Description
A healthier twist on the classic candy bar with a gluten-free shortbread base, creamy date caramel, and rich dark chocolate topping. Naturally sweetened, dairy-free, and perfect for snacking or gifting.
Ingredients
Shortbread Base:
1 ½ cups (150 g) almond flour
2 tablespoons (20 g) coconut flour
¼ cup (60 ml) melted coconut oil or ghee
3 tablespoons (45 ml) pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of sea salt
Caramel Layer:
1 cup (250 g) pitted Medjool dates (soaked in warm water for 10 minutes, drained)
3 tablespoons (45 g) almond butter or cashew butter
2 tablespoons (30 ml) coconut oil, melted
2 tablespoons (30 ml) maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of sea salt
Chocolate Topping:
1 cup (175 g) dark chocolate chips (dairy-free, 70% cocoa or higher)
1 tablespoon (15 ml) coconut oil
Optional: flaky sea salt for garnish
Instructions
Step 1 – Shortbread Base
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) pan with parchment. Mix almond flour, coconut flour, coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt. Press into pan and bake 10–12 minutes until golden. Cool completely.
Step 2 – Caramel Layer
Blend soaked dates, nut butter, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt in a food processor until creamy. Spread evenly over cooled base. Freeze 30 minutes.
Step 3 – Chocolate Topping
Melt chocolate chips with coconut oil until smooth. Spread over caramel layer. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired.
Step 4 – Set and Slice
Freeze 20–30 minutes until firm. Lift out with parchment and slice into 12 bars with a sharp warm knife.
Notes
Always cool the shortbread base before spreading caramel.
Use Medjool dates for the smoothest caramel.
For neat slices, dip knife in hot water, wipe, then cut.
For glossy chocolate, temper instead of simply melting.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Snack
- Method: Bake + No-Bake Assembly
- Cuisine: American-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: healthy Twix bars, gluten-free candy bar, homemade Twix, no-bake Twix, healthy caramel chocolate bar