Healthy Gluten-Free Homemade Twix Bars Recipe
These Healthy Twix Bars are a gluten-free, homemade twist on the classic candy bar. Featuring a buttery almond flour shortbread base, a creamy peanut butter caramel layer sweetened with maple syrup, and a rich chocolate coating, these bars combine wholesome ingredients for a delicious treat. Perfect for those seeking a healthier snack option without compromising on flavor.
- Author: Anna
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Shortbread Base
- 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
Caramel Filling
- 1 cup Creamy Peanut Butter
- 1/3 cup Maple Syrup
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1/4 cup Almond Flour
Chocolate Coating
- 1 cup Chocolate Chips
- 1 1/2 tbsp Coconut Oil
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure the edges are well covered to facilitate easy removal of the baked base later.
- Prepare the Shortbread: In a large mixing bowl, combine almond flour, melted butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until fully incorporated into a dough. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges turn golden brown. Set aside to cool.
- Make the Caramel Filling: In a medium bowl, mix peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and almond flour until smooth and well combined. Spread this caramel mixture evenly over the cooled shortbread base. Place the pan in the freezer for at least 1 hour to allow it to set.
- Prepare the Chocolate Coating: Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil together either over a double boiler or by microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
- Assemble the Bars: Remove the set pan from the freezer and lift the block out using the parchment paper. Place it on a cutting board and slice into 16 even bars (cut in half, then slice each half into 8 bars).
- Coat the Bars: Dip each bar into the melted chocolate, coating it fully. Gently tap off excess chocolate and place the bars on a parchment-lined tray. Repeat for all bars.
- Final Touch: Optionally drizzle any remaining melted chocolate over the bars and sprinkle flaky sea salt on top. Return the tray to the freezer for about 10 minutes to let the chocolate harden.
- Enjoy and Store: Your healthy Twix bars are ready to enjoy. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.
Notes
- Make sure the shortbread layer is completely cooled before adding the caramel to ensure proper layering.
- Freezing the caramel layer before coating with chocolate helps maintain distinct layers and makes dipping easier.
- The almond flour can be finely ground for a smoother shortbread texture.
- Using dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips can reduce overall sweetness if desired.
- Store bars in an airtight container refrigerated for up to one week or frozen for longer storage.
- Optional flaky sea salt adds a nice contrast to the sweetness but can be omitted if preferred.
Keywords: Healthy Twix Bars, Gluten Free Dessert, Homemade Candy Bars, Almond Flour Shortbread, Peanut Butter Caramel, Maple Syrup Sweetened, Chocolate Covered Treat