If you’ve ever secretly stashed away a pack of Twix for a solo treat, you are about to fall madly in love with Homemade Twix Bites. These little wonders capture everything you adore about the famous candy bar: buttery shortbread, gooey caramel, and a glossy layer of creamy milk chocolate. The best part? You get all the flavor-bursting joy in bite-sized form, made right in your own kitchen! This no-fuss recipe is perfect for parties, gifting, or just those moments when you want to spoil yourself (and maybe a lucky friend or two).
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you’ll need are a handful of classic ingredients—each one plays an important part in crafting that signature texture and flavor of Homemade Twix Bites. Don’t skip or skimp, and trust me, every item here makes a difference!
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of our shortbread, providing structure and a tender crumb.
- Unsalted butter (softened): For that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture—softened butter makes mixing a breeze and enhances the shortbread’s flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Adds delicate sweetness and helps the shortbread bases bake up golden and light.
- Salt: Just a pinch sharpens all the flavors and keeps things from being too sweet.
- Soft caramel candies (melted): The secret to our sticky, luscious caramel layer—soft caramel candies melt beautifully and make assembly easy.
- Heavy cream: This splash of cream ensures the caramel remains smooth and luxuriously creamy, not stiff.
- Milk chocolate chips: Melted down, they become that crave-worthy chocolate coating that brings the whole bite together.
- Coconut oil or vegetable oil: Just a bit keeps the chocolate silky and glossy after chilling—no gray streaks here!
How to Make Homemade Twix Bites
Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Base
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and get your mini muffin tin ready with liners or by greasing it lightly. This prep step helps the shortbread release easily and keeps those bites picture-perfect. In a medium bowl, cream together your softened butter, granulated sugar, and salt until the mixture looks pale and fluffy. Add in the flour and mix until a soft dough forms—don’t over-mix! Scoop roughly a tablespoon of dough into each muffin cup and gently press so it covers just the bottom, forming a neat even layer.
Step 2: Bake and Cool the Bases
Slide your filled tin onto the middle rack and bake for 10–12 minutes. You’re looking for a light golden hint on the edges and a set center. Remove from the oven and let the bases cool completely in the pan. This cool-down is crucial: if they’re warm, the caramel layer will turn runny and won’t set properly.
Step 3: Melt the Caramel
While the shortbread cools, pop your soft caramel candies and heavy cream into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until everything is smooth and beautifully pourable. The cream helps keep the caramel soft enough to bite into, even when chilled.
Step 4: Layer on the Caramel
Using a spoon or small scoop, dollop a generous layer of melted caramel onto each cooled shortbread base. Try to spread the caramel gently so it doesn’t spill over the sides. Once all your bites are dressed in buttery caramel, place the tin in the fridge for about 10 minutes so the caramel sets slightly—this makes adding the chocolate a breeze!
Step 5: Finish with Chocolate
For the final touch, melt your milk chocolate chips together with coconut oil (or vegetable oil) until they’re smooth and glossy. Pour or spoon a layer over the chilled caramel, ensuring the top is fully coated. A little drizzle goes a long way! Pop the bites back in the fridge until the chocolate is set and irresistibly shiny.
How to Serve Homemade Twix Bites
Garnishes
Finish your Homemade Twix Bites with a pinch of flaky sea salt scattered over the melted chocolate just before chilling. The hit of salt enhances both the caramel and chocolate, making each bite unforgettable. For a little sparkle, you can even add a few edible gold stars if you’re feeling fancy.
Side Dishes
Pair these treats with a cup of strong coffee, hot chocolate, or even a glass of milk for a nostalgic twist. They’re also lovely alongside a simple fruit platter or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, especially when you want to create a mini dessert sampler.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Homemade Twix Bites on a vintage cake stand or stack them in glass jars for edible gifts. For parties, line them up in rows on a wooden board mixed with fresh berries or nuts—so tempting, nobody will be able to resist grabbing just one (or three)!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any extras (if you have them!) in an airtight container in the fridge. The caramel and chocolate layers stay perfectly set, and the shortbread remains tender for up to one week—making these great for make-ahead treats or packed dessert trays.
Freezing
If you need to store your Homemade Twix Bites longer, you can freeze them! Place the fully set bites in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separated by parchment paper. They’ll keep up to two months. Just thaw in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
You typically won’t need to reheat these, but if you’d like a softer chocolate top, let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Avoid microwaving so the layers stay intact and the shortbread doesn’t get soggy.
FAQs
Can I use homemade caramel instead of melted candies?
Absolutely! If you’re adventurous (or already have a favorite recipe), homemade caramel adds a delicious, personal touch. Just be sure your caramel is thick and set enough to spoon on top without dripping everywhere.
What if I don’t have a mini muffin tin?
No worries! You can use a regular muffin tin for larger treats or even press the dough into a lined baking pan, then cut into bars once cooled and layered. Just adjust baking time as needed for bigger bites.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The shortbread may be a touch more delicate, but the flavor will still be spot-on.
How can I make a dairy-free version?
Swap in dairy-free butter and coconut milk or a dairy-free cream for the caramel layer. Make sure your chocolate chips are also dairy-free. The results are still delightfully rich and chocolatey!
Why is my chocolate topping streaky or dull?
If the chocolate looks dull instead of glossy, it’s usually because it set too quickly or wasn’t combined with oil. Always melt chocolate slowly and add the coconut or vegetable oil for a lovely, shiny finish on your Homemade Twix Bites.
Final Thoughts
I promise, once you try making Homemade Twix Bites, you’ll be tempted to keep a secret batch tucked away at all times! They’re quick, crowd-pleasing, and so much fun to share. Give them a go—you’ll never want to buy store-bought candy bars again!
Print
Homemade Twix Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes (plus chilling)
- Yield: 24 bites 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the deliciousness of homemade Twix Bites with a buttery shortbread base, luscious caramel center, and a chocolate topping. These bite-sized treats are perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings!
Ingredients
Shortbread Base:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Caramel Filling:
- 1/2 cup soft caramel candies (melted)
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream
Chocolate Topping:
- 3/4 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil or vegetable oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a mini muffin tin.
- Make the shortbread base: Cream butter, sugar, and salt. Mix in flour to form a dough. Press into muffin cups and bake until golden.
- Prepare the caramel: Melt caramel candies with heavy cream, then spoon over the shortbread bases.
- Add the chocolate topping: Melt chocolate chips with coconut oil, pour over the caramel, and chill until set.
Notes
- For a salted version, sprinkle sea salt on top before chilling.
- You can use homemade caramel for a personalized touch.
- Store Twix Bites in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
