However you serve them, Homemade Twix Bites are sure to steal the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Homemade Twix Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The cold keeps the caramel and chocolate layers perfectly set, and the flavors only get better as they mingle together over time.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later (or just make a double batch!), these bites freeze beautifully. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge before serving for the best texture.
Reheating
If you prefer your Homemade Twix Bites a little softer, just let them sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before enjoying. No need to microwave—these are meant to be enjoyed as chilled or at ambient temperature for the best bite.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought caramel instead of making my own?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, a thick store-bought caramel will work in a pinch. The homemade caramel gives the best flavor and texture, but don’t let that stop you from enjoying these treats quickly.
Do I need to use parchment paper in the pan?
Parchment paper makes it so much easier to lift out and slice your Homemade Twix Bites without any sticking. If you don’t have parchment, you can use well-greased foil, but parchment truly makes cleanup and cutting a breeze.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend. The shortbread will still be deliciously crisp and hold up well under the caramel and chocolate layers.
Should I use milk or semi-sweet chocolate?
It’s totally up to your taste. Milk chocolate will give you that classic, extra-sweet Twix flavor, while semi-sweet or even dark chocolate adds a bit of richness and balances the sweetness. Try both and see which you love more!
How do I cut the bites cleanly?
For neat, bakery-style squares, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. If the chocolate is very firm, let the bars sit out for a few minutes to soften slightly before slicing.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about Homemade Twix Bites—they’re fun to make, even more fun to eat, and guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone who tries them. If you’re ready for a new favorite treat, gather your ingredients and give this recipe a whirl. You might just find yourself making a double batch next time!
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Homemade Twix Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 25–30 bites 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Homemade Twix Bites are delicious bite-sized treats featuring a buttery shortbread base, rich caramel layer, and smooth chocolate topping. Easy to prepare and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with classic Twix flavors in a convenient smaller form.
Ingredients
For the shortbread base:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- Pinch of salt
For the caramel layer:
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon corn syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the chocolate topping:
- 1 cup semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or butter
Instructions
- Prepare shortbread base: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, mix the flour, sugar, softened butter, and a pinch of salt until a crumbly dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 18–20 minutes until the shortbread is lightly golden. Allow to cool completely before proceeding.
- Make the caramel layer: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, butter, and corn syrup. Stir constantly to prevent burning until the mixture thickens and becomes a light caramel color, about 8–10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Pour this warm caramel evenly over the cooled shortbread base. Spread carefully and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set.
- Prepare and add chocolate topping: Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil or butter together in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth and fully melted. Pour the melted chocolate gently over the chilled caramel layer, spreading evenly with a spatula. Return to the refrigerator and chill until the chocolate is fully set, approximately 1 hour.
- Cut and serve: Once the layers are completely set, lift the dessert out of the pan using the parchment paper edges. Cut into small bite-sized squares, about 25–30 pieces, and enjoy your homemade Twix bites.
Notes
- Store Twix bites in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for longer storage.
- Use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet or milk chocolate for a less sweet version.
- A silicone spatula is helpful for spreading each layer evenly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
