Why Make This Recipe
If you’re looking for a healthier treat that satisfies your sweet tooth, these Healthy Twix Bars are just what you need. Not only are they gluten-free, but they also use wholesome ingredients that are better for you than traditional candy bars. With layers of crunchy shortbread, creamy peanut butter caramel, and rich chocolate, this homemade version is a delicious option for dessert, snacks, or even a sweet pick-me-up during the day.
How to Make Healthy Twix Bars
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups Almond Flour
- 3 tbsp Butter (melted)
- 1 1/2 tbsp Maple Syrup
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1 cup Creamy Peanut Butter
- 1/3 cup Maple Syrup
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1/4 cup Almond Flour
- 1 cup Chocolate Chips
- 1 1/2 tbsp Coconut Oil
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring the edges are well covered. This step is crucial for easy removal of the shortbread base later.
Prepare the Shortbread: In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, melted butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until the ingredients are fully incorporated, forming a dough. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Set aside to cool while you prepare the caramel filling.
Make the Caramel Filling: In a medium bowl, mix together the peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and almond flour until smooth and well combined. Once the shortbread has cooled, spread the caramel mixture evenly over the top. Place the pan in the freezer for at least 1 hour to set.
Prepare the Chocolate Coating: After the caramel layer has set, melt chocolate chips and coconut oil together in a shallow bowl over a pot of boiling hot water, or you can do this by microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
Assemble the Bars: Remove the pan from the freezer and lift the block out using the parchment paper. Place it on a cutting board and slice into 16 bars (cut in half once, then slice each half into 8 even bars).
Coat the Bars: Dip each bar into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully covered. Gently tap off any excess chocolate and place the bars on a parchment-lined tray. Repeat for all bars.
Final Touch: Optionally, drizzle the remaining melted chocolate over the bars and add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt over top. Return the tray to the freezer for about 10 minutes, or until the chocolate has hardened.
Enjoy! These homemade healthy Twix bars are ready to be savored. Store any leftovers in an air-tight container in the fridge or freezer.
How to Serve Healthy Twix Bars
Serve these Healthy Twix Bars chilled for a refreshing treat. They make a great snack for kids or a sweet end to any meal. Pair them with a cup of herbal tea or your favorite beverage for a delightful afternoon break.
How to Store Healthy Twix Bars
To keep your Healthy Twix Bars fresh, store them in an air-tight container. You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for a longer shelf life. Just be sure to separate the bars with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Tips to Make Healthy Twix Bars
- Make sure to firmly press your shortbread base into the pan for the best texture.
- If you prefer a richer flavor, use dark chocolate instead of regular milk chocolate.
- Experiment with nut butters; almond or cashew butter can be delicious alternatives to peanut butter.
Variation
Feel free to customize your Twix Bars! Add some crushed nuts or seeds to the caramel layer for a bit of crunch, or swap out the almond flour for coconut flour if you want a different flavor profile.
FAQs
Can I use a different sweetener instead of maple syrup?
Yes! You can substitute agave syrup or honey as alternatives, depending on your taste and dietary preferences.
Are these bars suitable for vegans?
To make the Healthy Twix Bars vegan, simply use a plant-based butter and substitute the honey with a vegan-friendly sweetener.
How long do these Healthy Twix Bars stay fresh?
When stored properly in an air-tight container, the bars can stay fresh for up to a week in the fridge or up to three months in the freezer.
Print
Healthy Twix Bars
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 92 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Healthy
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A healthier treat that satisfies your sweet tooth with layers of crunchy shortbread, creamy peanut butter caramel, and rich chocolate.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups Almond Flour
- 3 tbsp Butter (melted)
- 1 1/2 tbsp Maple Syrup
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1 cup Creamy Peanut Butter
- 1/3 cup Maple Syrup
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1/4 cup Almond Flour
- 1 cup Chocolate Chips
- 1 1/2 tbsp Coconut Oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Shortbread: In a large mixing bowl, combine almond flour, melted butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until fully incorporated. Press the mixture firmly into the baking pan and bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden brown. Set aside to cool.
- Make the Caramel Filling: Mix together peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and almond flour in a medium bowl until smooth. Spread over the cooled shortbread and freeze for at least 1 hour.
- Prepare the Chocolate Coating: Melt chocolate chips and coconut oil together until smooth.
- Assemble the Bars: Remove from the freezer, lift out using parchment, and slice into 16 bars.
- Coat the Bars: Dip each bar in melted chocolate, tap off excess, and place on a parchment-lined tray.
- Final Touch: Drizzle remaining melted chocolate and sprinkle with sea salt. Freeze for 10 minutes until hardened.
Notes
Store leftovers in an air-tight container in the fridge or freezer. They can be customized with different nut butters or sweeteners.