Description
Homemade Twix Bars feature a buttery shortbread crust topped with rich, gooey caramel and a smooth chocolate layer. This classic treat combines crunchy, sweet, and creamy textures for an irresistible dessert that can be made entirely from scratch.
Ingredients
Shortbread Crust
- 1 cup cold butter (see note)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Caramel Layer
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
Chocolate Topping
- 3 cups chopped milk or dark chocolate
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or spray it generously with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy release of the bars.
- Prepare Shortbread Crust: In a large mixing bowl, use a pastry blender to combine the cold butter, powdered sugar, all-purpose flour, and vanilla extract. Blend the ingredients until the mixture forms a cohesive dough. Press the shortbread dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake Shortbread: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 28 to 35 minutes until it turns a very light golden color. Remove the pan from the oven and allow the shortbread to cool completely before proceeding.
- Make Caramel Mixture: In a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, light brown sugar, light corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk. Stir the mixture frequently as it heats.
- Cook Caramel to Soft Ball Stage: Maintain medium heat and continue stirring the caramel mixture constantly until it reaches the soft ball stage, approximately 15 to 20 minutes. The soft ball stage is tested by dropping a spoonful of caramel into ice water; if it forms a soft ball easily, it is ready.
- Pour Caramel over Shortbread: Remove the caramel from heat and immediately pour the warm caramel evenly over the cooled shortbread crust. Allow it to cool briefly at room temperature, then refrigerate the pan for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight to fully set the caramel.
- Melt Chocolate Topping: In a heatproof bowl, combine the chopped chocolate and butter. Melt the mixture using a double boiler or microwave in low power bursts of 30 seconds, stirring between intervals, until smooth and fully melted.
- Apply Chocolate Layer: Pour the melted chocolate evenly over the set caramel layer and smooth it out into an even layer using a spatula. Refrigerate the entire pan until the chocolate topping is fully set.
- Store and Serve: Once set, cut the bars into squares. Store the Twix bars in the refrigerator, covered, for up to one week to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Use cold butter for the shortbread crust to achieve a tender, flaky texture.
- The ice water test is essential for ensuring the caramel reaches the perfect soft ball stage for ideal chewiness.
- You can choose between milk or dark chocolate for the topping depending on your preferred sweetness level.
- For easier cutting, warm the knife under hot water and dry it before slicing the bars.
- These bars are best served chilled but can be left at room temperature briefly before serving for softer texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
