Twix Strikes Dessert Bars (Print version)
Buttery shortbread topped with creamy caramel and milk chocolate.
# What you need:
→ Shortbread Base
01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
04 - 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
→ Caramel Layer
05 - 1 cup unsalted butter
06 - 1 cup packed light brown sugar
07 - 4 tablespoons light corn syrup or golden syrup
08 - 2 cans sweetened condensed milk (14 oz each)
09 - 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
→ Chocolate Topping
10 - 10 oz milk chocolate, chopped or chips
11 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
02 - Cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in flour and salt until a soft dough forms.
03 - Press dough evenly into prepared pan. Prick with fork and bake for 18-20 minutes until lightly golden. Cool completely.
04 - Melt butter in heavy saucepan over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar, corn syrup, condensed milk, and salt. Bring to gentle boil, stirring constantly for 7-10 minutes until thickened and golden (225°F on candy thermometer).
05 - Pour hot caramel evenly over cooled shortbread. Spread with spatula and cool at room temperature for 1 hour until firm.
06 - Melt chocolate and butter together in double boiler or microwave in 20-second bursts. Stir until smooth.
07 - Pour melted chocolate over caramel layer. Spread evenly. Set at room temperature or refrigerate 30 minutes until firm. Lift from pan using parchment and cut into 16 bars, wiping knife between cuts.
# Expert advice:
01 -
- The homemade caramel tastes infinitely better than anything store bought
- They actually improve after sitting overnight, if you can wait that long
02 -
- The caramel temperature matters more than the time so grab that thermometer
- Letting each layer cool completely prevents them from melting into each other
03 -
- Sprinkle flaky salt over the caramel right after pouring for a salted version
- A warm knife makes all the difference for clean professional looking bars