If you have a soft spot for the perfect balance of crunchy cookie, gooey caramel, and smooth chocolate, then you are going to adore this Homemade Twix Bites Recipe. These little bites capture that iconic candy bar flavor in a charming, bite-sized form that’s perfect for sharing, gifting, or sneaking a few whenever a sweet craving hits. What makes this recipe so irresistible is how easy it is to create those layers from scratch—each mouthful offers a buttery shortbread base topped with luscious homemade caramel, all coated in rich chocolate. Believe me, once you make these, you’ll wonder why you ever bought the store-bought version!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make these Homemade Twix Bites Recipe treats means gathering a handful of simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a key role, whether it’s building that tender, crumbly shortbread, creating a rich and sticky caramel layer, or giving the bites their final glossy chocolate coat.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy yet tender base for the shortbread, forming the perfect crunchy foundation.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and light texture to the cookie layer.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Responsible for the buttery richness that makes the shortbread melt in your mouth.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor depth and balances the sweetness beautifully.
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk: The star ingredient that helps create a luscious, creamy caramel layer.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Offers deep molasses notes to the caramel, giving it that classic chewy texture.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (for caramel): Adds creaminess and delivers a smooth caramel texture.
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup: Keeps the caramel soft and prevents sugar crystallization for that perfect chew.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, fragrant note rounding out the caramel’s flavor.
- 1 1/2 cups milk or dark chocolate chips: Choose your favorite for coating; milk for sweetness, dark for a slightly bitter contrast.
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable oil (optional): Helps smooth and shine the chocolate coating for that professional finish.
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 bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and salt, creaming them together until light and fluffy. Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour until a soft dough forms. Press this dough evenly into a parchment-lined baking pan to create a firm, even layer. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until it just starts to turn golden brown at the edges. This shortbread base is the foundation of your Homemade Twix Bites Recipe, so make sure it’s baked to perfection—firm but tender.
Step 2: Make the Gooey Caramel Layer
While your base cools slightly, it’s time to make the caramel magic. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, butter, and light corn syrup. Stir constantly to avoid burning, and let it simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes until thick and golden. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Pour this luscious caramel evenly over the warm shortbread and spread it gently with a spatula. Let it cool to room temperature so the caramel sets nicely but stays soft enough to chew.
Step 3: Coat the Bites in Chocolate
Now for the final layer of indulgence! Melt your choice of chocolate chips along with the coconut or vegetable oil in a microwave-safe bowl in short bursts, stirring between each until smooth and glossy. Pour the chocolate over the set caramel layer, using a spatula to spread it evenly. Chill the entire pan in the fridge for at least an hour to let everything firm up. Once set, cut into small squares or rectangles—voilà! Your Homemade Twix Bites Recipe is ready to be devoured.
How to Serve Homemade Twix Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a little garnish to your Homemade Twix Bites Recipe can elevate the eating experience. Try sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the chocolate before it sets for a trendy sweet-salty contrast. For a festive feel, you can also dust with some finely crushed toasted nuts or drizzle a little white chocolate for pretty stripes that wow your guests.
Side Dishes
These bites pair wonderfully with rich, creamy accompaniments. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream can turn a simple dessert moment into a decadent treat. For drinks, think a strong cup of coffee or a smooth glass of cold milk to wash down the luscious sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re gifting these happy treats or serving them at a party, presentation matters! Arrange your Homemade Twix Bites Recipe in mini cupcake liners for easy pick-up and a polished look. You could also stack them like little towers on a dessert platter or present them in decorative tins lined with parchment paper for a charming homemade gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Homemade Twix Bites Recipe will keep beautifully stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This way, the shortbread stays crisp without the chocolate or caramel compromising texture. If your home is warm, storing them in the fridge is a smart choice to keep the chocolate from softening too much.
Freezing
Want to save these delicious bites for later? Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They can last frozen for up to a month without losing much of their charm. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before you’re ready to enjoy so that the layers re-set perfectly.
Reheating
Since these bites are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, reheating is usually not needed. However, if you want to soften the caramel slightly for a chewy experience, allow them to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before eating. Avoid microwaving as it can make the chocolate grainy or the caramel too sticky.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but be mindful to reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe since salted butter contains salt already. This helps maintain the perfect balance of sweet and salty in your Homemade Twix Bites Recipe.
Is there a way to make the caramel vegan?
For a vegan twist, substitute the sweetened condensed milk with a plant-based alternative like coconut condensed milk and use vegan butter. Just note the flavor and texture might vary slightly.
Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate adds a lovely bittersweet contrast that complements the caramel and shortbread layers beautifully, offering a more sophisticated twist on the classic flavor.
How do I prevent the chocolate from cracking when cutting the bites?
Use a sharp, warm knife by running it under hot water and drying it before slicing. This technique helps create clean cuts and avoids cracking or breaking the chocolate layer on your Homemade Twix Bites Recipe.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Definitely. The ingredients scale nicely if you want to make more. Just be sure to use a larger pan or bake in batches to keep the layers even and the cooking times accurate.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a fun and satisfying homemade treat that will impress friends and family, this Homemade Twix Bites Recipe should be your next baking adventure. The joy of layering buttery shortbread, gooey caramel, and silky chocolate creates a snack that’s truly irresistible. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and get ready to make these delightful bites that might just become your new favorite sweet fix!
Print
Homemade Twix Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
Description
These Homemade Twix Bites are a delightful treat combining a buttery shortbread base, a smooth caramel layer, and a rich chocolate coating. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, these bite-sized candies are easy to prepare and great for gifting or enjoying at home.
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: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, softened unsalted butter, and salt. Mix until the dough comes together into a smooth, firm consistency. Press the dough evenly into a lined or greased baking pan to form the base layer.
- Bake the Shortbread: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the shortbread base for about 15-18 minutes or until it is lightly golden and set. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan.
- Make the Caramel Layer: In a saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, unsalted butter, and light corn syrup. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and turns a golden caramel color. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Spread Caramel over Shortbread: Pour the warm caramel mixture evenly over the cooled shortbread base. Spread it carefully with a spatula to cover the entire surface. Let it cool and set completely, preferably chilling it to firm the caramel.
- Prepare Chocolate Coating: Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave or a double boiler until smooth. Stir in the coconut oil or vegetable oil if using, to create a smoother coating.
- Cut and Dip: Once the caramel has set, lift the shortbread and caramel slab out of the pan and cut it into bite-sized squares. Dip each piece into the melted chocolate to coat evenly and place them on parchment paper to set.
- Set the Chocolate: Allow the chocolate-coated treats to chill in the refrigerator until the chocolate hardens completely before serving.
Notes
- Use a lined baking pan for easier removal and cleanup.
- Stir the caramel constantly to prevent burning and ensure smoothness.
- For a thicker caramel layer, cook the mixture slightly longer but be careful not to burn.
- The optional coconut or vegetable oil helps achieve a glossy, smooth chocolate coating.
- Store Twix Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
