Vegan Peanut Butter Twix Bars Recipe
If you have a soft spot for that perfect blend of crunchy, creamy, and sweet, then this Vegan Peanut Butter Twix Bars Recipe is about to become your new go-to treat. Imagine a buttery almond shortbread base topped with a luscious, homemade peanut butter caramel layer, all enrobed in rich, silky vegan chocolate. Each bite brings together a harmony of textures and flavors that satisfy every chocolate and peanut butter craving without any animal products. Whether you’re treating yourself or dazzling friends, these bars have a magical way of sparking smiles and second helpings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients that work in harmony to create the perfect Vegan Peanut Butter Twix Bars Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role in building up the layers of flavor, texture, and that irresistible richness.
- 150 g ground almonds: Provides the nutty base with a wonderful crumbly texture for the shortbread crust.
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt: Enhances the sweet flavors and balances the richness throughout the bars.
- 20 ml pure maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness and moisture to the crust layer.
- 60 g smooth peanut butter: Binds the shortbread base while adding creamy peanut taste.
- 20 g coconut oil (solid): Helps bind the ingredients and adds a subtle tropical aroma to the base.
- 280 g smooth peanut butter: The star of the caramel layer, bringing creamy depth and nutty richness.
- 125 ml pure maple syrup: Sweetens and thickens the peanut butter caramel perfectly.
- 40 g coconut oil (solid): Adds silkiness and helps the caramel set firmly.
- 1 teaspoon sea salt: Heightens the true peanut butter flavor in the caramel layer.
- 1-2 tablespoons maca powder (optional): Adds a subtle earthy note and boosts the bars’ nutritional profile.
- 200 g vegan chocolate: Coats the bars with decadent, glossy chocolate that hardens to a satisfying snap.
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil: Melted with the chocolate for smooth consistency and shiny finish.
How to Make Vegan Peanut Butter Twix Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Base
Start by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F) and lining a loaf pan with parchment paper. This step ensures your bars come out cleanly and keeps things simple. Combine the ground almonds, sea salt, maple syrup, 60 grams peanut butter, and 20 grams solid coconut oil in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture forms a sticky dough. Press this evenly into your pan, flattening it with the back of a spoon. Don’t forget to prick it lightly with a fork to prevent bubbles. Bake for 20 minutes until it turns a lovely golden brown. Let it cool completely to build the perfect crisp base layer.
Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Caramel
Next up is the luscious peanut butter caramel layer that makes these bars so addictive. Combine the remaining peanut butter, maple syrup, coconut oil, sea salt, and maca powder in a heat-resistant bowl. Use a double boiler method, gently heating while stirring until everything melts together into a smooth, glossy caramel. Pour this silky mixture evenly over the cooled shortbread base and pop it into the freezer to set for at least two hours. Patience here pays off with a firm, sliceable caramel topping.
Step 3: Slice and Dip in Chocolate
Once the caramel has set, it’s time to slice these bars with care. Heat a sharp knife by placing it briefly in boiling water, then dry it thoroughly to get smooth, clean cuts through the caramel and shortbread. Set the bars on a parchment-lined baking sheet and return them to the freezer to keep their shape while you prepare the chocolate coat. Melt the vegan chocolate and the additional coconut oil together over a double boiler for that shiny finish. Grab each bar with two forks or spoons and dip it fully in the molten chocolate, then place back on parchment paper. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top before chilling them in the fridge for 15 minutes to fully set the coating.
How to Serve Vegan Peanut Butter Twix Bars Recipe
Garnishes
These bars are divine on their own, but you can elevate their look and taste with a touch of extra flair. Sprinkle a little flaky sea salt or crushed roasted peanuts on top just before the chocolate sets for an irresistible crunch and eye-catching finish. A light dusting of cocoa powder or a drizzle of melted peanut butter can also add decorative charm and a hint of extra indulgence.
Side Dishes
If you’re serving these bars at a gathering or as part of a dessert platter, they pair beautifully with fresh berries or a scoop of coconut vanilla ice cream. The fruity tang and creamy coolness complement the rich peanut butter and chocolate flavors perfectly. A cup of strong coffee or herbal tea also makes a lovely accompaniment to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, try presenting the bars on a wooden board layered with parchment paper for a rustic touch. You can also create mini versions by cutting the bars smaller and stacking them with parchment layers in between for an impressive dessert tower. Wrapping individual bars in wax paper tied with twine makes a charming gift or party favor that friends will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These Vegan Peanut Butter Twix Bars keep their fantastic taste and texture when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 10 days, making them a perfect make-ahead snack or dessert option for busy weeks. Just be sure to keep them chilled to retain their crisp chocolate coating and firm caramel.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these bars even further in advance, they freeze beautifully. Wrap bars individually or place in a sealed container to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight. This method locks in freshness so whenever that peanut butter and chocolate craving strikes, you’ll be ready to indulge.
Reheating
Since these are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, reheating is not recommended as it can soften the chocolate coating and change the texture of the caramel. If they’ve been frozen, stick to a gentle thaw in the fridge rather than applying heat to keep the integrity of each delicious layer intact.
FAQs
Can I use a different nut butter instead of peanut butter?
Absolutely! Almond butter or cashew butter can be delightful substitutes, but keep in mind that the flavor and texture might vary slightly. Peanut butter gives the bars their classic Twix-inspired richness, so if you swap it, adjust sweetness and salt accordingly.
Is maca powder necessary in this recipe?
Maca powder is optional in this Vegan Peanut Butter Twix Bars Recipe. It adds a subtle earthy note and nutritional boost but can be left out without affecting the structure or overall flavor too much. Feel free to experiment!
Can I make this recipe nut-free?
Since ground almonds and peanut butter are foundational here, making it completely nut-free would require substantial changes. For those with allergies, consider replacing the almond shortbread with oat or seed-based crusts and swapping peanut butter for sunflower seed butter.
Why do I need to prick the shortbread dough before baking?
Pricking the shortbread dough with a fork prevents air bubbles from forming and ensures the crust cooks evenly, resulting in a smooth, flat base that holds up well under the peanut butter caramel layer.
How long do the bars need to set after dipping in chocolate?
Allow the chocolate coating to set in the fridge for at least 15 minutes. This ensures the chocolate hardens to a firm, shiny shell that adds a satisfying snap when you bite into the bars.
Final Thoughts
There is something utterly joyous about making and sharing this Vegan Peanut Butter Twix Bars Recipe. It channels childhood nostalgia while honoring your plant-based lifestyle, combining the best flavors and textures in a way that feels both comforting and indulgent. Once you take your first bite, you’ll want to make these bars again and again — I promise they’ll quickly become a beloved staple in your dessert repertoire!
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Vegan Peanut Butter Twix Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Vegan Peanut Butter Twix Bars combine a crunchy almond shortbread base with a rich, creamy peanut butter caramel layer, all coated in smooth vegan chocolate. Perfect for a satisfying and plant-based treat, these bars are enhanced with a hint of sea salt and optional maca powder for an extra nutritional boost.
Ingredients
Shortbread Base
- 150 g ground almonds
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 20 ml pure maple syrup
- 60 g smooth peanut butter
- 20 g coconut oil (solid)
Peanut Butter Caramel
- 280 g smooth peanut butter
- 125 ml pure maple syrup
- 40 g coconut oil (solid)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1–2 tablespoons maca powder (optional)
Chocolate Coating
- 200 g vegan chocolate
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a loaf pan or an 8″ rectangular/square pan with parchment paper, creating a sling for easy removal.
- Make the Shortbread Base: In a food processor, combine ground almonds, salt, maple syrup, peanut butter, and solid coconut oil. Process until a dough forms that sticks together. Press this dough evenly into the pan base and smooth it with the back of a spoon. Prick several holes gently with a fork to prevent bubbling.
- Bake the Base: Bake the shortbread for 20 minutes until lightly browned. Remove from the oven and let it cool to room temperature.
- Prepare Peanut Butter Caramel: In a heat-safe bowl, combine peanut butter, maple syrup, solid coconut oil, sea salt, and optional maca powder. Heat this mixture over a double boiler (bain-marie), stirring until fully melted and smooth.
- Set the Caramel Layer: Pour the smooth caramel over the cooled shortbread base. Place the pan in the freezer for 2 hours or until the caramel sets firm. Overnight setting is also effective.
- Slice Bars: Warm a sharp knife by dipping it in boiling water, drying it well before slicing. Use the warm knife to gently cut through the frozen caramel shortbread into bars. Place bars on parchment-lined baking sheet and return to the freezer to maintain shape.
- Melt Chocolate Coating: Melt vegan chocolate and coconut oil together in a double boiler, stirring until smooth and combined.
- Coat Bars: Dip each bar into the melted chocolate using two forks or spoons to coat evenly. Place coated bars back on parchment paper, sprinkle with sea salt, and chill in the fridge for 15 minutes until set.
- Storage: Store the finished bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. For longer storage, freeze bars in an airtight container and thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute maca powder or omit it as desired; it adds a slight earthy flavor and nutritional benefits.
- The bars can be made in different sized pans, but note that thickness and height will vary.
- Heating the knife before slicing helps achieve cleaner cuts through the caramel layer.
- For extra crunch, consider adding chopped peanuts or almond pieces to the shortbread base.
- Ensure the coconut oil is solid when mixed to help the dough hold together better.
- These bars freeze well and thaw best overnight in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
