From-scratch Twix Bars

These homemade Twix bars have everything you love about the classic candy bar: buttery shortbread, a thick layer of gooey caramel, and smooth milk chocolate. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top makes these decadent cookie bars even better.

Also known as millionaire shortbread these layered caramel shortbread bars look impressive but are surprisingly easy to make. Start with a simple homemade shortbread crust, add melted caramel, and finish with a rich chocolate layer.

These copycat Twix bars are good for holidays, parties, potlucks, gifting, or when you want a chocolate and caramel dessert. Make them ahead of time and keep them chilled until you’re ready to slice and serve.

This shortbread cookie bar recipe is a go-to party dessert. You might know it by the name – Millionaire Bars! No matter what you call it, these bars are a must. Plus it doesn’t require much effort to make this dessert bar.

A copycat Twix candy bar recipe that is pretty simple to whip up. Homemade shortbread cookie crust, creamy caramel, and a perfectly rich chocolate top that is dusted with salt for added flavor.Why You’ll Love These From-scratch Twix Bars

What stands out

Easy to customize – Use milk, semi-sweet, or dark chocolate and finish the bars with flaky sea salt if desired.

Three layers – Buttery shortbread, creamy caramel, and smooth chocolate give you the flavors and textures of a classic Twix candy bar.

Easy to make – Each layer uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps.

Great make-ahead dessert – The bars need time to chill and set, making them ideal for preparing a day before you plan to serve them.

good for sharing – Cut the bars into small squares for parties, holiday dessert trays, potlucks, or homemade gifts.

• Butter – Softened butter creates the rich, tender base for the homemade shortbread. We recommend using real butter for the best flavor and texture.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the shortbread cookie layer without making it overly sweet.
• Vanilla Extract – Adds warmth and flavor to the buttery shortbread crust.
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides the structure for the shortbread base. Measure the flour correctly to avoid a dry or crumbly crust.
• Soft Caramel Candies – Using individually wrapped soft caramels makes the caramel layer quick and easy to prepare without making caramel completely from scratch.
• Heavy Cream – Melts with the caramel candies to create a creamy caramel layer that’s easier to slice once set.
• Milk Chocolate – Creates that classic Twix-inspired chocolate topping. You can also use semi-sweet or dark chocolate if you prefer.
• Coconut Oil – Helps the melted chocolate spread smoothly over the caramel layer and creates a softer chocolate topping that’s easier to slice.
• Flaky Sea Salt – Optional, but a little flaky salt balances the sweetness of the caramel and chocolate.

How to Make Twix Bars

Prepare the shortbread. Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla, followed by the flour, just until a soft shortbread dough forms.

Bake the shortbread crust. Press the dough evenly into a parchment-lined 8×8-inch baking pan. Bake until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the shortbread to cool slightly before adding the caramel.

Make the caramel layer. Add the soft caramel candies and heavy cream to a saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently, until completely melted and smooth.

Add the caramel. Pour the warm caramel over the baked shortbread and spread it into an even layer. Refrigerate until the caramel has firmed.

Make the chocolate topping. Melt the chocolate with the coconut oil until smooth. You can do this in a double boiler or microwave in short intervals.

Chill the bars. Spread the melted chocolate over the caramel. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired, then refrigerate until all three layers are completely set.

Slice and serve. Once firm, lift the millionaire shortbread from the pan using the parchment paper and cut it into bars.

Tips for the Best Twix Bars

Don’t serve them ice-cold. For a softer caramel texture, allow the bars to sit at room temperature briefly before serving.

Line your pan with parchment paper. Leave some parchment hanging over the sides so you can easily lift the entire slab of bars from the pan before slicing.

Don’t overmix the shortbread. Mix the flour into the butter mixture just until combined. Overmixing can affect the tender texture of the shortbread.

Let each layer set. Don’t rush the chilling process. The caramel needs to firm before adding the chocolate, and the finished bars need enough time to completely set before slicing.

Watch the caramel carefully. Stir frequently as the caramel candies melt with the heavy cream to prevent scorching.

Use a warm knife for cleaner slices. Run a sharp knife under hot water, dry it thoroughly, and then slice the chilled bars. Wipe and warm the knife again between cuts as needed.

Swaps

Mini Twix Bites: Cut the finished bars into smaller squares for parties and dessert trays.

Dark Chocolate Twix Bars: Replace the milk chocolate with dark or semi-sweet chocolate for a less-sweet dessert.

Salted Caramel Twix Bars: Add a generous sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the chocolate before it sets.

Peanut Butter Twix Bars: Add a thin peanut butter layer or use a peanut butter filling for a twist on the classic caramel version.

Holiday Twix Bars: Add festive sprinkles over the chocolate before it hardens for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or other holidays.

Keeping leftovers

You can also freeze the bars for longer storage. Once completely set, cut them into individual portions and place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment between the layers. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw before serving.

Store homemade Twix bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Place parchment or wax paper between layers to keep the bars from sticking together.

Practical notes

Are Twix bars the same as millionaire shortbread?

Homemade Twix bars and millionaire shortbread are similar desserts. Both typically feature layers of buttery shortbread, caramel, and chocolate. This recipe is inspired by the flavors of a Twix candy bar while using the layered format commonly associated with millionaire shortbread.

Why is the caramel in our Twix bars too soft?

The caramel may be too soft if the bars haven’t chilled long enough or if too much cream was added. Give the caramel plenty of time to set in the refrigerator before slicing the bars.

How do you cut Twix bars without cracking the chocolate?

Use a sharp knife that has been warmed under hot water and thoroughly dried. Allowing the bars to sit at room temperature briefly before slicing can also help prevent the chocolate topping from cracking.

Do homemade Twix bars need to be refrigerated?

We recommend storing homemade Twix bars in the refrigerator to keep the caramel and chocolate layers firm. Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving if you prefer softer caramel.

Can we use chocolate chips for Twix bars?

Yes. Milk chocolate chips work well for the classic Twix flavor, but semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips can also be used. Melt the chocolate slowly so it remains smooth.

Can you freeze homemade Twix bars?

Yes. Once the layers have completely set, slice the bars and transfer them to a freezer-safe container. Separate the layers with parchment paper and freeze for up to 3 months.

Can we make Twix bars ahead of time?

Absolutely. In fact, homemade Twix bars are a great make-ahead dessert because they need several hours to chill and set. Prepare them the day before and refrigerate until you’re ready to slice and serve. You will love these layered dessert bars.

Looking For More Desserts

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Ingredients

Makes 9 servings

Shortbread Base

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Caramel Layer

• 11 ounces soft caramel candies
• 3 tablespoons heavy cream

Chocolate Layer

• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 12 ounces chocolate
• Flake salt, to taste (optional)

Equipment

• KitchenAid Mixer
• Measuring Spoons
• 8×8 pan

Method

1. Start by preheating the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Then in a bowl or stand mixer, you will want to add your softened butter and sugar together. Cream the mixture for 2-3 minutes or until it is light and fluffy.
2. Slowly add in your vanilla and the all purpose flour. Mix until the flour is fully incorporated. Do not overmix.
3. Line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper, and pat down the shortbread cookie mix.
4. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the shortbread is fully cooked and begins to turn golden brown on edges.
5. Allow the bars to cool for a bit. Now you can beging to work on the caramel sauce. In a small pan add your soft caramels and the heavy cream. Cook on medium heat until the mixture is fully melted. You need to stir often or it will burn.
6. After 5 minutes of cooking remove from the heat, pour over the shortbread cookie, and cover and place in the fridge for an hour.
7. After the hour you can work on your chocolate layer. Melt your chocolate chips and coconut oil in a double boiler or in the microwave. Once melted, pour over the caramel, and spread evenly.
8. If you want lightly dust with sea salt flakes. Place bars back in the fridge to fully harden for 4-5 hours.

Kitchen notes

You can slice into bars and then wrap individually to give as a gift around the holidays. Double the recipe for the Twix shortbread bars, and use a 9×13 pan. We used milk chocolate but you can easily reach for semi-sweet or even white chocolate. The shortbread crust does rise as it bakes, so don’t worry about the the thickness. We recommend running your knife under hot water for a bit to warm the blade. Then wipe down the the blade with a paper towel, then slice. It will provide a clean cut for the caramel Twix bars.