These Homemade Twix Bars feature a buttery shortbread base, a rich caramel center, and a luscious chocolate ganache topping sprinkled with sea salt. Each layer complements the others perfectly, providing a delightful mix of textures and flavors that mimic the beloved candy bar but with a gourmet twist. This homemade version elevates a classic treat into a sophisticated dessert that’s both satisfying and impressive.
Why You’ll Love This:
The combination of shortbread, caramel, and chocolate is a timeless classic, and these bars take it to the next level. The buttery shortbread offers a crumbly and crisp texture that contrasts wonderfully with the gooey caramel and the smooth ganache. The sprinkle of sea salt on the chocolate ganache not only enhances the flavors but also adds a subtle crunch. It’s an indulgent treat that balances sweetness with a hint of saltiness, making it impossible to resist.
Perfect Occasion:
These bars are perfect for any occasion where you want to impress with homemade sweets. They’re fantastic for holiday treats, birthday parties, or as a luxurious snack for movie nights. They also make wonderful gifts when beautifully packaged, showing your loved ones a touch of homemade luxury.
Decoration Tips:
For an extra touch of elegance, consider drizzling white chocolate in a zigzag pattern over the set chocolate ganache before the final chilling. This not only adds visual appeal but also introduces an additional layer of chocolate flavor. Alternatively, you can top the bars with a sprinkle of edible gold dust or finely chopped nuts for a bit of extra texture and flair.
Ingredients:
- For the Shortbread Base:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (240g)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (226g)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g)
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- For the Caramel Layer:
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into tablespoon-sized pieces (113g)
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed (200g)
- 1/4 cup golden syrup or corn syrup (60ml)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup heavy cream (80ml)
- Sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions:
- Prepare the Shortbread Base:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Cream the butter with sugar and salt until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract and egg yolk. Gradually add flour, mixing until just combined.
- Press the dough into the prepared pan in an even layer and bake for about 22 minutes, or until golden around the edges.
- Create the Caramel Layer:
- While the base bakes, combine butter, brown sugar, salt, vanilla, condensed milk, and syrup in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk until melted and smooth, then continue to cook, whisking until the caramel thickens and darkens slightly (about 5-6 minutes).
- Pour the caramel over the baked shortbread base, smoothing to the edges. Chill for about 10 minutes to set the caramel.
- Finish with Chocolate Ganache:
- For the ganache, melt chocolate chips with cream in a double boiler or microwave, stirring until smooth. Pour over the set caramel and smooth out evenly.
- Sprinkle with sea salt, then chill the bars until firm. Cut into pieces before serving.
Enjoy these homemade Twix bars with their delightful crunch, creamy caramel, and rich chocolate topping—a truly luxurious treat that combines simplicity with decadent flavors!
