homemade twix bites

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Last Tuesday, my youngest daughter Sofia came home from school absolutely raving about the Twix bites her friend shared at lunch. She looked at me with those hopeful eyes and asked if we could make our own version at home. Mateo overheard the conversation from the kitchen and immediately got excited about the challenge.

That weekend, we transformed our kitchen into a candy-making workshop, and these homemade Twix bites were born. The combination of buttery shortbread, silky caramel, and rich chocolate creates pure magic in every bite. Now, these homemade Twix bites have become our go-to treat for movie nights, special occasions, and whenever we need a little sweetness in our lives.

Why You’ll Love These Homemade Twix Bites

These homemade Twix bites deliver everything you love about the classic candy bar in perfectly poppable portions. First, you control every ingredient that goes into these treats. Additionally, they’re surprisingly simple to make, even if you’ve never attempted candy-making before. The buttery shortbread base provides the perfect crunch, while the homemade caramel layer adds that signature chewiness.

Furthermore, these homemade Twix bites cost a fraction of store-bought versions. You’ll create dozens of pieces for less than buying a few candy bars. Moreover, they look absolutely stunning on dessert platters.

Guests always assume you spent hours making them, yet the actual hands-on time is minimal. The chocolate coating gives each bite a professional finish that rivals any confectionery shop.

Best of all, these homemade Twix bites taste even better than the original. The fresh ingredients shine through in every layer. You can customize the sweetness level and adjust the ratios to suit your preferences perfectly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making homemade Twix bites requires simple pantry staples that you probably already have on hand. Here’s everything you need:

Substitutions & Variations

These homemade Twix bites adapt beautifully to different dietary needs and flavor preferences. Instead of all-purpose flour, try using gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour for a gluten-free version. The texture remains remarkably similar.

For the caramel layer, you can make homemade caramel from scratch using sugar, butter, and cream if you prefer. Alternatively, store-bought caramel sauce works in a pinch, though it creates a softer layer. Dark chocolate lovers can swap semi-sweet chips for dark chocolate to reduce sweetness.

Additionally, milk chocolate creates a sweeter, creamier coating that kids absolutely love. Try adding a pinch of sea salt on top of the chocolate layer for salted homemade Twix bites. Some people also enjoy adding a tablespoon of peanut butter to the caramel for extra richness. Furthermore, you can create white chocolate versions or even mix different chocolate types for a marbled effect.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating perfect homemade Twix bites involves three simple stages. First, let’s tackle the shortbread base.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal later.

Step 2: Cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. This takes about 3 minutes with an electric mixer. Mix in the vanilla extract thoroughly.

Step 3: Gradually add the flour and salt to the butter mixture. Stir until just combined. Don’t overmix, as this can make the shortbread tough.

Step 4: Press the dough evenly into your prepared pan. Use your hands or the bottom of a measuring cup to create a uniform layer. Prick the surface all over with a fork to prevent bubbling.

Step 5: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden. The center should look set but not browned. Let the shortbread cool completely in the pan.

Step 6: Meanwhile, combine the unwrapped caramels and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until completely smooth. This usually takes about 2 minutes total.

Step 7: Pour the melted caramel over the cooled shortbread base. Spread it evenly to the edges using an offset spatula. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until the caramel firms up.

Step 8: Once set, lift the entire slab out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into small rectangles or squares, about 1-inch pieces.

Step 9: Melt the chocolate chips with coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth and glossy. The coconut oil helps create a thinner, more manageable coating.

Step 10: Dip each piece into the melted chocolate using a fork, letting excess drip off. Place the chocolate-coated homemade Twix bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 11: Refrigerate the finished homemade Twix bites for 15-20 minutes until the chocolate sets completely. Then they’re ready to enjoy!

Pro Tips for Success

Mateo always says that room temperature butter is crucial for the shortbread layer. Cold butter won’t cream properly, while melted butter changes the texture entirely. Let your butter sit out for about an hour before starting.

When making these homemade Twix bites, work quickly with the caramel layer. It thickens as it cools, making it harder to spread evenly. If it does thicken too much, simply reheat it for 10-15 seconds.

For the cleanest cuts, wipe your knife with a warm, damp cloth between each slice. This prevents the caramel from dragging and creates professional-looking edges. Additionally, chilling the shortbread and caramel layers thoroughly before cutting makes the process much easier.

The coconut oil in the chocolate coating isn’t optional. It creates a thinner consistency that’s easier to work with and produces a shinier finish. However, make sure your homemade Twix bites are cold when dipping them, or they’ll fall apart.

If you’re struggling with the chocolate coating, freeze the cut pieces for 10 minutes before dipping. This helps them hold together better during the coating process.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Store your homemade Twix bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep beautifully for up to two weeks, though they rarely last that long in our house! Layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking.

These treats also freeze exceptionally well. Place homemade Twix bites in a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers. They’ll maintain their quality for up to three months. Simply thaw them in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.

I don’t recommend reheating these homemade Twix bites, as the chocolate will melt. Instead, let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before eating if you prefer a softer texture. The caramel becomes pleasantly chewy at room temperature.

What to Serve With This Recipe

These homemade Twix bites shine on dessert platters alongside other homemade candies and treats. We often serve them with peanut butter cups, chocolate truffles, and fudge brownies for variety. They’re perfect for holiday cookie exchanges too.

Coffee and tea make excellent beverage pairings. The bitterness balances the sweetness beautifully. Sofia loves enjoying her homemade Twix bites with a cold glass of milk, just like traditional cookies. For adult gatherings, try pairing them with dessert wines or Irish cream liqueur.

Include them in ice cream sundae bars as toppings. Crushed homemade Twix bites add incredible texture and flavor to vanilla or chocolate ice cream. They also work wonderfully as cake decorations or cupcake toppers.

FAQs

Can I make homemade Twix bites ahead of time?

Absolutely! These homemade Twix bites actually taste better after sitting for a day. The flavors meld together beautifully.

Make them up to two weeks ahead and store them in the refrigerator. They’re perfect for party prep and holiday baking marathons.

Why is my caramel layer too soft?

Your caramel needs more cooling time. Refrigerate the homemade Twix bites for at least 30-45 minutes after adding the caramel layer. If it’s still too soft, you may have added too much cream. Next time, reduce the cream by one tablespoon for a firmer consistency.

Can I use homemade caramel instead of store-bought?

Yes! Homemade caramel works wonderfully in these homemade Twix bites. Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold its shape when cooled.

Cook your caramel to the soft-ball stage (235-240°F) for the best results. This creates the perfect chewy texture.

How do I prevent the chocolate from cracking?

Add the coconut oil to your melted chocolate and don’t refrigerate the finished homemade Twix bites for too long initially. Let them set at cool room temperature first, then transfer to the refrigerator. Also, avoid extreme temperature changes which cause cracking.

Can I make these without a microwave?

Certainly! Melt the caramel in a double boiler over simmering water, stirring constantly. Do the same with the chocolate.

This method actually gives you more control over the temperature. Just watch carefully to prevent scorching, especially with the chocolate coating.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Based on 48 servings

These homemade Twix bites have become a cherished tradition in our family. Every time we make them, I’m reminded of that excited look on Sofia’s face when she first suggested we try making them. Mateo and I love creating these sweet memories with our girls, and now you can create your own. These bite-sized treats prove that the best things in life are homemade with love.

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