Description
These Healthy Twix Bars are a delicious homemade treat that combines a gluten-free almond flour shortbread base with a creamy peanut butter caramel filling, all coated in rich chocolate. Sweetened naturally with maple syrup and made with wholesome ingredients, these bars offer a healthier twist on the classic candy bar, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth guilt-free.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring the edges are well covered for easy removal later.
- Prepare the Shortbread: In a large mixing bowl, combine almond flour, melted butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until fully incorporated to form a dough. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges turn golden brown. Set aside to cool.
- Make the Caramel Filling: In a medium bowl, mix creamy peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and almond flour until smooth. Once the shortbread base is cooled, spread this caramel mixture evenly over it. Place the pan in the freezer for at least 1 hour to set.
- Prepare the Chocolate Coating: Melt chocolate chips and coconut oil together in a shallow bowl over boiling water or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth and fully melted.
- Assemble the Bars: Remove the pan from the freezer. Using the parchment paper, lift out the set shortbread and caramel block. Place on a cutting board and slice into 16 bars by cutting in half, then slicing each half into 8 even bars.
- Coat the Bars: Dip each bar into the melted chocolate, covering entirely. Tap off excess chocolate and place bars on a parchment-lined tray. Repeat with all bars.
- Final Touch: Optionally, drizzle remaining melted chocolate over the bars and sprinkle flaky sea salt on top. Return the tray to the freezer for about 10 minutes until the chocolate hardens.
- Enjoy and Store: These healthy Twix bars are ready to enjoy! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.
Notes
- Ensure the parchment paper covers the pan edges well to lift the bars easily after setting.
- For best results, use creamy peanut butter to achieve a smooth caramel filling.
- You can substitute almond flour with another gluten-free flour blend if preferred but texture may vary.
- Store bars in the fridge to maintain firmness, especially in warmer climates.
- Flaky sea salt on top enhances the flavor contrast but can be omitted for a fully sweet bar.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approx. 50g)
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 45 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
