These homemade Healthy Twix Bars deliver all the indulgent taste of the classic candy bar but with wholesome, gluten-free ingredients. With a buttery shortbread base, creamy peanut butter caramel center, and rich chocolate coating, these treats satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Made with natural ingredients and no refined sugar
Gluten-free and adaptable for various dietary needs
Perfectly balanced sweetness from maple syrup
Satisfying layers that mimic the classic Twix texture
Make-ahead friendly – perfect for meal prep and snacking
Rich in protein and healthy fats from nuts and nut butters
No baking skills required – simple steps anyone can follow
Customizable with various flavor options
Perfect treat for special occasions or everyday indulgence
Much more economical than store-bought specialty bars

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Almond flour forms the base of both our shortbread layer and helps thicken the caramel filling. It provides a tender, buttery texture while keeping these bars gluten-free. It also adds a subtle nutty flavor and nutritional benefits like protein and healthy fats.

Butter brings richness and that authentic shortbread taste to the base layer. It helps bind the ingredients together while creating that melt-in-your-mouth quality that makes shortbread so irresistible. You can substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free version.

Maple syrup is our natural sweetener that appears in both the shortbread base and caramel filling. It adds depth and complexity beyond just sweetness, with caramel-like notes that enhance the overall flavor profile. Unlike refined sugar, it also contains beneficial minerals.

Vanilla extract adds warmth and enhances the sweetness in both layers. Just a little goes a long way in rounding out the flavor profile and making these bars taste more complex and satisfying.

Creamy peanut butter creates the luscious caramel-like center layer. It provides protein, healthy fats, and that rich, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with chocolate. Make sure to use a well-stirred, natural variety for the best results.

Chocolate chips melt beautifully to create the classic outer coating. They snap when bitten into, just like a real Twix bar. Choose high-quality chips for the best flavor – dark, semi-sweet, or milk chocolate all work wonderfully.

Coconut oil helps thin the chocolate to the perfect consistency for dipping. It also gives the coating that perfect snap when you bite into it after chilling. The slight coconut flavor complements the other ingredients without overpowering.

Salt is crucial for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the flavors. A little in the shortbread base brings out the buttery notes, while an optional sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top creates a sophisticated sweet-salty contrast.

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, covering edges for easy removal.
In a large bowl, combine almond flour, melted butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until fully incorporated forming a dough. Press firmly and evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden brown. Set aside to cool.
In a medium bowl, mix peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and almond flour until smooth. Spread caramel mixture evenly over cooled shortbread. Freeze for at least 1 hour to set.
Melt chocolate chips and coconut oil together in a shallow bowl over boiling water or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
Remove the set block from the freezer using parchment paper. Place on a cutting board and slice into 16 bars (cut in half once, then each half into 8 bars).
Dip each bar fully into melted chocolate, tap off excess, and place on a parchment-lined tray. Repeat for all bars.
Optionally drizzle remaining melted chocolate and sprinkle flaky sea salt on top. Freeze for 10 minutes or until chocolate hardens.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 16 delicious bars, perfect for sharing or storing for later enjoyment. Each bar contains approximately 180 calories, making them a reasonable treat that won’t derail your healthy eating plans.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes (plus chilling time)
Total Time: About 2 hours (including freezing time)
Yield: 16 bars

These Twix bars are perfect for meal prep as they store well and can be made in advance for parties, gatherings, or weekly snacks.

Variations

Almond Butter Twix Bars: Substitute the peanut butter with almond butter for a more subtle, sophisticated flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the shortbread base.
Coconut Twix Bars: Add 1/4 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut to the shortbread base for tropical flair and extra texture.
Peppermint Chocolate Twix: Add 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the chocolate coating for a refreshing twist on the classic.
Tahini Caramel Bars: Replace half or all of the peanut butter with tahini for a sophisticated, less sweet Middle Eastern-inspired version.
Espresso Chocolate Coating: Add 1 teaspoon of espresso powder to the melted chocolate for a mocha flavor that coffee lovers will adore.
Spiced Version: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne to the caramel layer for a Mexican chocolate-inspired treat with a subtle heat.
Extra Protein Bars: Add 2 tablespoons of your favorite unflavored or vanilla protein powder to the shortbread base for an extra protein boost.
White Chocolate Coating: Use white chocolate chips instead of regular chocolate for a sweeter, creamier coating option.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator Storage: Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The cool temperature helps maintain the integrity of all three layers and prevents the chocolate from melting.
Freezer Storage: These bars freeze exceptionally well for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Thawing: When ready to enjoy from frozen, you can either let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. The bars are actually quite delicious when eaten slightly frozen!
Room Temperature: While these can be left at room temperature for a few hours during a party, they’re best kept chilled due to the peanut butter caramel layer, which softens at warmer temperatures.
Travel Tips: If packing these for lunches or picnics, consider wrapping individual bars in parchment paper and placing them next to an ice pack to maintain their texture.

FAQs

Can I make these bars completely dairy-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the butter in the shortbread base with an equal amount of coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative. Make sure your chocolate chips are dairy-free as well (many dark chocolate varieties are naturally dairy-free, but always check the label).

My caramel layer seems too runny. What did I do wrong?

The consistency of natural peanut butter can vary significantly between brands. If your caramel layer seems too soft, add 1-2 additional tablespoons of almond flour to thicken the mixture. Alternatively, freezing the layer for longer before cutting will help it set properly.

Can I use a different flour instead of almond flour?

Almond flour is ideal for both texture and flavor in this recipe. However, if you have a nut allergy, you can substitute with oat flour (certified gluten-free if needed) for the shortbread base. You’ll need to adjust the butter slightly as oat flour absorbs moisture differently.

Why did my chocolate coating crack when I cut the bars?

This typically happens when the chocolate is too cold when cutting. Try cutting the bars before the chocolate fully hardens, or let the bars sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before cutting to prevent cracking.

How can I make these bars less calorie-dense?

To reduce calories, consider making thinner bars by using a larger baking pan, reducing the amount of chocolate coating, or cutting the bars into smaller pieces. You can also reduce the maple syrup slightly, though this will affect the sweetness and texture.

My chocolate seized when melting. How can I prevent this?

Chocolate seizes when it comes into contact with even small amounts of water. Make sure your bowl and utensils are completely dry before melting. Also, melt the chocolate slowly and gently, either in a double boiler or using short microwave intervals with frequent stirring.

Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?

Yes, honey is a suitable substitute for maple syrup in this recipe. It will change the flavor profile slightly, adding a floral note rather than the caramel-like flavor of maple syrup. Use the same amount as called for in the recipe.

Do I need to temper the chocolate for the coating?

Formal tempering isn’t necessary for this recipe since the bars are stored in the refrigerator. The addition of coconut oil to the chocolate creates a coating that sets well and has a nice snap without the tempering process.

My shortbread base crumbled when I tried to cut the bars. What went wrong?

This usually happens if the shortbread was overbaked or if the mixture was too dry. Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately and don’t overbake the base. Cutting while the bars are still slightly cold (but not frozen solid) can also help prevent crumbling.

Can I add protein powder to make these more nutritious?

Absolutely! You can add 2-3 tablespoons of your favorite unflavored or vanilla protein powder to the shortbread base. You may need to add a touch more butter or a tablespoon of milk to maintain the right consistency if the mixture becomes too dry.

Conclusion

These Healthy Twix Bars transform a classic candy favorite into a nutritious treat you can feel good about enjoying. By using wholesome ingredients like almond flour, natural peanut butter, and maple syrup, you get all the indulgent layers and flavors without the processed ingredients.

Whether you’re gluten-free, looking to satisfy a sweet craving with more nutritious options, or simply love homemade versions of store-bought treats, these bars deliver on both flavor and texture. The combination of buttery shortbread, creamy peanut butter caramel, and snappy chocolate coating creates a truly satisfying dessert experience.

Best of all, these bars are incredibly versatile. You can customize them to suit your dietary preferences, experiment with different flavor variations, and always have a batch ready in the freezer for whenever a sweet craving strikes. Once you master this basic recipe, you’ll find yourself making these Healthy Twix Bars again and again!

Healthy Twix Bars (Gluten-Free)