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Healthy Twix Bars (GF, DF, Refined Sugar-Free) Recipe

4.6 from 68 reviews

These Healthy Twix Bars are a delicious gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free treat featuring a crunchy shortbread base, a creamy caramel layer made from almond butter and maple syrup, and a rich dark chocolate topping. Perfect for a guilt-free dessert or snack, these bars combine wholesome ingredients with indulgent flavors in an easy-to-make layered bar.

Ingredients

Scale

Shortbread Layer

  • 1/2 cup coconut flour
  • 1/2 cup almond flour
  • 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 3 tbsp honey, warmed (or maple syrup as a substitute)

Caramel Layer

  • 1/2 cup almond butter, creamy or crunchy (or your favorite nut or seed butter)
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • Pinch of sea salt

Chocolate Layer

  • One 2.5 oz dark chocolate bar (such as Evolved Eating Signature Dark) or 1/2 cup chocolate chips
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil
  • 1/4 tsp flakey sea salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Shortbread Layer: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the coconut flour, almond flour, melted coconut oil, and warmed honey (or maple syrup). Stir thoroughly until no crumbles remain and the mixture is evenly combined.
  2. Form and Bake the Shortbread: Line a 6×6-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Use a silicone spatula dipped in melted coconut oil to pack the shortbread mixture evenly into the base of the dish. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges start turning golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
  3. Make the Caramel Layer: In a saucepan over medium-low heat on the stove, combine almond butter, coconut oil, vanilla extract, maple syrup, and a pinch of sea salt. Heat while whisking constantly until the mixture is fully liquefied, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and allow it to cool completely.
  4. Prepare the Chocolate Layer: Break the dark chocolate bar into a small bowl and add coconut oil. Warm it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth. Alternatively, melt chocolate over a stove using a double boiler method.
  5. Assemble the Bars: Once the shortbread and caramel layers are fully cooled, pour the caramel sauce evenly over the shortbread base. Place the dish in the freezer for 1-2 hours, or until the caramel layer hardens completely.
  6. Add the Chocolate Topping: Remove the dish from the freezer. Pour the melted chocolate over the hardened caramel layer and spread it evenly. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Refrigerate for 5-10 minutes until the chocolate hardens.
  7. Slice and Serve: Lift the parchment paper to remove the slab from the pan. Place on a cutting board, then slice into 1/2-inch wide strips and cut each strip into thirds. For best results, avoid leaving the bars in the freezer too long after chocolate hardening to prevent cracking when slicing.
  8. Storage: Store the finished bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer. Enjoy this healthy, indulgent treat anytime!

Notes

  • If the shortbread mixture sticks to your spatula while pressing into the pan, dip the spatula in melted coconut oil to help it press evenly.
  • Any nut or seed butter can be used instead of almond butter in the caramel layer for flavor variation.
  • Use softened honey or maple syrup warmed slightly to help the shortbread ingredients combine well.
  • The bars keep well stored in the fridge or freezer; freezing makes slicing easier and lengthens shelf life.
  • For extra richness, a higher cocoa percentage chocolate bar can be used as the topping.
  • Ensure caramel and shortbread layers are fully cooled before layering to avoid melting the chocolate topping.
  • To avoid cracking when slicing, do not leave the chocolate layer in the freezer for too long after hardening; refrigeration is preferable before serving.

Keywords: Healthy Twix Bars, gluten free dessert, dairy free bars, refined sugar free, almond flour shortbread, almond butter caramel, dark chocolate topping, homemade candy bars