Bite into the best kind of crunch with these Twix protein bars! Crumbly cookie base, chewy caramel center, and coated in a rich chocolate sauce… and all high in protein! These protein Twix bars are a dairy-free, gluten-free twist on your favorite candy bar.
Is there anything better than the first bite into a candy bar? It’s pure indulgence. Well, now you can enjoy that feeling anytime with these Twix protein bars!
A layered candy bar that’s high in protein making it semi-good for you. It’s still totally dessert so not sure I'd say healthy Twix bars, but these bite-sized treats can fit into any kind of high-protein meal plan, along with these high protein desserts (learn more about my favorite carb-cycling meal plan made for moms).
“Well, that settles it. I'm never buying a candy bar again lol. These were so insanely good! I am going to be making them all the time.” - Genevieve
As a Certified Nutrition Coach, I strive to keep my personal diet based around whole, high protein foods.. most of the time (learn more about the benefits of a high-protein diet). But these protein Twix bars are a great way to curb a craving when you have it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Classic comfort: these protein Twix bars have a chewy, indulgent protein cookie base that’s topped with a high protein, dairy-free caramel sauce and then it’s all coated in chocolate. The best flavor combination.
High in protein: thanks to the amount of vegan protein powder in this candy bar recipe, with each serving you’re taking in 12 grams of protein! Learn more about how to make homemade protein bars.
Versatile: these protein bars are just as delicious for a quick treat in the afternoon as they are served up as dessert at your next party. Mini in size and delicious, no one knows they’re healthy!
Allergy-friendly: this homemade Twix bars recipe is made with dairy-free and gluten-free ingredient swaps and is also totally vegan.
Ingredients You Need
There are 3 parts to the homemade Twix bars and each of them uses gluten-free pantry staples to make whipping these up as easy as possible.
Gluten-free flour: I like to use Bob Red Mills 1:1 baking flour here but all-purpose flour should work. Know that the texture of the cookie base will vary slightly on the flour used and how much liquid they enjoy (read through the tips).
Vegan protein powder: use the protein powder you have on hand but know that like the flour, it varies. Learn more about choosing the best protein powder for your goals.
Baking staples: you’ll need ingredients like baking soda, salt, and vanilla extract to get everything together.
Dairy-free butter: know that regular butter will work where you need this and use a brand you’re comfortable with. For me, I try to use a brand that doesn’t contain safflower or sunflower oils but use what you would normally.
Coconut oil: you need this in all three layers of the protein Twix bars. Measure the oil solid and then melt it but make sure it’s all separated.
Chocolat chips: these are to melt down and coat the homemade Twix bars. I use Enjoy Life semi-sweet chocolate chips to certify that they’re dairy-free. Dark chocolate works amazingly too though.
Maple syrup: the caramel layer wouldn’t be complete without maple syrup. Know that honey won’t work here as it would be too thick.
Peanut butter: try to use a fresh jar of peanut butter and a natural one as the oils in it will help it mix better into the caramel filling. Almond butter works deliciously as well in place of peanut butter.
Expert Tips
There’s a lot that goes into making these protein Twix bars and a few “moving parts”, so read through these tips before you start to make the process easier!
For the cookie base: you only want as much oil in the base so that you’re able to stick the dough together in one big ball. This amount will vary based on the protein powder and gluten-free flour that you use.
Texture: Pea protein-based powders absorb more liquid and will need more oil where as coconut blends need less. Likewise, an egg white and collagen blend will dry the cookie base out a bit. This is also the case for the caramel filling. If it’s too dry because of the powder, you’ll want to add a bit more coconut oil.
Baking tips: when you press the protein cookie base into the parchment-lined pan, press it down firmly. The better you do this, the more the base will hold together.
Chocolate dipping: for the best aesthetic appeal, dip each peanut butter twic bar into the chocolate. However, for busy mom life (aka me) I personally cut the bars, leave them on the parchment paper and pour the chocolate over top to save time.
How To Make The Protein Twix Bars
Step 1: In a bowl, combine the dry ingredients for the candy bar base.
Step 2: Add in the softened butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix until a crumbly dough forms and then start adding in the coconut oil 1 tablespoon at a time.
Step 3: Add enough coconut oil to stick the dough together in one big ball.
Step 4: Press the ball of dough into a lined baking pan and bake sure it’s even and firm. Bake for 13-15 minutes until golden.
Step 5:: Over low heat, mix together the coconut oil, maple syrup, and peanut butter for the caramel sauce.
Step 6: Whisk in the protein powder slowly until combined.
Step 7: Make sure the filling is smooth and pour the dairy-free caramel sauce onto the protein cookie base and smooth it out.
Step 8: Freeze for two hours and then cut them into bars, melt the chocolate and start to dip.
Step 9: Place the dipped bars back on parchment paper and into the fridge for 15 minutes to set.
How To Store Them
Store the protein Twix bars in the fridge in an airtight container for up to one week. They can be enjoyed right from the fridge chilled however, I like to let mine sit at room temperature for a few minutes first.
Make the candy bars and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Make sure to separate them between layers of parchment paper so that they don’t stick together and rip apart.
When you need them, let them thaw in the fridge overnight before eating.
Choosing A Protein Powder
Each vegan protein powder has a unique blend which means they absorb flour differently.
I’ve made these Twix protein bars with both Orgain protein powder and Transformation Protein powder. Both are delicious though the Transformation blend is better for Twix protein bars because of its sweeter flavor.
It will dry the base out a bit though so you need a touch more oil.
Additional tips on protein:
You can make these protein Twix bars easily enough with whey protein powder or collagen powder. However, you’ll need to adjust the amount of coconut oil or butter you use as they won’t absorb as much liquid.
Other High Protein Desserts You'll Love
- Salted chocolate protein mug cake
- The BEST dairy-free gluten-free brownies
- Protein zucchini bread
- Coffee brownies
Fast, crave-worthy snacks that hit your protein goals (without tracking or extra cooking time).
Dairy-Free Twix Protein Bars
Ingredients
Cookie Base Ingredients:
- 1 cup Gluten-free 1:1 baking flour
- ½ cup Vegan vanilla protein powder
- ¼ cup + 1 tablespoon Maple syrup yes you need both
- pinch Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Baking soda
- ¼ cup Dairy-free butter softened
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons Coconut oil melted, as needed
Caramel Ingredients:
- ¼ cup + 1 tablespoon Coconut oil melted, yes you need both
- ¾ cup Maple syrup
- ½ cup Natural Peanut butter Natural
- ½ cup Vegan protein powder
- ⅛ cup Vegan protein powder you need both
Chocolate Coating Ingredients:
- 1 cup Chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon Coconut oil
Instructions
- Line a 9x9 baking dish with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients.
- Add the softened butter and vanilla extract and mix together with a fork until a crumbly dough forms. Add melted coconut oil 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing in between. Add just enough oil until you are able to stick the dough together into one big ball.
- Transfer the dough to the parchment-lined baking dish and press the dough down evenly across the pan.
- Place in the oven and bake at 350 degrees for 13-15 minutes, until the edges just turn slightly golden.
- Meanwhile, prepare the caramel by adding the coconut oil, maple syrup, and peanut butter (or almond butter) into a small saucepan. Melt together on low heat then add the protein powder and stir until combined and remove from heat.
- Once the cookie base is done, pour the caramel layer on top then place it into the freezer. Freeze for at least 2 hours to allow the caramel to harden.
- Once frozen, remove from the baking dish by lifting on the parchment paper. Peel the parchment paper away and cut the cookie into bars.
- Melt the chocolate and coconut oil together in the microwave or using a double boiler.
- Line another baking dish with parchment paper. Dip the cookie bars into the chocolate to coat them evenly, then place them on the lined baking dish.
- Place the coated cookie bars into the fridge for 15 minutes to let the chocolate harden, then enjoy!
Notes
Disclaimer:
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"
Maris says
Healthy twix bars! Yes! I made them using almond flour instead of all-purpose flour, and they turned out surprisingly good. Nutty, delicious, addictive, and heathy! Win win!
fitasamamabear says
Ohh nice swap, thanks for the tip!
Lennie says
The chocolate coating is so rich and the cookie base is crumbly and so delicious. I loved that it's dairy free, I can enjoy eating it guilt-free. So yum!
fitasamamabear says
So happy you loved them!
Georgia says
The cookie base is so crunchy that's satisfying in every bite and the caramel center is just the right amount of chewy. And that chocolate coating? Absolutely delicious! I'm now obsessed with these Twix protein bars!
fitasamamabear says
yea they're oddly delicious and faaarrr too easy to eat!
Pam says
I love chocolate, but I also want to be healthy. These dairy-free Twix protein bars are perfect for satisfying my sweet cravings while staying on track with my health goals. Thanks for sharing this recipe!
fitasamamabear says
Haha I'm also a chocolate fanatic!
Genevieve says
Well, that settles it. I'm never buying a candy bar again lol. These were so insanely good! I am going to be making them all the time.
fitasamamabear says
Haha right?!