Create copycat candy bars at home with this reliable recipe for Homemade Twix Bars, featuring buttery shortbread, chewy caramel, and a rich chocolate coating.
Author:alchemychef
Prep Time:30 min
Cook Time:25 min
Total Time:1 hour 55 min
Yield:24 bars 1x
Category:Dessert
Method:Baking and Chilling
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons shortening or coconut oil
Instructions
Prepare the shortbread layer: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal.
In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Gradually mix in the flour and 1/4 teaspoon of salt until a crumbly dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Bake the shortbread for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the caramel.
Prepare the caramel layer: In a medium saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, corn syrup, brown sugar, 1/2 cup of butter, vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
Cook the caramel mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it reaches 240°F (soft-ball stage) on a candy thermometer, about 8 to 10 minutes. Do not let it burn.
Pour the hot caramel evenly over the warm shortbread crust. Let the caramel set at room temperature for at least 1 hour, or until firm enough to handle.
Cut the cooled shortbread and caramel into bar shapes, similar to the size of a candy bar. Place the bars on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Prepare the chocolate coating: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and shortening (or coconut oil). Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted.
Dip each caramel shortbread bar into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated. Use a fork to lift the bar out, allowing excess chocolate to drip off.
Place the coated bars back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is set.
Notes
For a quicker set on the caramel, you can chill the shortbread layer for 30 minutes before pouring the caramel on top.
If you prefer a thinner chocolate coating, add 1 teaspoon more shortening to the melted chocolate mixture.
Store your finished Homemade Twix Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for the best texture.