Why Make This Recipe
Healthy Twix Bars are a delightful treat that offer a satisfying crunch and a sweet flavor without the guilt. Many people love to indulge in candy bars, but they are often packed with sugar and unhealthy ingredients. This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that are not only better for your health but also delicious. By making Healthy Twix Bars at home, you can enjoy a sweet snack that is filled with the goodness of almond flour and peanut butter. They are perfect for those who are following a healthier lifestyle or anyone looking to satisfy their sweet tooth without compromising their health.
These bars are also a fun food to prepare with family or friends. The process of making them can bring people together in the kitchen, creating lasting memories while enjoying the delicious results afterward. Plus, they are easy to make and do not require baking skills. The satisfaction of creating something from scratch adds to the joy of eating these delectable treats.
Healthy Twix Bars have multiple layers, including a crunchy base, a creamy peanut butter filling, and a rich chocolate coating. This combination makes them a satisfying snack that is sure to please everyone. You can enjoy them at any time of the day, whether it’s for breakfast, a midday snack, or dessert. They are also great for parties or gatherings, as everyone loves a flavorful, healthy treat.
How to Make Healthy Twix Bars
Making Healthy Twix Bars is a simple process that anyone can follow. With just a few basic ingredients and an easy step-by-step guide, you can create these delicious treats in no time. Below are all the necessary components to make the bars, along with the preparation steps to guide you through the process.
Ingredients
To make Healthy Twix Bars, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups Almond Flour
- 3 tbsp Butter (melted)
- 1 1/2 tbsp Maple Syrup
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1 cup Creamy Peanut Butter
- 1/3 cup Maple Syrup
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1/4 cup Almond Flour
- 1 cup Chocolate Chips
- 1 1/2 tbsp Coconut Oil
Directions
Follow these easy steps to make your Healthy Twix Bars:
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the shortbread layer bakes evenly.
Prepare Your Baking Pan: Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This will prevent the bars from sticking to the pan, making it easier to remove them later.
Make the Shortbread Base: In a bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups almond flour, 3 tablespoons of melted butter, 1 1/2 tablespoons of maple syrup, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix these ingredients well until they form a cookie dough-like consistency. Once mixed, press this dough firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan.
Bake the Base: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t burn.
Make the Peanut Butter Layer: While the base is cooling, take a medium bowl and mix together 1 cup of creamy peanut butter, 1/3 cup of maple syrup, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup of almond flour. Stir until you achieve a smooth and creamy mixture.
Spread Filling on Base: After the shortbread base has cooled completely, spread the peanut butter mixture evenly over the top of the cooked shortbread layer.
Freeze: Place the pan in the freezer for about 1 hour. This helps the peanut butter layer firm up and make it easier to cut later.
Melt Chocolate: While the bars are in the freezer, melt the chocolate chips with 1 1/2 tablespoons of coconut oil. You can do this in a microwave or over a double boiler. Stir continuously until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
Cut the Bars: After an hour, remove the pan from the freezer. Use a sharp knife to cut the chilled bars into 16 equal pieces.
Dip in Chocolate: Take each piece and dip it into the melted chocolate. Tap off any excess chocolate and place the bars on a tray lined with parchment paper.
Drizzle Extra Chocolate (Optional): If you want to add a bit of flair to your bars, drizzle some extra melted chocolate on top.
Final Freeze: Place the tray with dipped bars back in the freezer for about 10 minutes to let the chocolate harden.
By following these steps, you will create delicious and healthy Twix Bars that everyone will love!
How to Serve Healthy Twix Bars
Serving Healthy Twix Bars is straightforward, and you can present them in a variety of appealing ways. Here are a few suggestions:
Cut into Small Pieces: Cut the bars into smaller squares or rectangles for easy snacking. These bite-sized pieces allow everyone to enjoy them without overindulging.
Plated Presentation: Arrange the bars neatly on a serving platter. You can garnish the platter with fresh berries or sprinkle with a little sea salt for an attractive contrast.
Pair with Drinks: Serve the bars with a glass of milk, almond milk, or even a warm cup of tea. The combination can enhance the flavors and make for a delightful treat.
On-the-Go Snack: Wrap individual pieces in parchment paper or small snack bags for a convenient on-the-go snack. They are perfect for taking to work, school, or when travelling.
How to Store Healthy Twix Bars
To ensure your Healthy Twix Bars stay fresh and delicious, it’s essential to store them properly:
Refrigeration: For short-term storage, place the bars in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for up to one week.
Freezing: If you want to keep the bars for a longer period, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Just ensure to let them thaw for a few minutes before enjoying.
By following these storage tips, you can always have a delicious snack on hand whenever the craving hits!
Tips to Make Healthy Twix Bars
Here are a few helpful tips to enhance your experience while making Healthy Twix Bars:
Use Smooth Peanut Butter: For the best texture and flavor, use creamy peanut butter, as it spreads easily and gives a nice, smooth filling.
Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer your bars a bit sweeter, feel free to adjust the amount of maple syrup in both the shortbread and peanut butter layers to suit your taste.
Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to add toppings to your bars! You can sprinkle crushed nuts, shredded coconut, or sea salt on top of the chocolate before it hardens.
Check Doneness Carefully: Keep an eye on the baking time for the shortbread layer. Every oven is different, so checking for a golden color is a good rule of thumb to avoid burning.
Variation
You can easily customize this recipe to suit your preferences. Here are a few variations you might want to try:
Different Nut Butters: Swap out creamy peanut butter for almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter. Each provides a unique flavor that can change the overall taste of the bars.
Add Dark Chocolate: For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate chips instead of regular chocolate chips. This can also increase the health benefits, as dark chocolate often contains less sugar.
Coconut Flavor: Add shredded coconut into the peanut butter layer to introduce a delightful coconut flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour instead of almond flour?
Yes, you can use other flours like oat flour or all-purpose flour. However, the texture and flavor may vary slightly. If using all-purpose flour, the bars may not be gluten-free.
How can I make these bars nut-free?
To make the bars nut-free, substitute the almond flour with oat flour and use sun butter or soy nut butter in place of peanut butter.
Can I skip freezing the bars?
While freezing isn’t mandatory, it helps to set the layers properly and makes them easier to cut and coat in chocolate. If you choose to skip this step, the bars may be softer.
Making Healthy Twix Bars is a great way to enjoy a sweet treat without guilt. By preparing them at home, you can control the ingredients and make them healthier for you and your loved ones. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the satisfaction of creating a delicious, indulgent snack!
Healthy Twix Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure the shortbread layer bakes evenly.
- Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a bowl, combine 1.5 cups almond flour, 3 tablespoons melted butter, 1.5 tablespoons maple syrup, 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 0.25 teaspoon salt. Mix well until a dough-like consistency forms.
- Press the almond flour dough firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t burn.
- While the base cools, mix together 1 cup creamy peanut butter, 0.33 cup maple syrup, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 0.25 cup almond flour in a medium bowl until smooth.
- Spread the peanut butter mixture evenly over the cooled shortbread layer.
- Place the pan in the freezer for about 1 hour to firm up the peanut butter layer.
- Melt 1 cup chocolate chips with 1.5 tablespoons coconut oil in the microwave or over a double boiler, stirring until smooth.
- After an hour, remove the pan from the freezer and cut the bars into 16 pieces.
- Dip each piece into the melted chocolate, tap off excess, and place on a parchment-lined tray.
- Optionally, drizzle extra melted chocolate over the bars.
- Return the tray to the freezer for about 10 minutes to let the chocolate harden.