If you have a sweet tooth and love that perfect combination of crunchy cookie, gooey caramel, and velvety chocolate, you are in for a treat with this Homemade Twix Bites Recipe. These little bites capture all the magic of the classic candy bar but in a fun, bite-sized form that’s perfect for sharing or sneaking a quick indulgence. Every layer—from the buttery shortbread base to the luscious caramel center and the smooth chocolate topping—is made from simple, everyday ingredients that come together in a way that feels utterly special. Trust me, once you try these Homemade Twix Bites, they’ll become a staple in your dessert rotation, and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Homemade Twix Bites Recipe is delightfully straightforward, but each item plays an essential role in creating the perfect texture and flavor balance. From the crumbly base to the creamy caramel and smooth chocolate, these ingredients ensure every bite is a harmonious treat.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy yet tender base for the shortbread layer.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps with that delicate crunch.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: The key for a rich, buttery shortbread texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk: Makes the caramel luscious and irresistibly creamy.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Gives the caramel its deep, molasses-rich flavor.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (for caramel): Contributes to a silky and smooth caramel consistency.
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup: Prevents crystallization, keeping the caramel soft and chewy.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic note that lifts every layer.
- 1 1/2 cups milk or dark chocolate chips: The crowning glory coating that makes every bite decadently chocolatey.
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable oil (optional): Creates a shiny, smoother chocolate finish that’s easy to bite through.
How to Make Homemade Twix Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and salt until light and fluffy. Gradually add the flour, mixing just until the dough comes together. Press this dough evenly into a lined or greased 8×8-inch baking pan. Bake for about 20 minutes or until the edges turn a lovely golden brown. This buttery shortbread foundation is what gives your Twix bites that perfect crunch, so don’t skip this step!
Step 2: Make the Caramel Layer
While the shortbread base is baking, start your caramel. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt together the butter, brown sugar, and light corn syrup. Stir in the sweetened condensed milk and keep the mixture simmering gently for about 5 minutes, stirring consistently until it thickens and turns into a luscious caramel. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Pour this warm caramel evenly over the shortbread base once it cools slightly.
Step 3: Chill the Caramel
Place the caramel-topped shortbread in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to let the caramel set up. This chilling step makes sure every bite holds together nicely and avoids a sticky mess when you cut the bites.
Step 4: Coat with Chocolate
Once the caramel has set, melt the chocolate chips with the coconut or vegetable oil in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in short bursts in the microwave. Stir until completely smooth and glossy. Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel layer and spread it evenly with a spatula. Return the pan to the fridge to let the chocolate harden completely.
Step 5: Cut into Bites
After the chocolate has set, remove the pan from the fridge and use a sharp knife to cut the treat into 16 small squares or “bites.” For cleaner cuts, warm the knife slightly under hot water and dry it before slicing. Now your homemade Twix bites are ready to delight!
How to Serve Homemade Twix Bites Recipe
Garnishes
While these bites are perfect as they are, adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the set chocolate before it hardens can elevate the flavor, introducing a delicious salty-sweet contrast. For a fun twist, try sprinkling some crushed toasted nuts or even a little edible gold dust for a festive look that wows guests.
Side Dishes
Homemade Twix Bites make a fantastic companion to an afternoon coffee or tea pairing. If you’re serving a dessert platter, complement these bites with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the indulgence with a refreshing touch. They also pair wonderfully with a creamy milkshake or a rich espresso for a decadent treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these bites into gift-worthy treats by wrapping a few in parchment paper and tying with a colorful ribbon. Lay them out on a pretty dessert stand alongside other homemade candies. For parties, stick individual bites onto lollipop sticks and dip partway in chocolate for an irresistible Twix pop. The possibilities are endless, and presentation can make these feel that much more special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Homemade Twix Bites Recipe treats can be stored neatly in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is warm, store them in the fridge to keep the caramel and chocolate firm and fresh. Just be sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving to enjoy their full flavor and texture.
Freezing
If you want to save these bites for longer, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Frozen Twix bites keep beautifully for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw them overnight in the fridge so they retain their perfect chewy and creamy layers.
Reheating
Because these bites are best enjoyed cool or at room temperature, reheating isn’t generally necessary. If you prefer your chocolate slightly soft, you can leave them on the counter for 15 minutes to warm slightly before indulging. Avoid microwave reheating, which could make the caramel too runny or the chocolate grainy.
FAQs
Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate adds a slightly richer, more intense flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the caramel and shortbread. Feel free to choose whichever chocolate you love best.
Is it possible to make these without corn syrup?
Yes, you can substitute corn syrup with an equal amount of honey or golden syrup to maintain that chewy caramel texture, though the flavor might be slightly different. Avoid skipping it entirely as it helps prevent sugar crystallization in the caramel.
How long does this Homemade Twix Bites Recipe take from start to finish?
Preparation and baking together take about 40 minutes, with additional chilling time for caramel and chocolate, so plan for roughly 1.5 to 2 hours total to achieve the best texture and flavor.
Can these bites be made gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking, and you’ll have delicious gluten-free Homemade Twix Bites that everyone can enjoy.
What’s the best way to cut the bites without making a mess?
Use a sharp knife warmed under hot water and wiped dry between cuts. Make slow, deliberate slices for clean edges and to keep those layers tidy and intact.
Final Thoughts
Making this Homemade Twix Bites Recipe is more than just baking; it’s about creating little moments of joy that bring smiles around the table. With its inviting layers and satisfying textures, this recipe is sure to be one you return to again and again whenever you want to treat yourself or your loved ones. So go ahead, give it a try, and watch how these bites quickly become your new favorite sweet indulgence!
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Homemade Twix Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 bites
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Homemade Twix Bites are delightful mini caramel chocolate bars with a buttery shortbread base, a rich, chewy caramel layer, and a smooth chocolate coating. Perfect as bite-sized treats for sharing or indulging on your own, they capture all the classic flavors of Twix in a homemade, easy-to-make form.
Ingredients
Shortbread Base
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Caramel Layer
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Coating
- 1 1/2 cups milk or dark chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable oil (optional, for smoother coating)
Instructions
- Prepare the Shortbread Base: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, softened unsalted butter, and salt. Mix until the dough comes together. Press the dough evenly into a lined 8×8 inch baking pan. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
- Make the Caramel Layer: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, unsalted butter, and light corn syrup. Stir constantly as the mixture heats to prevent burning. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes a golden caramel color. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Assemble the Bites: Pour the warm caramel over the cooled shortbread base, spreading it evenly. Allow the caramel layer to cool and set at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate to speed up setting.
- Coat with Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler, melt the chocolate chips along with the optional coconut or vegetable oil until smooth. Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel layer, spreading evenly to cover the entire surface.
- Chill and Cut: Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the chocolate to set firmly. Once set, remove from the fridge and cut into 16 bite-sized pieces. Store the Twix bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Notes
- Use light corn syrup in the caramel to achieve the perfect chewy texture; honey or maple syrup can alter the consistency.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with vegan butter and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Adding coconut or vegetable oil to the chocolate helps create a smoother, glossier coating.
- You can double the recipe and use a larger pan, just adjust baking time accordingly.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
