If you’ve ever found yourself sneaking extra Twix bars or wishing you could recreate that perfect caramel-and-chocolate crunch at home, you’re in for a treat! These Homemade Twix Bites are an irresistible mashup of buttery shortbread, lush caramel, and creamy chocolate, all packed into chewy, perfectly portioned squares. Not only are they surprisingly easy to make from scratch, but they’re also endlessly customizable and guaranteed to delight anyone lucky enough to snag one. Whether you’re prepping dessert for a gathering or sneaking a sweet bite for yourself, this is the ultimate bite-sized treat you’ll turn to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Homemade Twix Bites come together with just a handful of kitchen staples, but each ingredient plays a starring role. Every component is chosen for its ability to create that distinctive texture and the decadent layers you crave. Here’s what you’ll need and why:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The backbone of your shortbread, giving it a tender yet sturdy base that holds up under decadent layers.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the rich butter and bring the shortbread to life.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Essential for that melt-in-your-mouth texture and buttery depth that makes every bite sing.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Brightens and enhances all the flavors, making sure the sweetness doesn’t overwhelm.
- 15 soft caramels, unwrapped: The shortcut hero for a gooey caramel layer without the fuss of making caramel from scratch.
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream: Ensures the caramel melts luxuriously smooth and stays perfectly chewy, not sticky.
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips: Classic candy bar flavor and that silky finish everyone knows and loves.
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening: Helps the chocolate melt beautifully and set with a glossy, professional sheen.
How to Make Homemade Twix Bites
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This little bit of prep makes it a breeze to lift out your Homemade Twix Bites at the end—and ensures none of that wonderful shortbread sticks!
Step 2: Whip Up the Shortbread Base
Grab a medium mixing bowl and combine the flour, granulated sugar, softened butter, and salt. Stir, squish, and work it all together until a soft, slightly crumbly dough forms. Press that dough evenly into your prepared pan, making sure to reach every corner so your bites have an even layer of shortbread pride.
Step 3: Bake the Perfect Shortbread
Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 15–18 minutes. You’re aiming for a gentle golden brown around the edges—just enough to crisp up without drying out. Once done, let the pan cool completely; a lukewarm base will melt the caramel, and you want nice, defined layers.
Step 4: Melt and Pour the Caramel
While your shortbread cools, place the unwrapped soft caramels and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second bursts, stirring after each zap, until everything is silky and thick. Immediately pour the melted caramel over the cooled shortbread base and gently smooth it out with a spatula. Put the pan in the fridge for about 30 minutes so the caramel can set up beautifully.
Step 5: Top With Creamy Chocolate
Next, melt your chocolate chips and coconut oil (or shortening) together in a fresh microwave-safe bowl, again using short bursts and a good stir in-between to prevent scorching. Pour the glossy chocolate over the chilled caramel layer, then use a spatula to spread it evenly. Back in the fridge it goes until firm—if you’re antsy, sneak a peek after 20 minutes!
Step 6: Slice and Serve the Homemade Twix Bites
Carefully lift the set slab from your pan using the parchment. With a sharp knife, cut your masterpiece into bite-sized squares—or go wild with rectangles for true Twix-copycat vibes. Arrange, admire, and get ready for high-fives all around.
How to Serve Homemade Twix Bites
Garnishes
If you want to put a finishing touch on your Homemade Twix Bites, try a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after spreading the chocolate—it beautifully balances the sweetness and looks so inviting. A drizzle of white chocolate or a light dusting of edible gold shimmer makes them party-ready in seconds.
Side Dishes
Honestly, these little bars are stars on their own, but serving them with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream never hurts. If you’re prepping a dessert platter, pair your Twix bites with nutty brittles, tangy fruit bars, or chocolate-dipped pretzels for an irresistible variety.
Creative Ways to Present
Homemade Twix Bites are right at home tucked into lunchboxes or showcased on a festive dessert table. Stack them in cellophane bags tied with ribbon for a sweet edible gift, or layer them in mason jars with parchment for a rustic-chic presentation. For playful flair, skewer them onto toothpicks and stand them upright on a platter—instant dessert kabobs!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Stash any remaining Homemade Twix Bites (if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers) in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep their snap and chew for up to a week, so you can savor them slowly or tuck them away for a surprise treat.
Freezing
Need to prep ahead for a special event? No problem! These bites freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers. They’ll keep for about 2 months—just thaw in the fridge before serving to restore that perfect texture.
Reheating
If you adore a slightly oozy caramel center, pop a Twix bite in the microwave for 5-7 seconds. It’ll warm just enough to bring out those nostalgic candy-bar vibes without melting into a mess. Be careful not to overheat, or the layers can separate.
FAQs
Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate brings a deeper, bittersweet note to the Homemade Twix Bites, balancing the sweetness of the caramel. It’s a wonderful twist and works just as well as the classic milk version.
What if I don’t have heavy cream for the caramel?
If you’re out of heavy cream, a splash of whole milk can work in a pinch. While the caramel may be ever-so-slightly less rich, it will still melt smoothly and bind beautifully to your shortbread base.
How do I get clean cuts without smudging the chocolate?
A sharp knife warmed under hot water (then wiped dry) is your best friend here. Press straight down rather than dragging, and clean the blade between cuts for those Instagram-ready squares.
Can I double the recipe for a bigger batch?
Definitely! Simply use a 9×13-inch pan and double all the ingredients. Keep a close eye on the baking time—your shortbread base may need an extra few minutes, but everything else stays the same.
What’s the best way to gift Homemade Twix Bites?
These bites make charming edible presents! Pack them in gift boxes or cellophane bags, and add a handwritten tag for that homemade touch. They hold up well for several days, so they’re perfect for sharing.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a bite-sized classic that’s sure to wow a crowd and satisfy every sweet tooth, Homemade Twix Bites are calling your name. They’re as much fun to make as they are to eat, and I can’t wait for you to share these irresistible little treats with friends and family. Go ahead—indulge your inner candy-maker and see just how quickly these disappear!
Print
Homemade Twix Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 25 bites 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delicious homemade Twix bites that feature a buttery shortbread base, gooey caramel center, and a rich chocolate coating. These little treats are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth!
Ingredients
Shortbread Layer:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Caramel Layer:
- 15 soft caramels, unwrapped
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Chocolate Layer:
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Make Shortbread Base: Mix flour, sugar, butter, and salt until a soft dough forms. Press into the pan and bake for 15-18 minutes.
- Prepare Caramel: Melt caramels and cream, then pour over the cooled shortbread. Chill to set.
- Melt Chocolate: Melt chocolate chips and oil, pour over caramel, and chill until firm.
- Cut and Serve: Cut into squares and store in the refrigerator.
Notes
- For a salted caramel twist, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before the chocolate sets.
- You can use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate if preferred.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
