Healthy Twix Bars (Gluten-free) Homemade Recipe

Creating satisfying treats at home can bring a sense of joy and accomplishment. Healthy Twix bars evoke a sense of nostalgia. The sweet and nutty flavors make them a favorite for many. Discovering a way to enjoy a beloved candy bar while keeping it nutritious is a true win for any home chef.

These Healthy Twix bars fit the bill perfectly! They blend almond flour, rich peanut butter, and luscious chocolate into a healthier version of the original. With the right ingredients, you can mimic that delicious flavor without guilt. The crunch of the shortbread, the creamy caramel center, and the decadent chocolate make these bars irresistibly delightful.

The use of almond flour offers a gluten-free twist on the traditional recipe. Plus, natural sweeteners like maple syrup keep the bars tasty without overwhelming your palate. Making these bars at home allows you to control the ingredients and turns a nostalgic treat into a wholesome snack. Get ready to explore this enjoyable dessert that everyone will love!

Part 1 — Crafting Healthy Twix Bars

Fundamentals

Understanding the key components of Healthy Twix bars helps streamline the cooking process. The combination of a firm shortbread base, a creamy peanut butter filling, and a silky chocolate coating creates a layered dessert that satisfies every craving.

This treat incorporates simple, wholesome ingredients for a delightful result. Each layer serves its purpose — the shortbread provides texture, the filling gives richness, and the chocolate adds sweetness.

Preparation/setup

Preparation starts with gathering all the needed ingredients. Measure out the almond flour, butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract to ensure a smooth process. Preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) will prepare it for baking the shortbread base.

Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This step is crucial for removing the finished bars easily. Once you’re organized, it’s time to mix and bake!

Ingredients

The ingredients list for these Healthy Twix bars is straightforward, guaranteeing delicious results.

• 1 1/2 cups almond flour
• 3 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 1/2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup almond flour
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1 1/2 tablespoons coconut oil

These elements combine beautifully to create layers of flavor and texture in every bite.

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the shortbread: In a large mixing bowl, mix together 1 1/2 cups almond flour, melted butter, 1 1/2 tablespoons maple syrup, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until a dough forms. Press the mixture evenly into the baking pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until golden brown around the edges. Set aside to cool.
3. Make the caramel filling: In a separate bowl, blend 1 cup creamy peanut butter, 1/3 cup maple syrup, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup almond flour until smooth. Spread this mixture evenly over the cooled shortbread base.
4. Set the pan: Place the pan in the freezer for at least 1 hour to allow the filling to set.
5. Prepare the chocolate coating: Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil together either in a bowl over boiling water or in the microwave at 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
6. Assemble the bars: Take the pan from the freezer, lift the block out using the parchment paper, and place it on a cutting board. Cut into 16 bars.
7. Coat the bars: Dip each bar into the melted chocolate, ensuring total coverage. Let the excess drip off before placing the bars on a parchment-lined tray.
8. Final touch: Optionally drizzle with extra melted chocolate and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Return the tray to the freezer for about 10 minutes until hardened.

These Healthy Twix bars are now ready to enjoy. Store leftovers in an airtight container, either in the fridge or freezer.

Part 2 — Tips for Success

Technique

Getting the balance right between the three layers—shortbread, filling, and chocolate—is essential. Each layer needs to complement the others without overpowering the flavors. Precision in measurement is crucial for achieving the desired texture and taste.

For the shortbread, pressing the dough firmly into the pan ensures a solid base. Making the caramel filling smooth before spreading it on the base allows for even distribution and a satisfying bite.

Tips/tricks

Start by practicing patience while each layer cools. Allowing the shortbread to cool adequately prevents the filling from melting and creating a messy mixture. Similarly, chilling the final bars will help the chocolate harden and maintain its integrity.

When melting chocolate, avoid overheating to prevent burning. Slow and low heat is the way to go, whether using the stovetop or the microwave. Stirring regularly prevents clumping and allows for smooth melting.

Part 3 — Perfecting Your Creation

Perfecting results

Perfecting Healthy Twix bars comes down to attention to detail. Check the shortbread consistently while baking to avoid over-baking, which can lead to a dry texture. When the edges are golden brown, pull it out of the oven and set it aside to cool before adding the peanut butter layer.

The caramel filling should remain creamy and spreadable. If it becomes too thick, a quick stir can help smooth it out before application.

Troubleshooting/variations

If you encounter issues while preparing your bars, it’s crucial to assess. A crumbly shortbread base indicates an uneven mixture or lack of moisture; adding more melted butter can rectify this.

For variations, consider adding a sprinkle of nuts or seeds into the layers for extra crunch. You can also swap the chocolate coating for a drizzle of nut butter for another flavor profile.

Part 4 — Presenting Your Bars

Serving/presentation

When the bars are ready, cut them into even pieces for a neat presentation. Lifting them out of the pan using the parchment paper keeps the edges intact. Place the bars on a decorative platter for serving.

Consider dusting with powdered coconut or cacao for an appealing visual addition.

Pairings/storage

These delicious Healthy Twix bars pair well with a variety of beverages, such as herbal teas or almond milk, providing a perfect balance of flavors. They satisfy cravings and enhance any sweet craving after a meal.

Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for longer preservation. This way, you’re always prepared with a delightful treat at hand. Enjoy every bite of these homemade gems!

In this journey of crafting Healthy Twix bars, the process becomes as delightful as the outcome. With each layer thoughtfully prepared, you’re left with a nutritious dessert that pleases the taste buds. Enjoy and share these delightful bars, perfect for gatherings or simply as a personal treat!

Healthy Twix Bars (Gluten-free)

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• Author: emma
• Total Time: 90 minutes
• Yield: 16 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten-free

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Description

A healthier version of the beloved candy bar, combining almond flour, peanut butter, and chocolate to create a delicious treat without the guilt.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 1/2 cups almond flour
• 3 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 1/2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup almond flour
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1 1/2 tablespoons coconut oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix together almond flour, melted butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt until a dough forms. Press into the baking pan and bake for 10-12 minutes, until golden brown. Let cool.
3. Blend peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and almond flour until smooth. Spread over the cooled shortbread base.
4. Freeze the pan for at least 1 hour to set the filling.
5. Melt chocolate chips and coconut oil together until smooth.
6. Remove the pan from the freezer, cut into 16 bars, and dip each in the melted chocolate. Let excess drip off before placing on a tray.
7. Optionally drizzle with extra chocolate and sprinkle with sea salt. Freeze for another 10 minutes to harden.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer for longer preservation. Consider pairing with herbal tea or almond milk.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: Healthy dessert, gluten-free, Twix bars, homemade candy, nut-based snacks