Craving a classic candy bar but looking for a healthier version? These homemade gluten-free Twix bars are the perfect solution! With a buttery almond flour shortbread base, a creamy peanut butter caramel layer, and a smooth dark chocolate coating, they offer the same indulgent experience as the original but with better-for-you ingredients. Naturally sweetened with maple syrup and free from refined sugars, these bars are the ultimate guilt-free treat.
What’s even better? They’re easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients. Whether you need a midday snack, a post-dinner dessert, or a homemade gift for a friend, these Twix bars will impress with their rich flavor and satisfying texture. Give them a try and enjoy a healthier way to satisfy your chocolate cravings!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
Shortbread Base:
- 1 ½ cups almond flour
- 3 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 ½ tbsp maple syrup
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
Caramel Filling:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup almond flour
Chocolate Coating:
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 ½ tbsp coconut oil
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring the edges are covered for easy removal.
- Make the Shortbread Base – In a mixing bowl, combine almond flour, melted butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until a dough forms, then press it evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges turn golden brown. Let it cool.
- Prepare the Caramel Filling – In a medium bowl, mix peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and almond flour until smooth. Spread evenly over the cooled shortbread base. Freeze for at least 1 hour.
- Melt the Chocolate – In a small saucepan over boiling water, melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil, stirring until smooth. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
- Slice & Coat – Once the caramel layer is firm, remove from the pan and cut into 16 bars. Dip each bar into the melted chocolate, ensuring even coverage. Let any excess drip off.
- Final Touch – Drizzle leftover melted chocolate over the bars and optionally sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Freeze for 10 minutes until the chocolate hardens.
- Enjoy! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours (includes chilling time)
Kcal: 220 kcal per bar | Servings: 16 bars
Homemade Healthy Twix Bars: A Guilt-Free Indulgence
There’s nothing quite like the combination of a crunchy shortbread base, creamy caramel filling, and a luscious chocolate coating. Twix bars have been a long-time favorite for candy lovers, but their store bought versions often contain processed sugars, artificial ingredients, and preservatives. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative that delivers the same delicious experience without the guilt, these homemade gluten-free Twix bars are the perfect choice.
Crafted with wholesome ingredients like almond flour, peanut butter, and dark chocolate, these bars are naturally sweetened and free from refined sugar. They provide the ideal balance of texture and flavor crispy yet soft, sweet yet rich. Whether you’re following a gluten free diet, looking for a healthier dessert, or simply love making treats from scratch, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.
Why Choose Homemade Over Store-Bought?
Many popular candy bars, including Twix, are loaded with artificial flavors, hydrogenated oils, and high fructose corn syrup. While they taste great, these ingredients can have negative effects on your health over time. By making your own version at home, you have full control over what goes into your treat.
Healthier Ingredients
This homemade Twix bar recipe replaces traditional refined flour with almond flour, which is not only gluten-free but also packed with healthy fats and protein. Instead of using processed caramel made with corn syrup, it features a peanut butter caramel sweetened with natural maple syrup. Plus, the chocolate coating is made from high-quality dark chocolate, which contains antioxidants and less sugar than regular milk chocolate.
Diet-Friendly and Customizable
One of the best things about making treats at home is the ability to customize them to fit your dietary preferences. These bars are naturally gluten-free, but they can also be adapted to be vegan by swapping out the butter for coconut oil and ensuring the chocolate is dairy-free. Additionally, if you prefer a nut free version, you can substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or tahini.
Freshness and Quality
Homemade treats are always fresher than store-bought candy bars, which often sit on shelves for months before being consumed. When you make these Twix bars from scratch, you ensure that every ingredient is fresh and free from unnecessary additives.
The Perfect Balance of Flavor and Texture
These gluten-free Twix bars feature three layers that work together harmoniously to create an irresistible treat.
1. The Shortbread Base
The foundation of these bars is a buttery almond flour shortbread that’s lightly sweetened with maple syrup. Unlike traditional shortbread made with wheat flour and processed sugar, this version is gluten-free and provides a slightly nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the caramel and chocolate layers.
2. The Peanut Butter Caramel
Instead of using a traditional caramel made with refined sugar and cream, this recipe takes a healthier approach with peanut butter and maple syrup. The result is a rich, creamy, and slightly salty caramel that perfectly complements the crunchy shortbread base. The peanut butter also adds a dose of healthy fats and protein, making these bars more satisfying than their store-bought counterparts.
3. The Chocolate Coating
A Twix bar wouldn’t be complete without a smooth, chocolatey coating. High quality dark chocolate is used in this recipe to provide a rich taste while keeping the sugar content low. Dark chocolate contains antioxidants and is known to have heart healthy benefits, making it a great addition to this healthier treat.
How to Enjoy These Healthy Twix Bars
These homemade Twix bars can be enjoyed in many ways beyond just eating them straight from the fridge. Here are some fun ways to serve them:
- As a Dessert – These bars make a fantastic after-dinner treat. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent experience.
- With Coffee or Tea – The combination of dark chocolate and peanut butter pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. It’s a perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
- Frozen for a Crunchier Texture – Store these bars in the freezer for a firmer, crunchier bite. The caramel layer becomes extra chewy when frozen, making it a delightful twist on the original texture.
- Crumbled Over Yogurt or Oatmeal – For a fun breakfast option, crumble a small piece over your morning yogurt or oatmeal for a touch of sweetness without going overboard.
Storage Tips: Keeping Your Twix Bars Fresh
To maintain the best texture and flavor, it’s important to store these bars properly.
- Refrigeration: Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. This keeps the chocolate coating firm and the caramel layer perfectly soft.
- Freezing: If you want to make a large batch and save some for later, these bars freeze exceptionally well. Wrap each bar individually in parchment paper and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Simply let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before eating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these bars vegan?
Yes! Replace the butter with coconut oil and ensure you use dairy-free chocolate chips to make them completely vegan.
What can I use instead of almond flour?
If you have a nut allergy or prefer a different flour, you can substitute almond flour with oat flour. However, note that the texture may be slightly different.
Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
Absolutely! Honey can be used in place of maple syrup, but it will give the caramel a slightly different flavor.
Are these Twix bars kid-friendly?
Yes! They are a great alternative to store-bought candy and can be enjoyed by kids as a healthier treat.
Conclusion
These homemade gluten free Twix bars are proof that you don’t have to give up your favorite treats in order to eat healthier. By using simple, wholesome ingredients, you can recreate a beloved candy bar in a way that not only tastes amazing but also nourishes your body.
Whether you’re looking for a nutritious snack, a better alternative to traditional candy bars, or just love the joy of homemade desserts, this recipe is a must-try. With a crispy almond flour base, a creamy peanut butter caramel filling, and a rich dark chocolate coating, these bars provide the ultimate indulgence without any of the guilt.
So, why not give them a try? Once you take your first bite, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought candy again!