Ultimate No-Bake Homemade Twix Bars: An Easy Copycat Recipe with a Delicious Peanut Butter Twist
Who doesn’t adore the classic combination of crunchy biscuit, chewy caramel, and rich chocolate found in a beloved Twix bar? It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that has captivated candy lovers for generations. Now, imagine recreating that magic right in your own kitchen – but even better, and incredibly simple! This copycat Twix bar recipe delivers all the addictive sweetness you crave with a unique twist that makes it astonishingly easy to prepare at home. Be warned: once you make these homemade bars, store-bought might just become a distant memory!
Forget the fuss of baking a traditional shortbread cookie crust. This homemade Twix candy bar recipe revolutionizes the classic by using humble club crackers for the base. This ingenious swap not only speeds up the preparation process significantly but also introduces a delightful subtle saltiness that perfectly balances the sweet caramel and chocolate layers. The result is a perfect sweet and salty candy bite that will truly amaze your taste buds and leave you reaching for another.
While staying true to the spirit of the original Twix, I’ve taken a slight detour to elevate the flavor profile even further. Instead of just a plain chocolate coating, this recipe features a luxurious combination of chocolate and creamy peanut butter for the top layer. This blend adds an incredible depth of flavor and makes the final chocolate coating simple and smooth to apply. If you or someone in your family has a peanut allergy, don’t worry – I’ve included a fantastic alternative option below, ensuring everyone can enjoy these irresistible treats.
If you’re a devoted fan of iconic candy bars and thoroughly enjoy this simplified Twix recipe, you’ll definitely want to explore these other delicious creations: Candy Corn Salted Nutrolls, a decadent Candy Bar Fudge, or these wonderfully soft Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars. Each offers a unique spin on classic confections, perfect for satisfying any sweet craving.
Effortless No-Bake Homemade Twix Bars: Your New Go-To Dessert
These easy homemade Twix bars are the ultimate no-bake dessert, making them perfect for preparing ahead of time. Once assembled and chilled, they can be stored for up to a week – though in our experience, they rarely last that long! Their irresistible combination of flavors and textures makes them an ideal companion for your afternoon coffee, a soothing cup of tea, or a refreshing glass of cold milk. Whip up a batch of this homemade version for your next family gathering, a delightful picnic lunch, or as a crowd-pleasing treat for your backyard barbecue. They are versatile enough for any occasion, big or small.
Feel absolutely free to customize these bars to suit your individual preferences. The beauty of homemade treats lies in the ability to modify them as you wish. For an extra touch of indulgence, we sometimes serve them with a scoop of creamy ice cream on top – truly decadent! You can cut them into traditional bar shapes, elegant strips, or even fun bite-sized portions, making them perfect for sharing or enjoying solo. The possibilities are endless when it comes to personalizing these delightful candy bars.
Essential Ingredients for Your Homemade Twix Bars
Crafting these delicious Twix bars requires just a handful of readily available ingredients. For a detailed list of precise measurements and step-by-step instructions, please scroll to the bottom of this post where you’ll find the full printable recipe card.
- Club Crackers: These are the secret weapon for our easy Twix bars! Instead of the traditional shortbread cookies, club crackers form the wonderfully crisp and slightly salty base, adding a delightful contrast to the sweet caramel.
- Graham Crackers: Crushed graham crackers are incorporated into our homemade caramel mixture, adding body, flavor, and a subtle sweetness that makes the caramel truly stand out.
- Brown Sugar and Granulated Sugar: The combination of both types of sugar is crucial for achieving a rich, complex sweetness in the caramel layer. Brown sugar adds a deeper, molasses-like flavor and moisture, while granulated sugar ensures the right texture.
- Milk: Any type of milk you have on hand will work perfectly for this recipe, including dairy milk or your favorite plant-based alternatives, contributing to the smooth consistency of the caramel.
- Butter: Whether you opt for salted or unsalted butter, it will add essential richness and a smooth, luxurious texture to both the caramel and the chocolate topping. Salted butter can enhance the sweet-salty dynamic even further.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: These form the core of our luscious chocolate topping. When melted, they create a glossy, irresistible layer that encases the caramel and cracker base.
- Peanut Butter: A generous portion of peanut butter is swirled into the melted chocolate, adding a wonderful creaminess and an explosion of nutty flavor. For the best results, choose an all-natural peanut butter free from added sugars or oils, as this will yield the smoothest texture and purest taste for your peanut butter chocolate topping.
Step-by-Step: How to Make This Irresistible Twix Bar Recipe
Creating these magnificent homemade Twix bars is a straightforward process that anyone can master. Follow these simple steps for a dessert that tastes gourmet but is surprisingly easy to make.
First: Prepare Your Baking Dish. Begin by lining a 9×13 inch baking dish with foil, ensuring enough overhang on the sides to easily lift the finished bars out later. Lightly spray the foil with non-stick cooking spray or thoroughly coat it with melted butter to prevent sticking. This preparation step is key for easy removal and clean slices.
Second: Lay the Cracker Base. Carefully arrange a single, even layer of club crackers across the entire bottom of your prepared baking dish. These crackers will form the deliciously crisp and slightly salty base, mimicking the shortbread layer found in traditional Twix bars with an added touch of convenience.
Third: Prepare the Homemade Caramel. In a medium saucepan on your stovetop, combine the butter, crushed graham crackers, both granulated sugar and brown sugar, and milk. Bring this mixture to a vigorous bubbling boil over medium heat. Continue to boil for precisely 5 minutes, stirring almost constantly to prevent burning and ensure all ingredients are thoroughly mixed and evenly cooked. Don’t forget to scrape the bottom of the pan frequently with your spoon to integrate everything beautifully.
Fourth: Layer the Caramel and More Crackers. Once your rich, chewy caramel sauce is ready, carefully pour it evenly over the layer of club crackers in your baking dish. Work quickly, then immediately add another single layer of club crackers on top of the caramel. This creates a delightful cracker-caramel-cracker sandwich that forms the heart of your Twix bars.
Fifth: Create the Chocolate Peanut Butter Topping. In a separate small saucepan, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and peanut butter. Gently melt them over low heat, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon until the mixture is completely smooth, glossy, and a rich golden brown. This creates a luscious chocolate ganache-like topping with a delightful peanut butter twist.
Generously pour this warm, melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture over the top layer of crackers in your baking dish, ensuring every inch is covered.
Sixth: Chill and Serve. Using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon, spread the chocolate mixture evenly across the entire surface of the bars until it forms a smooth, appealing layer. Place the baking dish in the refrigerator and chill thoroughly for several hours, or until the bars are completely set and firm. Once chilled, lift the entire slab out of the dish using the foil overhang and place it on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut into your desired shapes – strips, bars, or squares. For an extra touch of gourmet flair, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the top before chilling, if desired. This enhances the sweet and salty dynamic beautifully.
Any leftover homemade Twix bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, maintaining their delightful freshness. For longer storage, you can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for future cravings.
Love This Recipe? Pin It for Later!
If you’re absolutely smitten with this incredible copycat Twix bars recipe, don’t let it slip away! Make sure to save it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you move on. That way, you’ll always have this delicious and easy recipe at your fingertips whenever a craving strikes!
The Story Behind These Beloved Homemade Twix Bars
This cherished recipe for homemade Twix bars comes with a heartwarming backstory, originating years ago from a dear friend named Tonja. She first introduced these irresistible treats at one of my annual Holiday Cookie Exchanges. If you’ve ever had the pleasure of hosting or attending such an event, you know it’s always a wonderful time filled with festive cheer and delicious baked goods! I even dedicated an entire blog post to How To Host a Holiday Cookie Exchange, offering tips and tricks if you’re considering trying one yourself. It’s truly a fantastic way to accumulate a wide variety of different baked items for your holiday trays, all while enjoying quality time with friends during the busiest season of the year.
From the moment Tonja brought these particular Twix Bars, they were an instant sensation. I meticulously preserved the recipe on an index card, keeping it safe for years. It took me quite a while – actually, *years* – to finally get them published on my blog. But in 2018, I proudly shared them with the world, and they’ve been a reader favorite ever since.
Just look at that magnificent cross-section! You can clearly see the crisp, buttery, and ever-so-slightly salty layers of crackers, perfectly sandwiching a quick-to-make, gooey caramel layer. All of this is then crowned with a smooth, decadent peanut butter chocolate ganache. What’s not to absolutely adore about this homemade delight?
Frequently Asked Questions About This Easy Twix Bar Recipe
Curious to learn more about these delightful homemade Twix bars? Here are some common questions and their answers:
- What provides the crunch in these Twix bars? In a traditional Twix bar, the delightful crunch comes from a shortbread cookie. However, this recipe cleverly substitutes shortbread with crisp club crackers for the base. This not only speeds up preparation but also offers a satisfyingly light and buttery crunch with a hint of salt that pairs wonderfully with the sweet layers.
- What are the main components of Twix bars? A classic Twix bar consists of three primary layers: a buttery shortbread cookie base, a luscious layer of soft caramel, and an outer coating of smooth milk chocolate. Our homemade version captures this essence with a cracker base, a rich caramel filling, and a unique chocolate peanut butter ganache.
- Why the “left” and “right” Twix bar marketing? The famous “left Twix” and “right Twix” campaign was a highly successful marketing strategy. Its aim was to playfully encourage consumers to consider the subtle differences (real or imagined) between the two bars, thereby creating discussion, engagement, and ultimately, encouraging greater consumption of Twix bars.
- What makes Twix bars taste so good? Twix bars are undeniably delicious due to their perfect harmony of contrasting flavors and textures. The combination of sweet caramel, a crunchy biscuit, and creamy chocolate creates a multi-sensory experience that is both satisfying and addictive. And, let’s be honest, the presence of chocolate almost always guarantees a good taste, wouldn’t you agree?
- What are the layers in a traditional Twix? A traditional Twix bar is typically composed of three distinct layers: a sturdy base of buttery shortbread, followed by a thick, gooey layer of sweet caramel, and finally, a thin, even coating of smooth milk chocolate that holds everything together.
Creative Substitutions for Your Twix Bar Recipe
When it comes to baking and cooking, don’t be afraid to experiment! Making substitutions in recipes allows you to tailor dishes to your personal tastes, dietary needs, and what you have on hand. Get creative and make these Twix bars truly your own!
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Nut Butter Alternatives: If peanut butter isn’t your preference or you have an allergy, feel free to replace the peanut butter in the chocolate topping with almond butter, cashew butter, or any seed butter like sunflower seed butter. Each will lend a unique flavor profile while maintaining the desired creamy texture.
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Chocolate Variety: While semi-sweet chocolate chips provide a classic flavor, you can easily change up the top layer by using dark chocolate chips for a more intense cocoa flavor, white chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamier finish, or even milk chocolate chips for a softer, milder taste. Experiment to find your favorite!
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Vanilla Boost: For an extra layer of sweetness and aroma, consider adding a touch of vanilla extract (about ½ to 1 teaspoon) to the melted chocolate mixture. This simple addition can significantly enhance the overall flavor profile of the topping.
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Adjusting Chocolate Consistency: If your melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture appears too thick for easy spreading, you can thin it out with a very small amount of melted coconut oil or a neutral vegetable oil. Add just a teaspoon at a time until you reach the desired smooth, pourable consistency.
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Peanut-Free Chocolate Topping: To make these bars entirely without peanut butter, simply omit it and instead prepare my delicious chocolate ganache recipe. To do this, melt 12 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate (chips or chopped baking chocolate) with ½ cup of heavy cream until smooth. Remove from heat and, for an adult twist, whisk in 1 tablespoon of whiskey or dark rum (or substitute dark coffee for a non-alcoholic option). Spread this rich ganache over the Twix bars and place them in the fridge to set completely before cutting.
Helpful Tips & Tricks for Perfect Twix Bars Every Time
Achieving homemade candy bar perfection is easier than you think with these expert tips:
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Peanut Butter Preparation: For the smoothest chocolate-peanut butter topping, use regular, smooth peanut butter. If your peanut butter is stored in the fridge, take it out at least an hour before you begin preparing these bars to allow it to soften and reach room temperature, making it much easier to mix.
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Chocolate Options: If you find yourself without chocolate chips, don’t fret! Any type of baking chocolate bar or even a regular chocolate candy bar (chopped into small pieces) can be melted down and used in place of chocolate chips for the topping. Just ensure it’s a good quality chocolate for the best flavor.
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Graham Cracker Shortcut: To save yourself a step and a bit of time, look for pre-crushed graham cracker crumbs at your grocery store. This eliminates the need to crush whole crackers yourself and gets you to the delicious caramel stage even faster.
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Melting Chocolate Wisely: The best way to melt chocolate chips (and then incorporate the peanut butter) is using a double boiler. This method provides gentle, even heat, preventing the chocolate from seizing or burning. Alternatively, you can use a microwave-safe bowl and melt the chocolate in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval until smooth. Be careful not to overheat it!
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Crumb-Making Master: If you’re starting with whole graham crackers, your food processor is your best friend. It will quickly and efficiently turn them into fine crumbs, ensuring a smooth and consistent texture for your caramel layer. If you don’t have a food processor, a Ziploc bag and a rolling pin work just as well – a little arm work for a delicious reward!
More Irresistible Recipes to Love
Before you dive into making these incredible Twix bars, allow me to quickly share a few more of my favorite recipes that either cleverly use candy bars or expertly mimic their delicious flavors. You’re sure to find a new favorite among these!
Candy Bar Fudge is a decadent dream, and for those who love Snickers, my recipes for Snickers Dip and Snickers Apple Salad are absolute must-tries. If you’re a fan of my all-time favorite candy bar, you’ll adore these Salted Nut Roll Bars. And for the coconut enthusiasts, these Almond Joy Brownie Bites are a mandatory make! Don’t miss out on York Peppermint Patty Fudge, the fun and flavorful Twix Dip, my unique Whatchamacallit Bars, and the ever-popular Rolo Pretzels. Each offers a delightful, easy-to-make treat perfect for any occasion!
The next time a craving for a classic candy bar strikes, there’s no need to rush out to the grocery store. With this recipe, you can effortlessly whip up a batch of these quick and easy homemade Twix bars right in your own kitchen. You’ll be absolutely astonished by how incredibly delicious this homemade version tastes, especially given how wonderfully simple it is to prepare. Enjoy the sweet satisfaction of creating your own iconic treat!
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Print Recipe
Homemade Twix Bars
Ingredients
- Club Crackers
- 1 cup graham crackers crushed
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup milk
- 2/3 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
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Line a 9×13 baking dish with foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray.
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Cover the bottom with a layer of club crackers to the edges.
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Add butter, crushed graham crackers, two sugars and milk to a sauce pan. Bring to a bubbling boil and boil for 5 minutes, stirring almost constantly.
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Pour mixture over the crackers. Add another layer of crackers.
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Add chocolate chips and peanut butter to a saucepan and melt, stir until smooth. Pour over crackers. Spread evenly over the top.
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Chill completely before cutting into 3 rows of 16 pieces.
Notes
Nutrition
This recipe was originally posted on October 17th, 2018. It has been updated to improve user experience and reshared on August 24, 2023.
This delightful recipe was originally shared as part of a fantastic event called Choctoberfest, an annual celebration hosted by The PinterTest Kitchen. For an entire week every October, hundreds of passionate bloggers come together to share nothing but their best chocolate-inspired recipes. That year, in addition to these irresistible Twix Bar recipe, I was thrilled to contribute my creamy Chocolate Pudding Frosting and my wonderfully rich Double Chocolate Caramel Brownies. Be sure to check them out for more chocolatey goodness!