Easy Homemade Twix Bites

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Unsalted butter: It’s best to use unsalted butter for control over the saltiness of the recipe. If you’re dairy-free, you can substitute with coconut oil or plant-based butter, though it may slightly alter the flavor.

Granulated sugar: This sugar is essential for sweetening the shortbread. If you prefer a less refined option, you could swap in coconut sugar, but the texture and color might change a bit.

All-purpose flour: Standard for the shortbread base. For a gluten-free alternative, try using gluten-free all-purpose flour or almond flour, keeping in mind that the texture may vary.

Caramel: You can use store-bought caramel sauce for convenience. Alternatively, make your own with sugar, cream, and butter if you want a more homemade touch! If you’re vegan, look for a dairy-free caramel option or make date caramel.

Chocolate: My go-to is semi-sweet chocolate for a nice balance. You can use dark chocolate if you prefer a richer taste, or white chocolate for something sweeter and different!

How Do You Get Perfectly Melted Chocolate for Dipping?

Melted chocolate can be tricky, but here’s how to do it right! The goal is to melt it smoothly without burning. Here are my tips:

• Use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat the chocolate in 30-second intervals to avoid overheating.
• Stir well after each interval. This helps distribute the heat evenly.
• If you notice it’s thick but still has unmelted pieces, let it sit for a minute. The residual heat will often do the trick!
• For a smoother finish, add a teaspoon of vegetable oil to the chocolate before melting. This helps create a lovely glossy coat.

Easy Homemade Twix Bites

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup caramel sauce or soft caramels (about 12 soft caramels), chopped
• 12 ounces milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
• Coarse sea salt for sprinkling (optional)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe should take you about 45 minutes to prep and assemble, plus an additional hour to chill the caramel layer in the fridge. Once you add the final melting and coating time, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 45 minutes total before enjoying your delicious treats!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Shortbread Base:

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer or a wooden spoon until it’s light and fluffy—this usually takes a few minutes. Gradually mix in the flour and salt until everything is just combined and you have a dough that holds together nicely.

2. Shape and Bake:

Next, press your dough evenly into a parchment-lined 9×13 inch baking pan. Make sure it’s well packed. Bake it in the preheated oven for about 18-20 minutes or until the edges are starting to turn a lovely golden color. Once done, carefully remove it from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack.

3. Add the Caramel:

Whether you’re using caramel sauce or soft caramels, this next step is key! If you choose caramel sauce, gently warm it so it spreads easily. For soft caramels, melt them in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second increments, stirring in between until smooth. Once melted or warmed, pour an even layer of caramel over the cooled shortbread base and spread it out evenly. Now, pop the pan into the refrigerator for about an hour, allowing the caramel layer to firm up.

4. Cut into Bites:

After the caramel has set, lift the parchment paper out of the pan to transfer the whole layer to a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut the candy into bite-sized squares or rectangles, whatever suits your cravings!

5. Dip in Chocolate:

Now, it’s time for chocolate! Melt your chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each session until it’s completely smooth. Take each shortbread-caramel square and dip it into the melted chocolate, using a fork or a dipping tool. Make sure they are well-coated, then place them on a sheet of parchment paper to set.

6. Optional Garnish:

If you like a little extra flair, while the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle a tiny pinch of coarse sea salt on top. This gives it that delightful contrast and elevates the flavor!

7. Set and Store:

Let the chocolate harden at room temperature, or to speed things up, you can pop them in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes. Once they’re set, store the Twix bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Enjoy your homemade Twix Bites – they are crispy, caramel-filled, and deliciously chocolate-coated! Share with friends or enjoy them all by yourself! 😄

Can I Use Store-Bought Caramel Instead of Making My Own?

Absolutely! Using store-bought caramel sauce or soft caramels is a great time-saver and works perfectly in this recipe. Just warm it slightly to make it easier to spread over the shortbread base.

How Do I Store Leftover Twix Bites?

Store your leftover Twix bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week. Just make sure they’re separated with parchment paper if you stack them to avoid sticking!

Can I Freeze These Twix Bites for Later?

Yes! You can freeze the Twix bites for up to 2 months. Just make sure they are fully set and stored in an airtight container or freezer bag. To enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge for a few hours before indulging.

What Can I Use Instead of All-Purpose Flour?

If you need a gluten-free option, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Almond flour also works well but may change the texture slightly, making the bites a bit denser.