These bite-sized homemade Twix bars are a gluten-free, no-bake treat that combines a soft cookie base, a gooey caramel layer, and a smooth chocolate topping. I love making these because they satisfy my sweet tooth without being overly complicated, and they’re perfect to keep in the freezer for when I need a quick snack or dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I like that this recipe gives me all the flavors of a classic Twix bar but in a healthier, gluten-free version. The cookie layer is soft yet slightly crumbly, the almond butter caramel is rich and creamy, and the chocolate topping adds the perfect finishing touch. I also appreciate how versatile the recipe is since I can make it vegan or low sugar depending on my needs. These bars are also bite-sized, making them easy to grab and enjoy anytime.
Ingredients
(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)
Cookie Layer
½ cup (56 grams) fine blanched almond flour
½ cup (60 grams) vanilla or plain plant protein powder or gluten free oat flour
5 Tablespoons melted butter plus 1 Tablespoon refined coconut oil, melted (or 5 Tablespoons melted coconut oil for vegan option)
3 Tablespoons maple syrup
Caramel Layer
½ cup creamy almond butter (125 grams)
¼ cup refined coconut oil
¼ cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch salt
Chocolate Layer
4 ounces dark chocolate chips or chocolate bar (see notes for dairy free and low sugar option)
1 Tablespoon refined coconut oil
¼ teaspoon flakey sea salt
Directions
- I start with the cookie layer by mixing almond flour, protein powder (or oat flour), melted butter, coconut oil, and maple syrup until I get a soft dough. I press it firmly into a lined baking dish and place it in the freezer to set.
- For the caramel layer, I combine almond butter, coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan over low heat. I stir until smooth and creamy, then pour it over the cookie base. I freeze it again until firm.
- To make the chocolate layer, I melt chocolate chips with coconut oil until smooth. I spread this evenly over the caramel layer and sprinkle with flakey sea salt.
- I let it set in the freezer until firm, then cut it into bite-sized bars before serving.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes about 16 bite-sized bars. It usually takes me around 20 minutes to prepare and another 1–2 hours for chilling and setting time.
Variations
I sometimes swap almond butter for peanut butter for a more classic candy bar flavor. For a vegan option, I stick to coconut oil instead of butter and use dairy-free chocolate. If I want to reduce the sugar, I go with sugar-free maple syrup and low-sugar chocolate. I also like to add crushed nuts on top of the chocolate layer for extra crunch.
Storage/Reheating
I keep these bars stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. When I want one, I just take it out and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before eating. I don’t recommend microwaving them since the layers can melt unevenly.
FAQs
Can I use peanut butter instead of almond butter?
Yes, I often swap almond butter with peanut butter when I want a stronger, more classic candy bar flavor.
Do I have to use protein powder in the cookie layer?
No, I can replace it with gluten-free oat flour for a softer, more traditional cookie base.
What kind of chocolate works best?
I like using dark chocolate chips, but a chopped chocolate bar also works well. For dairy-free or low sugar, I use specialty chocolate.
How do I keep the bars from crumbling?
Pressing the cookie layer firmly into the pan and freezing it long enough before adding the next layer helps keep them intact.
Can I make these vegan?
Yes, I replace the butter with coconut oil and choose dairy-free chocolate.
Can I make them nut-free?
I replace almond butter with sunflower seed butter and almond flour with oat flour to keep them nut-free.
How small should I cut the bars?
I usually cut them into about 1-inch squares, which makes them bite-sized and easy to eat.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, I just use a larger pan and double all the ingredients. The chilling time might be a little longer.
Do I need to refrigerate them, or is freezing better?
I prefer freezing since it keeps the layers firm, but refrigeration works if I plan to eat them within a week.
Can I add toppings besides sea salt?
Yes, I sometimes add crushed nuts, shredded coconut, or even a drizzle of extra chocolate for variety.
Conclusion
I love how these bite-sized homemade Twix bars combine simple ingredients into such a satisfying treat. They’re rich, chocolatey, and just the right amount of indulgent while still being gluten-free and customizable. Whether I keep them in the freezer for quick snacks or serve them as a healthier dessert, they always disappear fast.
PrintBite-Sized Homemade Twix Bars (Gluten-Free)
Bite-sized homemade Twix bars with a gluten-free cookie base, creamy almond butter caramel, and a rich chocolate topping. No-bake, easy to make, and perfect for storing in the freezer for a quick sweet treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 16 bite-sized bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
½ cup (56 g) fine blanched almond flour
½ cup (60 g) vanilla or plain plant protein powder or gluten-free oat flour
5 tbsp melted butter plus 1 tbsp refined coconut oil, melted (or 5 tbsp melted coconut oil for vegan option)
3 tbsp maple syrup
½ cup (125 g) creamy almond butter
¼ cup refined coconut oil
¼ cup maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
4 oz dark chocolate chips or chocolate bar
1 tbsp refined coconut oil
¼ tsp flakey sea salt
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix almond flour, protein powder (or oat flour), melted butter, coconut oil, and maple syrup until a soft dough forms. Press into a lined baking dish and freeze until firm.
- For the caramel layer, heat almond butter, coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt in a saucepan over low heat until smooth. Pour over the cookie layer and freeze until set.
- Melt chocolate chips with coconut oil until smooth. Spread over the caramel layer and sprinkle with flakey sea salt.
- Freeze until firm, then cut into 1-inch bite-sized bars before serving.
Notes
Swap almond butter with peanut butter for a classic flavor.
Use coconut oil and dairy-free chocolate for a vegan version.
Store in the freezer for up to 3 months in an airtight container.
Let bars sit at room temperature for a few minutes before eating.
Add crushed nuts, shredded coconut, or extra chocolate drizzle for variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 45 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg