Healthy Vegan Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Twix Bars Recipe
These Healthy Peanut Butter Twix Bars are a delicious vegan and gluten-free treat featuring a nutty almond flour shortbread base, a rich peanut butter caramel layer, and a smooth dairy-free chocolate topping. Perfect for a guilt-free indulgence, these bars combine wholesome ingredients with a classic candy bar inspiration, making them ideal for snack time or dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan,Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Shortbread Base
- 1 ½ cups packed fine blanched almond flour (I use Bob’s Red Mill)
- 3 tablespoons melted and cooled coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Peanut Butter Layer
- ⅔ cup drippy natural peanut butter (crunchy or creamy works)
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Chocolate Layer
- 3/4 cup chocolate chips, dairy free if desired
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line an 8×8 inch square pan with parchment paper to ensure the bars don’t stick; using a 9×9 inch pan may result in thinner bars than desired.
- Make Shortbread Base: In a medium bowl, mix the almond flour, melted and cooled coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt with a fork until the mixture forms a thick crumbly texture. Press this mixture evenly into the prepared pan using your fingers. Bake for 10 minutes, then allow the crust to cool for 10 minutes before adding the peanut butter caramel layer.
- Prepare Peanut Butter Caramel Layer: Combine peanut butter, maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla extract, and sea salt in a medium pot. Heat over medium-low heat for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the caramel begins to bubble slightly. Pour the warm mixture evenly over the cooled shortbread layer.
- Harden Peanut Butter Layer: Place the pan in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour to let the peanut butter layer set completely. To speed up the process, you can freeze the bars for 15-20 minutes.
- Melt Chocolate Layer: Place chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth. Alternatively, melt in a small saucepan over low heat if preferred.
- Add Chocolate Layer and Chill: Pour the melted chocolate over the set peanut butter layer. Tilt the pan gently side to side to evenly distribute the chocolate. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes until the chocolate has hardened and the bars are fully cooled.
- Cut and Serve: Remove the bars from the pan using the parchment paper. Cut the entire pan in half, then each half into 8 bars measuring approximately 1 inch wide, to yield 16 Twix-style bars in total. Keep the bars covered in the fridge until ready to serve for best freshness.
Notes
- Use an 8×8 inch pan for the correct thickness; 9×9 inch pans will make thinner bars.
- Natural peanut butter (with oil separation) is preferred for best texture in the caramel layer.
- The bars should be stored in the refrigerator and kept covered for optimal freshness.
- Freezing for 15-20 minutes can speed up the setting time if needed.
- Dairy-free chocolate chips make this recipe fully vegan.
Keywords: Healthy peanut butter twix bars, vegan twix bars, gluten free dessert, almond flour shortbread, peanut butter caramel, dairy free chocolate dessert
