Twix Dessert Bars with Shortbread, Caramel & Chocolate

If you love the classic Twix candy bar — that irresistible combo of cookie, caramel, and chocolate — you’ll be thrilled with how easy it is to bake it at home in dessert bar form.

These Twix dessert bars have a buttery shortbread base, a smooth caramel layer in the middle, and a rich chocolate topping that firms up to the perfect bite.

You’ll begin by baking a simple shortbread crust until golden and crumbly. Then, you pour on a homemade (or shortcut!) caramel layer that sets as it cools.

Finally, you melt chocolate and spread it over the top for that signature Twix snap.

It’s the kind of bar that feels fancy, but only takes a few ingredients and some patience while it sets.

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Recipe Overview

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Ingredients

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Tools You’ll Need (with Alternatives in Brackets)

• 8×8 inch baking pan (or 9×9 for thinner bars)
• Mixing bowls (or medium containers)
• Whisk or spoon (or silicone spatula)
• Measuring cups/spoons (or digital scale)
• Saucepan (or microwave-safe bowl)
• Parchment paper (or greased foil)
• Knife for slicing

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How to Make Twix Dessert Bars

These bars come together in three distinct layers. Each step is simple — but it’s all about letting things cool and set properly in between.

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Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prep the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking pan with parchment paper and set it aside.

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Step 2: Make the Shortbread Base

In a bowl, mix softened butter, powdered sugar, flour, and salt until a dough forms. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan using clean hands or the bottom of a glass.

Bake for 20–25 minutes or until lightly golden on top. Let the crust cool completely before adding caramel.

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Step 3: Melt the Caramel

In a saucepan over low heat, combine the caramel candies and heavy cream. Stir constantly until melted and smooth. This takes about 5–7 minutes.

Pour the warm caramel over the cooled crust. Use a spatula to spread it evenly to the edges. Chill in the fridge for 30–40 minutes or until the caramel is firm to the touch.

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Step 4: Add the Chocolate Layer

Melt chocolate chips and vegetable oil together in a heatproof bowl over simmering water (or microwave in 20-second bursts). Stir until glossy and smooth.

Pour the chocolate over the set caramel and smooth the top. Refrigerate again for 1 hour until fully set.

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Step 5: Slice and Serve

Once the chocolate is firm, lift the bars out using the parchment. Run a knife under hot water and dry it off before slicing to prevent cracking the chocolate.

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Decoration & Serving Tips

• Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before the chocolate sets
• Drizzle with white chocolate for a contrast look
• Serve chilled for clean layers
• Cut into small squares — these are rich!

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Variations to Try

• Peanut Butter Twix Bars: Add a thin layer of peanut butter between the shortbread and caramel
• Salted Caramel Twist: Use salted caramel and add chopped pretzels on top
• Coconut Layer: Add a thin layer of sweetened coconut over the crust
• Dark Chocolate Version: Swap milk chocolate with 70% dark for a more grown-up flavor

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Storing Tips

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days
• Refrigerate for up to 1 week
• Freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 2 months

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Extra Tips

• Be patient with cooling time — each layer sets better this way
• Use a nonstick knife or warm blade for clean cuts
• If chocolate cracks when cutting, it’s too cold — let it sit at room temp for 5 minutes
• Don’t overheat the caramel or it will become stiff and grainy

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Common Mistakes & Fixes

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Let’s Make and Share These Twix Dessert Bars

These homemade Twix dessert bars are buttery, gooey, chocolatey, and just the right amount of indulgent.

Try baking a batch and let me know if you prefer milk or dark chocolate on top!