Healthier sweet treats are kinda my thing. I recently set out to recreate as many of my favorite classic candy recipes to make them healthier, gluten-free, and dairy-free. My 4-ingredient healthy snickers have been a huge hit, and so have my 4-ingredient date caramels. I even made a healthy homemade butterfingers recipe for halloween last year and OMG they were gone in three days! These healthy twix bars were the obvious next choice because, well – who doesn’t love a twix?! This healthy twix bars recipe absolutely nail the classic flavors and textures we’re all addicted to when it comes to the traditional candy bar. A buttery shortbread crust, smooth and perfectly sweet caramel, and crispy chocolate shell make the perfect quick and easy sweet candy-inspired treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Made with wholesome ingredients – No refined sugars, artificial flavors, or preservatives.
- Gluten-free, vegan, and dairy-free – Perfect for various dietary needs.
- Easy to make – Just a few simple steps, no complicated techniques required.
- Rich, chewy, and delicious – Just like the classic Twix bars but with a healthier twist!
What You’ll Need to Make Homemade Healthy Twix Bars
- Almond Flour – Creates a light, buttery shortbread base while keeping the recipe gluten-free. I buy my almond flour in bulk on Amazon!
- Coconut Oil – Used in all three layers for moisture, structure, and a silky texture.
- Maple Syrup – Naturally sweetens the bars while adding a subtle caramel-like flavor.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances the sweetness and deepens the flavors of both the shortbread and caramel layers.
- Peanut Butter – Provides a rich, creamy caramel-like texture without any refined sugar. Swap with almond or cashew butter for a different flavor.
- Chocolate Chips – The perfect finishing touch for that classic Twix-like chocolate layer. Use dark chocolate for a richer taste!
How to Make Healthy Twix Bars
- Prepare the Shortbread: Mix almond flour, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Press into a lined 9×9-inch pan and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes. Let cool.
- Make the Caramel Layer: Heat peanut butter, coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract in a saucepan until smooth and bubbly. Pour over the shortbread layer and refrigerate until set.
- Melt the Chocolate: Melt chocolate chips with coconut oil, then spread over the caramel layer. Refrigerate again until firm.
- Slice & Enjoy! Remove from the fridge, cut into bars, and sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use regular flour? – No, almond flour is key to the texture and gluten-free nature of this recipe.
- Can I make these nut-free? – Yes! Swap almond flour for oat flour and use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.
- What makes these “healthy”? – These bars use natural sweeteners, healthy fats, and no processed ingredients.
- How do I store them? – Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months!
Sam’s Recipe Tips
- For a crispier shortbread layer, bake for an extra 2-3 minutes.
- Want a thicker caramel layer? Add an extra ¼ cup of peanut butter!
- Use dark chocolate for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor.
6-Ingredient Healthy Twix Bars
These homemade Healthy Twix Bars are made with just six simple ingredients, featuring a buttery almond flour shortbread, creamy peanut butter caramel, and a rich dark chocolate topping. They’re gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, and naturally sweetened, making them a better-for-you sweet treat!
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Servings: 16 servings
Equipment
- 1 9×9-inch baking pan
- 1 large bowl
- 1 small saucepan
Ingredients
For the shortbread layer:
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the caramel layer:
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter unsweetened
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the chocolate layer:
- 1 cup chocolate chips I used dark chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- flaky salt for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Add all shortbread ingredients to a large bowl and mix to combine. Then, transfer the crust to your prepared baking pan and press the crust down into an even layer over the base of the pan. Bake for 10 minutes or until lightly golden brown around the edges. Leave the shortbread to cool for at least 10 minutes before adding the caramel.
- Make the caramel layer by adding all caramel ingredients to a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk the mixture together, and continue whisking as it heats up and starts to gently bubble.After 2 minutes, remove the caramel from the heat and pour over the cooled shortbread crust. Transfer the baking pan to the fridge to allow the peanut butter to set for at least 30 minutes and up to one hour. Once the caramel is completely set and firm to the touch, make the chocolate layer.
- To make the chocolate layer, melt together the chocolate chips and coconut oil in either the microwave or over a double boiler until completely smooth. Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel and gently spread into an even layer. Transfer the pan back to the fridge to set one last time for about 30 minutes or until the chocolate has hardened. Remove the twix bars from the fridge, then remove them from the pan and cut into 16 “full size” bars or 32 “mini” bars.
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Nutrition
Serving: 1bar | Calories: 218kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 17g | Sugar: 11g
