Decadent Twix-Inspired Shortbread Bars
Satisfy your sweet tooth with these indulgent Twix-inspired shortbread bars. Featuring a buttery shortbread base topped with a rich, creamy caramel layer, and finished with a smooth chocolate glaze, these delightful treats deliver all the flavors of the classic candy bar in a convenient cookie form. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a delightful dessert at home, these bars marry the crispy, crumbly, and gooey textures for an unforgettable experience.
N/A
Servings
112.5
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
unsalted butter
3/4 cup (room temperature)
sugar
1/4 cup (granulated)
vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon
all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups
salt
1/8 teaspoon
sweetened condensed milk
1 - 14 ounce can
semi-sweet chocolate chips
6 ounces
unsalted butter (for topping)
1 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9-inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2
In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream together the room temperature unsalted butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
3
Gradually add in the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing on low speed just until the dough comes together. Do not overmix.
4
Press the shortbread dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes or until the edges are pale golden.
5
While the shortbread cools, prepare the caramel filling. If using the stovetop method, pour the sweetened condensed milk into a heatproof bowl and place it over a saucepan of simmering water. Cover and let it cook on low heat, stirring occasionally for 60 to 90 minutes, until it thickens and turns a caramel color. Remove from heat and whisk until smooth.
6
For the microwave method, place the sweetened condensed milk in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on medium power for 4 minutes, stirring halfway through. Then, reduce the power to medium-low and continue cooking for an additional 8 to 12 minutes, or until thickened and caramel-colored. Beat until smooth after removing from the microwave.
7
Once the shortbread has cooled, pour the prepared caramel over the shortbread, smoothing it out to ensure even coverage. Allow the caramel to set completely.
8
For the chocolate topping, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips along with 1 teaspoon of unsalted butter in a microwave or over a double boiler until smooth.
9
Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel layer, spreading it evenly. Allow the chocolate to set at room temperature or refrigerate for quicker setting.
10
Once set, use a sharp knife to cut the bars into 16 pieces. For best results, keep the bars refrigerated to maintain the firmness of the chocolate coating.
Nutrition Information
6.75g
Fat
13.125g
Carbs
1.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Twix-Inspired Shortbread Bars?
These are indulgent dessert bars featuring a buttery shortbread base, a rich caramel layer made from sweetened condensed milk, and a smooth chocolate glaze.
What is the recommended oven temperature for the shortbread?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What size baking pan is needed for this recipe?
A 9x9-inch baking pan is required.
How should I prepare the baking pan?
Grease the pan with butter or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars.
How do I start making the shortbread dough?
Cream together the room temperature unsalted butter and sugar in an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy.
When should the vanilla extract be added?
Add the vanilla extract after creaming the butter and sugar, and mix until combined.
What is the correct way to add flour to the dough?
Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing on low speed only until the dough comes together.
How long does the shortbread base need to bake?
Bake the base for approximately 20 minutes.
How can I tell when the shortbread is done?
The shortbread is ready when the edges are a pale golden color.
What ingredient is used to make the caramel filling?
The caramel filling is made using one 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk.
How do I make the caramel on the stovetop?
Place sweetened condensed milk in a heatproof bowl over simmering water, cover, and cook on low heat for 60 to 90 minutes until thickened.
Is there a faster way to make the caramel?
Yes, you can use a microwave on medium power for 4 minutes, then medium-low for 8 to 12 minutes, stirring frequently.
When should I pour the caramel over the shortbread?
Pour the prepared caramel over the shortbread once the crust has cooled completely.
What kind of chocolate is used for the topping?
The recipe calls for 6 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate chips.
Why is butter added to the chocolate topping?
One teaspoon of unsalted butter is added to the chocolate chips to help create a smooth, meltable glaze.
How do I melt the chocolate for the bars?
Melt the chocolate chips and butter together in a microwave or over a double boiler until smooth.
How should the chocolate be applied?
Pour the melted chocolate over the set caramel layer and spread it evenly across the surface.
How long should the chocolate set before cutting?
Allow the chocolate to set at room temperature or refrigerate it for a quicker setting process.
How many pieces does this recipe yield?
The recipe produces 16 individual bars.
What is the best way to cut the finished bars?
Use a sharp knife to cut the bars once they have fully set.
Where should these bars be stored?
For best results, keep the bars refrigerated to maintain the firmness of the chocolate coating.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 112.5 calories.
What is the fat content per bar?
Each bar contains 6.75 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in each piece?
There are 13.125 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in one shortbread bar?
Each bar provides 1.5 grams of protein.
How much butter is used in the shortbread base?
The base requires 3/4 cup of room temperature unsalted butter.
How much sugar is in the shortbread crust?
The crust uses 1/4 cup of granulated sugar.
How much flour is needed for the recipe?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour.
How many total ingredients are required?
There are a total of 8 ingredients used in this recipe.
Can these bars be served at parties?
Yes, these bars are perfect for sharing at gatherings or as a decadent home dessert.