Get ready to create the most amazing homemade twix ice cream bar that will blow your mind! As someone who's been perfecting frozen desserts for years, I can tell you this copycat twix ice cream bar recipe is pure magic. The combination of buttery shortbread crust, smooth vanilla ice cream, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate coating makes every bite absolutely irresistible.
This easy twix ice cream bar recipe brings together all the flavors you love from the classic candy bar in a cool, refreshing frozen treat. Whether you're hosting a summer party or just want to treat yourself, these homemade twix ice cream bars are guaranteed crowd-pleasers that taste even better than store-bought versions.
Background & Why This Recipe Stands Out
What makes this twix ice cream bar special is the perfect balance of textures and flavors that mirror the beloved candy bar. Unlike complicated frozen dessert recipes, this homemade twix ice cream bar uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. The secret lies in layering each component properly to create that signature Twix experience.
The beauty of making your own twix ice cream bar is complete control over quality and taste. You can adjust the sweetness, make the caramel extra gooey, or add more chocolate coating. Plus, this no-bake twix ice cream bar recipe requires no special equipment; just basic kitchen tools and a freezer. The result is a premium frozen treat that costs a fraction of store-bought versions.
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Ingredients
For the Shortbread Base:
- All-purpose flour
- Powdered sugar
- Salt
- Cold unsalted butter, cubed
- Heavy cream
For the Ice Cream Layer:
- Heavy cream
- Whole milk
- Granulated sugar
- Egg yolks
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
For the Caramel Layer:
- Granulated sugar
- Unsalted butter
- Heavy cream
- Vanilla extract
- Sea salt
For the Chocolate Coating:
- 12 oz dark chocolate, chopped
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Base
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13 inch pan with parchment paper.
- Mix flour, powdered sugar, and salt in a large bowl.
- Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add heavy cream and mix until dough comes together.
- Press mixture evenly into prepared pan and bake for 18-20 minutes until lightly golden.
- Cool completely before proceeding to the next layer.
Step 2: Make the Vanilla Ice Cream
- Heat milk and half the cream in a saucepan until just simmering.
- Whisk egg yolks with sugar until pale and thick.
- Slowly add hot milk mixture to yolks, whisking constantly.
- Return mixture to pan and cook until it coats the back of a spoon (170°F).
- Strain through fine mesh strainer, add vanilla and salt.
- Chill completely, then churn in ice cream maker according to manufacturer's instructions.
Step 3: Create the Perfect Caramel
- Heat sugar in a heavy saucepan over medium heat until melted and amber colored.
- Add butter carefully (mixture will bubble vigorously).
- Slowly pour in cream while whisking constantly.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until smooth, then add vanilla and salt.
- Cool to room temperature before using in the twix ice cream bar assembly.
Step 4: Assembly and Freezing
- Spread softened ice cream over cooled shortbread base.
- Drizzle caramel evenly over ice cream layer.
- Freeze for at least 4 hours or until completely firm.
- Cut into bars using a sharp knife dipped in warm water.
Expert Cooking Tips
Creating the perfect twix ice cream bar requires attention to detail and proper technique. Here are professional tips to guarantee success:
Temperature Control is Key
- Keep all ingredients properly chilled during assembly
- Freeze each layer completely before adding the next
- Use an instant-read thermometer for perfect caramel consistency
Cutting Perfect Bars
- Dip knife in warm water between each cut
- Wipe blade clean after each slice
- Work quickly to prevent melting
Make-Ahead Strategy
- Prepare shortbread base up to 3 days ahead
- Ice cream can be made 2 days in advance
- Caramel keeps in refrigerator for up to 1 week
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
Transform your basic twix ice cream bar into exciting new flavors with these creative variations:
Dietary Adaptations
- Use coconut cream instead of dairy for vegan version
- Replace regular flour with almond flour for gluten-free option
- Substitute sugar-free sweeteners for diabetic-friendly bars
Flavor Variations
- Add espresso to ice cream base for coffee-flavored bars
- Mix in crushed cookies for extra texture
- Try salted caramel for more sophisticated flavor profile
- Use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for richer taste
Seasonal Twists
- Add peppermint extract during holidays
- Include fresh strawberries for summer version
- Mix in pumpkin spice for fall-inspired treats
The beauty of this homemade twix ice cream bar recipe is its adaptability to personal preferences and dietary needs.
Equipment Recommendations
Essential tools for making perfect twix ice cream bar:
- 9x13 inch baking pan - For proper layering and easy cutting
- Ice cream maker - Creates the smoothest texture for your frozen treats
- Heavy-bottomed saucepan - Prevents burning when making caramel
- Fine mesh strainer - Removes lumps from custard base
- Sharp knife - Clean cuts through frozen layers
- Instant-read thermometer - Ensures proper cooking temperatures
Having the right equipment makes this twix ice cream bar recipe much more manageable and produces professional results every time.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Proper storage ensures your homemade twix ice cream bar stays fresh and delicious:
Short-term Storage
- Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap
- Store in airtight container in freezer
- Best consumed within 1 week for optimal texture
Long-term Storage
- Double-wrap in plastic wrap and aluminum foil
- Label with date for easy tracking
- Keeps up to 3 months in freezer
Serving Tips
- Remove from freezer 5 minutes before serving for easier cutting
- Use parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking
This twix ice cream bar recipe is perfect for meal prep and entertaining since it can be made completely ahead of time.
Grandma's Secret That Changed Everything
Here's the game-changing secret that transforms ordinary frozen dessert into an extraordinary twix ice cream bar; the key is in the caramel timing. My grandmother taught me to let the caramel cool just enough to thicken slightly but still pour smoothly. This creates distinct layers without the caramel sinking into the ice cream.
The second crucial secret involves the chocolate coating technique. Instead of simply dipping, brush a thin layer of tempered chocolate on each bar, let it set, then add a second coat. This creates that signature snap you get with commercial twix ice cream bar while preventing cracking when frozen. These two simple adjustments make all the difference between good and absolutely phenomenal homemade ice cream bars.
FAQ
What's in a Twix ice cream bar?
A traditional twix ice cream bar contains vanilla ice cream layered with caramel sauce over a shortbread cookie base, all covered in milk chocolate coating. The combination creates the classic Twix candy bar flavors in frozen form.
What are the crunchy things in TWIX Ice Cream Bars?
The crunchy elements in twix ice cream bar come from the shortbread cookie base, which provides that signature Twix texture. Some versions also include small pieces of actual Twix candy mixed into the ice cream for extra crunch.
When did the Twix ice cream bar come out?
The commercial twix ice cream bar was introduced in the 1990s as part of Mars Inc.'s expansion into frozen desserts. However, homemade versions like this recipe have been popular for decades longer.
Who makes TWIX Ice Cream Bars?
Mars Inc. produces the commercial twix ice cream bar through various ice cream manufacturing partners. However, making your own homemade version gives you complete control over ingredients and quality.
Sweet Endings Await
This incredible twix ice cream bar recipe brings together everything you love about the classic candy in a refreshing frozen treat that's perfect for any occasion. The combination of buttery shortbread, creamy vanilla ice cream, rich caramel, and smooth chocolate creates a dessert experience that rivals any premium ice cream shop. Making your own twix ice cream bar at home means you control every ingredient and can customize flavors to your heart's content.
Ready to expand your homemade dessert repertoire? Try our Twix Cookies Recipe for more of that signature caramel-chocolate flavor, or dive into our Toffee Cookies Recipe for another crunchy, sweet treat. Both recipes pair beautifully with this twix ice cream bar for the ultimate dessert spread that will have everyone asking for your secrets!
With love from my kitchen to yours,
Ashley Johnson
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