There is something incredibly joyful about indulging in frozen treats that feel luxurious yet wholesome, which is exactly why I adore sharing this Vegan Twix Ice Cream Bars Recipe with you. Imagine biting into a creamy, velvety oat-based ice cream layered atop a perfectly crisp cookie crust with pockets of luscious caramel bursting through, all enrobed in a delicate chocolate shell. This recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a decadent dessert experience that anyone, whether vegan or not, will fall head over heels for. It’s a playful, sophisticated twist on the classic Twix candy bar, completely dairy-free and crafted with love for every sweet craving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of straightforward yet intentional ingredients is the secret to creating magic with this recipe. Each element serves a special purpose, whether it’s building that crunchy, buttery crust, whipping up a dreamy creamy filling, or delivering the signature caramel surprise.
- Golden Oreos or other vegan cookies: These form the crisp, buttery base and give that nostalgic cookie crunch that holds everything together.
- Unsalted vegan butter (block-style): Adds richness and binds the cookie crumbs for the perfect crust texture.
- Sea salt: A pinch enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness and giving a subtle savory hint.
- Oat whipping cream: The foundation of the creamy ice cream layer, light yet indulgent and completely plant-based.
- Sweetened condensed oat milk: Sweetens naturally while thickening the ice cream, offering a luscious mouthfeel.
- Vanilla bean paste or extract: Infuses aromatic warmth and deep vanilla character, elevating every bite.
- Vegan caramel: The star filling – gooey, buttery, and decadently sweet, bringing that iconic Twix charm.
- Coconut oil (optional): Helps create a smooth, glossy chocolate coating that sets beautifully on the ice cream bars.
How to Make Vegan Twix Ice Cream Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Ingredients
Start by lining a 9-inch loaf pan with parchment paper that covers the base and sides. This step is key because it will make removing your ice cream bars effortless later on. Before diving in, take a moment to review all instructions and ensure your ingredients and equipment are within reach. Trust me, being organized makes the whole process flow with ease, and I promise you’ll feel like a pro from the very first scoop!
Step 2: Make the Crunchy Crust
Add the golden Oreos, sea salt, and vegan butter to a food processor. Blitz it until the crumbs hold together nicely when pressed between your fingers. This mix will become that satisfying base that supports your creamy filling. Press it firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Compacting well creates a sturdy foundation that won’t crumble when you slice the bars later. Pop it into the refrigerator to chill while we mix the luscious ice cream layer.
Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Filling
Take your oat whipping cream and whisk it until smooth and light, either with a trusty stand mixer or a good old-fashioned hand whisk. Adding sweetened condensed oat milk and vanilla bean paste gives the mixture richness and beautiful flavor depth. Pour this silky filling over the chilled base and spread it evenly. Now patience is key! Freeze this for at least 4 hours, or better yet, overnight — this ensures a firm yet creamy texture ready for the next delicious step.
Step 4: Create Caramel Wells in the Ice Cream
Once fully frozen, let the pan sit out for about 10 minutes to soften just a tad. Using a small spoon or melon baller, carve out 7 wells in the ice cream filling, careful to stop ½ cm before the edges so your bars keep their shape. Leave enough space between each well for clean slicing later on. This step might seem delicate but it’s where the magic really starts to reveal itself — those gooey caramel pockets are what make this Vegan Twix Ice Cream Bars Recipe truly unforgettable.
Step 5: Fill the Wells with Vegan Caramel
Transfer your vegan caramel into a piping bag for precise filling. Spoon the caramel into the wells thoughtfully, avoiding overfilling so the caramel doesn’t spill over. This luscious caramel center is what transforms these bars from an ordinary treat into dreamy, indulgent bites. Return the pan to the freezer for at least an hour to re-firm everything before moving on.
Step 6: Slice Into Perfect Bars
Carefully slice the frozen ice cream into seven even bars with a sharp knife, revealing the caramel center in each. Place the bars individually on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until you’re ready for the grand finale— the chocolate coating.
Step 7: Coat Bars in Chocolate
Melt your favorite vegan chocolate and coconut oil together gently over a double boiler until perfectly smooth. This shiny chocolate will cloak each bar in a crisp, glossy shell. Using a fork and spoon, dip each bar carefully to coat it completely. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the bars while the chocolate is still wet, enhancing the overall flavor with just a whisper of salty contrast. Freeze again for 15 minutes or until set.
How to Serve Vegan Twix Ice Cream Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Though these bars are show-stoppers on their own, a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a drizzle of extra vegan caramel on the plate adds an extra layer of sophistication and flair. You could even top with crushed vegan cookie crumbs to echo the crust, creating a playful textural contrast.
Side Dishes
Pair your Vegan Twix Ice Cream Bars Recipe with a fresh berry compote or a simple bowl of sliced seasonal fruits. The tartness of berries beautifully complements the sweet creaminess of the bars, balancing the palate and keeping things refreshingly delightful.
Creative Ways to Present
If serving at a party, arrange the bars on a rustic wooden board or stylish slate platter, adding edible flowers or mint leaves for color and charm. For a fun twist, serve individual bars in pretty dessert cups with mini spoons, creating a personalized treat that guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Vegan Twix Ice Cream Bars Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a month. To keep them tasting fresh and to prevent sticking, individually wrapping each bar in parchment paper before putting them in the container is a smart move.
Freezing
Feel free to prepare the bars completely in advance. Once assembled and coated, store them securely in the freezer. When frozen solid, they maintain their creamy texture and rich flavors beautifully, perfect for grabbing a quick frozen treat anytime.
Reheating
Since these are frozen treats, reheating isn’t recommended. Instead, let the bars sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes before serving to soften slightly, making them easier to bite into while keeping that ideal creamy texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use other vegan cookies instead of golden Oreos?
Absolutely! Any vegan cookie with a mild flavor and good crunch works well for the crust. Just make sure they’re finely crushed to create that firm base.
Is it possible to make this recipe nut-free?
Yes, the recipe as written uses oats and golden Oreos without nuts, so it’s naturally nut-free. Just double-check your vegan butter and caramel for any added allergens.
Can I substitute the oat whipping cream with coconut cream?
You can try coconut cream, but it will impart a slightly different flavor and texture. Oat whipping cream is preferred for its lightness and neutral taste.
How long does it take to freeze the bars properly?
At minimum, allow 4 hours for the filling to set and at least 15 minutes for the chocolate coating to firm up. For best results, overnight freezing is ideal between layers.
Can this recipe be doubled to make more bars?
Yes, simply use a larger pan or multiple pans and increase ingredient quantities proportionally. Just ensure the assembly steps remain the same for the best texture and layering.
Final Thoughts
Making the Vegan Twix Ice Cream Bars Recipe is like treating yourself to a little slice of heaven you crafted yourself. It balances rich creaminess, playful crunch, and that irresistible caramel center, all wrapped in chocolate perfection. Whether you make it for a special occasion or a Sunday afternoon indulgence, I encourage you to dive in and delight in every bite. Trust me, this recipe is destined to become one of your favorite vegan desserts to share again and again.
Print
Vegan Twix Ice Cream Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 5 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 7 bars
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Vegan Twix Ice Cream recipe features a crunchy cookie crust, creamy oat-based ice cream, a gooey vegan caramel center, and a chocolate coating for the perfect dairy-free frozen treat. It’s easy to prepare with simple ingredients and requires no ice cream maker, making it perfect for a delicious homemade vegan dessert.
Ingredients
Crust
- 100 g golden Oreos (or other vegan cookies)
- 25 g unsalted vegan butter (block-style)
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
Ice Cream Filling
- 400 ml oat whipping cream
- 250 g sweetened condensed oat milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)
Caramel and Coating
- 150 g vegan caramel
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional)
- 100 g vegan chocolate for melting
- Sea salt (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Prepare: Line the base and sides of a 9″ loaf pan with parchment paper. Read all recipe instructions and notes thoroughly before starting and have all ingredients and equipment ready.
- Make the crust: Add the cookies, salt, and vegan butter to a food processor and blitz until the mixture sticks together between your fingers.
- Form the crust: Press the crust mixture firmly into the base of the lined pan using your fingers or a spoon to compact it well. Refrigerate while preparing the filling.
- Make the filling: Whisk the oat whipping cream in a stand mixer or by hand until smooth and slightly thickened. Add the condensed oat milk and vanilla bean paste, then whisk again until combined. Pour this mixture over the crust in the pan and freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
- Create wells for caramel: Remove the frozen ice cream from the freezer and let it sit for 10 minutes to soften slightly. Using a half-teaspoon or small melon baller, carefully scoop out 7 wells in the ice cream, stopping about ½ cm before the pan edge to keep bars intact. Space wells evenly for cutting later.
- Add caramel: Fill a piping bag with vegan caramel and pipe it into each well without overfilling to avoid overflow. Return the pan to the freezer for at least 1 hour to firm up the caramel layer.
- Slice into bars: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the ice cream into 7 bars, each with a caramel center. Place the bars on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until ready to coat.
- Coat with chocolate: Melt the vegan chocolate with coconut oil over a double boiler, stirring until smooth. Pour melted chocolate into a shallow bowl. Dip each bar into the chocolate using a fork and spoon, then lay on parchment paper. Sprinkle with sea salt and freeze for 15 minutes to set the coating.
- Storage: Store the finished bars in an airtight container in the freezer for up to one month. For best quality, wrap each bar individually in parchment paper before freezing.
Notes
- Use golden Oreos or any other vegan cookies for the crust to keep it vegan.
- The oat whipping cream can be whisked by hand if you don’t have a stand mixer.
- Allow the ice cream to soften slightly before scooping wells to avoid cracking.
- Be careful not to overfill the caramel wells to prevent overflow during freezing.
- Optionally add coconut oil to melted chocolate for a smoother coating.
- Wrap bars individually before freezing to avoid sticking together.
- If vegan caramel is unavailable, homemade or store-bought vegan caramel alternatives can be used.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours (mostly freezing time)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Vegan
