Millionaire Bars: The Ultimate Dessert Indulgence

Name: Homemade Twix Bars Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 100 min
Ingredients: 1 cup flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 stick butter (softened); 1 egg; 1/2 tsp. vanilla; 1/2 tsp. salt; 30 salted pretzels; 12 oz. vanilla caramels (unwrapped); 3 tbsp. heavy cream; 8 oz dark chocolate chips; 4 tbsp. heavy cream; Coarse sea salt (optional)

These Homemade Twix Bars combine buttery pretzel shortbread, gooey caramel, and rich dark chocolate ganache into one seriously irresistible dessert bar. They taste even better than the candy bar version and are perfect for holidays, parties, bake sales, or anytime you need an indulgent sweet treat.

If you love decadent dessert bars like these, you should also try these rich and fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies.

These Homemade Twix Bars are also called Millionaire Bars and are just one of those things you need in life. So rich and creamy and gooey and delicious, it's hard to not devour them. They're incredible.

And they may look difficult to make, but I promise they aren't. Do they take a bit of time? Yes. Patience must be had while waiting for shortbread, caramel and chocolate to cool between layers. But it's totally worth it.

What are Homemade Twix Bars?

Homemade Twix Bars are layered dessert bars made with a buttery shortbread crust, creamy caramel filling, and chocolate ganache topping. Inspired by the classic Twix candy bar, these copycat Twix bars offer a richer homemade flavor and texture.

Jump to:

What are Homemade Twix Bars?
Why This Recipe Works
Why These Homemade Twix Bars are Better Than Store-Bought
What is My Take on Copycat Twix Bars?
Ingredients
Key Ingredients
Step By Step Instructions
How to Get the Best Homemade Twix Bars
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Variations
What to Serve With Homemade Twix Bars
Expert Tips for Millionaire Bars
Frequently Asked Questions
Storage + Reheating + Make Ahead + Meal Prep
Closing Homemade Twix Bars
More Bar Recipes
Recipe
💬 Comments

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Why This Recipe Works

The pretzel shortbread crust adds salty crunch.
Gooey caramel creates the perfect chewy center.
Dark chocolate ganache balances the sweetness.
Easy layered dessert with simple ingredients.
Perfect make-ahead dessert bars.

Why These Homemade Twix Bars are Better Than Store-Bought

Store-bought candy bars can’t compete with the thick buttery crust, rich caramel, and silky chocolate topping in these homemade candy bars.

Making them at home means:

thicker caramel layers
better chocolate flavor
customizable salt levels
fresher ingredients
bakery-style texture

The flaky sea salt takes these chocolate caramel bars completely over the top.

What is My Take on Copycat Twix Bars?

I love that these bars taste nostalgic while still feeling elevated and homemade. The salty pretzel crust makes them stand out from traditional millionaire bars and gives them the perfect sweet-and-salty balance.

If you enjoy layered chocolate desserts, these creamy Chocolate Truffles are another indulgent treat worth making.

Ingredients

Shortbread Crust:

1 cup flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
1 stick butter softened
1 egg
½ tsp. vanilla
½ tsp. salt
30 salted pretzels

Caramel:

12 oz. vanilla caramels unwrapped
3 tbsp. heavy cream

Chocolate Ganache:

8 oz dark chocolate chips
4 tbsp. heavy cream
Coarse sea salt optional

👉 Scroll down to the recipe card for a printable version of ingredients and instructions.

Key Ingredients

Pretzels - The salted pretzels create an incredible crunchy texture and balance the sweetness.
Dark Chocolate - Dark chocolate keeps the bars rich without becoming overly sweet.
Vanilla Caramels - Melted caramels create the signature chewy center layer.
Coarse Sea Salt - A light sprinkle enhances all the chocolate and caramel flavors.

Step By Step Instructions

Shortbread Crust:

Step1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Combine the butter and sugar in a bowl and beat until fluffy, about 1-2 minutes.

Step2: Add the egg and vanilla and beat another 1-2 minutes.

Step3: Add the flour and salt and mix to combine. Do not overmix.

uncooked shortbread crust spread in a paper lined pan

Step4: Take the dough and spread it over a parchment paper lined 8 x 8" pan. Press the dough into a single layer over the parchment paper.

uncooked shortbread crust covered with pretzels

Step5: Press each pretzel lightly into the dough leaving only a small amount of space between each. You can use either pretzel sticks or traditional pretzels.

Step6: Bake the dough for 20-25 minutes, until the edges just start to brown.

Step7: Remove from the oven and let cool completely. I typically put the shortbread in the fridge for an hour to let it cool completely.

Let cool completely in fridge before adding the caramel (about 30 minutes).

Caramel:

Step1: Once your shortbread is cooled, add the caramel. Unwrap all your caramels and place in a microwave safe bowl with the heavy cream.

caramel covered shortbread crust in a pan

Step2: Microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring in between each, until caramel is full melted.

Step3: Pour on top of the shortbread. Cool completely in the fridge before adding the chocolate ganache (about 15-30 minutes).

Chocolate Ganache:

Step1: Make the chocolate the same way you made the caramel. Combine the chocolate chips and cream in a microwave safe bowl and heat for 30 second intervals, stirring in between. Once fully melted, pour on top of the caramel mixture.

Step2: Sprinkle lightly with coarse sea salt. Refrigerate until set, about 30 minutes.

Step3: Lift the parchment paper out of the pan and slice the bars with a warmed knife (warm makes it easier to slice).

How to Get the Best Homemade Twix Bars

Chill each layer fully before adding the next.
Warm the knife before slicing for clean edges.
Use parchment paper for easy removal.
Don’t overbake the crust.
Sprinkle sea salt while the ganache is still warm.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overheating the caramel
Skipping chill time
Overmixing the shortbread dough
Using cold chocolate ganache
Slicing before fully set

Variations

Use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate.
Add chopped nuts to the caramel layer.
Drizzle with white chocolate.
Use flaky Maldon salt for extra crunch.

What to Serve With Homemade Twix Bars

These rich dessert bars pair perfectly with coffee, ice cream, and other chocolate desserts.

Try serving them with:

Expert Tips for Millionaire Bars

Be careful not to overmix the shortbread as it can cause it to become too crumbly and fall apart after baking;
The caramel and chocolate should be microwaved in 30 second intervals, stirring in between until the mixtures are fully melted. Be careful not to overheat or they may burn;
If the chocolate ganache is too thick, add additional cream and mix until it is pourable. Be careful not to thin it too much - the mixture should be thick but pourable (I don't usually need to add extra);
If the caramel is too thick, add additional cream and mix until it is pourable. Be careful not to thin it too much - the mixture should be thick but pourable (I never need to add extra);
Either pretzel sticks or regular pretzels can be used;
The sprinkle of sea salt on top is optional, however I highly recommend it for the best flavor;
Warm your knife before attempting to cut the bars. A warmed knife will slice through the chocolate and caramel easier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze Homemade Twix Bars?

Yes. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

Are these the same as millionaire bars?

They’re similar, but these include pretzels for extra crunch and a Twix-inspired flavor.

Can I use milk chocolate?

Yes, though dark chocolate balances the sweetness better.

Why are my bars falling apart?

They likely need additional chill time before slicing.

Storage + Reheating + Make Ahead + Meal Prep

Storage - Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheating - These bars are best served chilled or slightly softened at room temperature.
Make Ahead - Perfect make-ahead dessert bars for parties and holidays.
Meal Prep - Slice and freeze individual bars for quick desserts anytime.

Closing Homemade Twix Bars

These Homemade Twix Bars are the ultimate sweet-and-salty dessert with buttery shortbread, gooey caramel, crunchy pretzels, and silky chocolate ganache layered into every bite. Whether you’re making them for the holidays, a party, or simply satisfying a chocolate craving, these copycat Twix bars are guaranteed to disappear fast.