Healthy Twix Bars

The homemade version of Twix bars just got a healthy twist! These gluten free delights feature a buttery almond flour shortbread base, a rich and creamy peanut butter caramel layer, and a luscious dark chocolate coating. They are the perfect snack for when you want something indulgent but made with wholesome ingredients.

What’s great about these bars is how easy they are to customize. Swap peanut butter for almond or cashew butter, use dairy free chocolate for a vegan option, or sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for an extra flavor boost. Whether you’re making them for yourself or sharing with friends, these bars will be a hit!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

Shortbread Base:

• 1 ½ cups almond flour

• 3 tablespoons butter, melted

• 1 ½ tablespoons maple syrup

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• ¼ teaspoon salt

Caramel Filling:

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter

• ⅓ cup maple syrup

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ¼ cup almond flour

Chocolate Coating:

• 1 cup chocolate chips

• 1 ½ tablespoons coconut oil

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring full coverage for easy removal.

2. Make the Shortbread Base: In a large bowl, mix almond flour, melted butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt until combined. Press firmly into the prepared pan and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden. Let cool.

3. Prepare the Caramel Filling: Mix peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and almond flour until smooth. Spread over the cooled shortbread and freeze for at least 1 hour.

4. Melt the Chocolate: Heat chocolate chips and coconut oil over a double boiler or in 30-second microwave intervals until smooth.

5. Assemble the Bars: Remove from the freezer, lift out the block with parchment paper, and slice into 16 bars.

6. Coat with Chocolate: Dip each bar in melted chocolate, tapping off excess, then place on a parchment-lined tray.

7. Final Touch: Drizzle extra chocolate on top and sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired. Freeze for 10 minutes until set.

8. Enjoy! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Kcal: 210 kcal | Servings: 16 bars

Homemade Healthy Twix Bars: A Guilt-Free Indulgence

If you love the classic combination of buttery shortbread, gooey caramel, and smooth chocolate in a Twix bar but want a healthier version, you’re in for a treat! These homemade Healthy Twix Bars are completely gluten-free, refined sugar free, and made with wholesome ingredients that won’t leave you feeling guilty. Unlike store bought versions that contain processed sugars, artificial flavors, and preservatives, this recipe focuses on natural, nutrient-dense alternatives that are just as indulgent.

Why Make Healthy Twix Bars at Home?

There are plenty of reasons why making your own gluten free Twix bars at home is worth the effort.

1. Better Ingredients: Traditional Twix bars are packed with refined sugars, hydrogenated oils, and additives. This homemade version replaces those with almond flour, maple syrup, and peanut butter, offering a much healthier alternative.

2. Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free: Many people struggle with gluten or dairy intolerance. With this recipe, you can enjoy your favorite chocolate bar without the worry of allergies. The ingredients are naturally gluten free and can easily be made dairy free by using plant-based butter and dairy-free chocolate.

3. Control Over Sweetness: Store-bought candy bars are often overly sweet. When you make your own, you can adjust the sweetness to your preference by modifying the amount of maple syrup or choosing a darker chocolate variety.

4. Simple & Fun to Make: This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare and doesn’t require advanced baking skills. It’s also a fun activity to do with kids, as they will love dipping the bars in chocolate!

5. Healthier Alternative to Processed Snacks: If you’re trying to cut down on processed foods but still crave something sweet, these bars are a great snack option. They are packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats from almond flour and peanut butter, keeping you full for longer.

The Health Benefits of Key Ingredients

Every ingredient in this recipe was carefully selected to create a balance between flavor, texture, and nutrition.

Almond Flour

Almond flour is an excellent gluten free alternative to regular flour. It is rich in vitamin E, healthy fats, and protein, making it a great base for the shortbread layer. It also has a subtle nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the bars.

Maple Syrup

Instead of using refined sugar, this recipe uses pure maple syrup as a natural sweetener. Maple syrup contains antioxidants and minerals like zinc and manganese, which support immune health. Unlike white sugar, it has a lower glycemic index, meaning it won’t cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels.

Peanut Butter

Peanut butter serves as the caramel substitute in this recipe, creating a creamy, rich, and slightly salty middle layer. It is packed with healthy fats, protein, and essential nutrients like magnesium and potassium. You can also swap it for almond butter or cashew butter for a slightly different flavor profile.

Dark Chocolate

Using dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate significantly reduces the sugar content of these bars. Dark chocolate is known for its high antioxidant content, which helps fight free radicals in the body. Look for a 70% or higher cocoa content for the best health benefits.

Customizing Your Healthy Twix Bars

One of the best things about homemade recipes is that they can be easily customized to fit your dietary needs.

• Make it Vegan: Swap the butter for coconut oil or vegan butter and use dairy-free chocolate.

• Go Nut-Free: If you have a nut allergy, replace almond flour with oat flour and use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.

• Lower the Sugar Content: Reduce the maple syrup or replace it with monk fruit sweetener for an even lower-sugar version.

• Add a Crunch: Mix in some crushed nuts or shredded coconut into the caramel layer for extra texture.

Storage Tips for Long-Lasting Freshness

Since these bars are made with fresh and natural ingredients, they don’t contain preservatives like commercial candy bars. Here’s how to store them properly:

• Refrigerator: Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months. Simply thaw them in the fridge or at room temperature for a few minutes before eating.

These bars are perfect for meal prep, so you can always have a healthy treat ready when you need one!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different flour instead of almond flour?
Yes! Coconut flour or oat flour can be used, but they may slightly alter the texture. Almond flour gives the best shortbread-like consistency.

2. What kind of chocolate works best for this recipe?
Choose a 70% or higher dark chocolate for the best balance of sweetness and health benefits. If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can mix dark chocolate with a bit of coconut sugar.

3. Are these bars keto-friendly?
Yes! To make them fully keto-compliant, swap maple syrup for a keto friendly sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit syrup.

4. Can kids eat these?
Absolutely! These bars are a great alternative to sugary store bought snacks and are made with wholesome ingredients that are better for children.

Conclusion

These Healthy Twix Bars are proof that you can still enjoy your favorite treats without compromising on health. They are easy to make, packed with nutritious ingredients, and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth in a healthier way.

Whether you’re looking for a gluten free dessert, a post-workout snack, or a fun treat to share, these homemade Twix bars are a must try. They taste just as good (if not better) than the original but without the unnecessary processed ingredients.

So why not give them a try? Make a batch today, store them in your fridge or freezer, and enjoy a delicious, homemade, and wholesome snack whenever cravings hit!