If you’re a fan of both brownies and Twix bars, then congratulations—you’ve just found your dream dessert recipe! These Twix Bar Brownies are the perfect marriage between rich, fudgy brownies and the caramel crunch of Twix candy. Whether you’re looking to satisfy a late-night craving or impress guests, these brownies are sure to win hearts. So, grab your apron, let’s bake these amazing Twix Bar Brownies step by step!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before diving into the baking process, it’s essential to gather all ingredients. The combination of rich semisweet chocolate, espresso powder, and of course, Twix bars, creates a taste sensation that chocolate lovers will adore.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (4 sticks) unsalted butter
- 16 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
- 6 ounces unsweetened chocolate (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons espresso powder (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
- 7 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 2¾ cups granulated white sugar
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 12 ounces Twix candy bars (chopped into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 full-size Twix bar (sliced thinly for topping)
It’s important to note that while the espresso powder is optional, it really helps enhance the chocolate flavor—making these brownies even more irresistible!
Tools You’ll Need
Having the right kitchen tools at your disposal helps streamline the process. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 12×18×1-inch pan (also known as a half-sheet pan)
- Heatproof bowl (for melting chocolate)
- Fine-mesh strainer or sifter (to avoid lumps when combining dry ingredients)
- Rubber spatula or offset spatula (to smooth out your brownie batter)
- Large mixing bowls (for wet and dry ingredients)
- Parchment paper or foil (to line the pan for easy removal)
- Wire cooling rack
Having these tools handy will make your baking experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Twix Bar Brownies
Now that we’ve got everything ready, let’s dive into the magic of creating these mouthwatering brownies. Just follow each step, and soon you’ll have a batch of decadent Twix Bar Brownies ready to enjoy!
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) . While the oven is heating up, prepare the 12×18×1-inch baking pan . You don’t want your brownies to stick, so follow these tips for best results:
- Butter the pan : Grease the pan with softened butter.
- Line with parchment or foil : Line the greased pan with parchment paper or foil, letting it overhang on the edges. This overhang will make it easy to lift the brownies out of the pan later. Once it’s lined, butter the foil or parchment to ensure an easy release.
Proper preparation ensures your brownies don’t stick to the pan, making cleanup a breeze and giving you professional-looking results.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate and Butter
The foundation of any good brownie is the chocolate mixture. In this recipe, melting the chocolate and butter together gives the brownies their rich and fudgy texture:
- Set a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering (not boiling) water. This is called a double boiler and ensures the chocolate and butter melt gently without scorching.
- Add the butter , semisweet chocolate chips , and unsweetened chocolate to the bowl.
- Stir occasionally until the mixture is melted and smooth . Once everything is perfectly combined, set the mixture aside to cool slightly .
Melting the chocolate gently is key here—this will give your brownies that rich, smooth texture everyone loves!
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
While your chocolate is cooling, it’s time to mix the wet ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs , espresso powder , vanilla extract , and sugar until well-combined and smooth.
- Once the chocolate mixture has cooled slightly (you don’t want to cook the eggs), gradually stir it into the egg mixture .
Let this combined chocolate-egg mixture cool to room temperature before moving on. This ensures your brownies have the right texture and bake evenly.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Now that the wet ingredients are mixed and cooled, it’s time to bring together the dry components that will give your brownies some structure. This step is crucial because it balances the fudginess with just the right level of chew.
- In a separate medium bowl , sift together the all-purpose flour , baking powder , and salt . Sifting helps to get rid of any lumps and ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed. This avoids any pockets of flour in your brownies.
Once properly sifted, slowly add this dry mixture to the chocolate mixture that’s now at room temperature. Make sure to fold it in with a spatula gently until just combined—over-mixing the batter can result in tougher brownies, and we want these to stay soft and fudgy!
Step 5: Fold in Twix Bar Pieces
Here comes the extra-special part of this recipe—the Twix bar pieces! The caramel and cookie crunch scattered throughout add texture and bites of surprise in every mouthful.
- Chop the 12 ounces of Twix candy bars into bite-sized pieces.
- Carefully fold the chopped Twix bars into the brownie batter, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout.
This step adds extra excitement to every piece, as you’ll get that distinctive Twix crunch along with the soft fudgy brownie.
Step 6: Spread the Batter and Add Twix Bar Topping
Now that all the delicious components are combined, we’re ready to spread the batter and add those iconic Twix slices on top for an extra touch of indulgence.
- Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan lined with parchment or foil. Use a rubber spatula or an offset spatula to smooth the surface, ensuring the batter spreads evenly across the pan.
To make these brownies even more fun and Twix-loaded:
- Take your full-size Twix bar and cut it into thin slices. Gently press these slices onto the top of the batter, evenly spaced. These pieces will bake up slightly crispy, adding a delightful Twix aesthetic and flavor on top of your brownies.
By adding Twix bars on top, you guarantee that anyone who sees these brownies will know they’re in for a Twix-filled treat!
Step 7: Time to Bake!
It’s finally time to bake up that rich and gooey goodness! Follow these baking tips carefully:
- Place the pan in your preheated 350°F (175°C) oven.
- Bake for 25 to 35 minutes . Keep a close eye on the brownies after the 25-minute mark. You want to pull them out when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached—this ensures fudginess, but if it’s too clean, it means your brownies are overbaked.
Baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven, so make sure to check for that moist crumb texture to avoid overbaking. Trust me, underbaked brownies are better than dry ones!
Step 8: Cool and Cut
Once out of the oven, let the brownies cool completely before you even think about cutting them. Here comes my best brownie tip :
- Cover the pan tightly and chill the brownies overnight in the fridge. Chilling gives the brownies time to set, and they’re much easier to cut into neat, beautiful squares when firm.
Once chilled, lift the brownies from the pan using the parchment or foil overhang. Cut into squares or rectangles using a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts for the best presentation.
Step 9: Serving and Storing Your Twix Bar Brownies
Your Twix Bar Brownies are now ready, and I guarantee you’ll have a hard time resisting them! Whether you’re enjoying them solo or serving to impress, these brownies will bring a smile to anyone’s face. Here’s how to maximize their enjoyment:
Serving Tips:
- For the ultimate brownie experience, serve the Twix Bar Brownies at room temperature . This allows the decadent chocolate to taste extra rich and lets the Twix pieces shine in all their crunchy, caramel glory.
- You can also warm the brownies slightly in the microwave (for about 10-15 seconds) to make them ooey-gooey again—perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of salted caramel sauce for an extra-luxurious dessert.
- Pair with coffee or milk for a treat that balances out the richness of the brownie. The subtle bitterness of coffee complements the sweetness of the Twix bars, while an ice-cold glass of milk works to cool down the chocolatey richness.
Storing Instructions:
If you have any leftovers (though that’s a rare occurrence with these), you’ll want to keep them fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Here’s how to store them properly:
At Room Temperature:
- Keep the brownies moist by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days . You can stack the brownies by placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
In the Fridge:
- For a firmer bite, you can also store the brownies in the fridge. They should last up to a week , and chilling them can make their flavors more intense. Just be sure to let them sit out at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving for softer bites.
Freezing:
- If you need to store them longer, brownies are perfectly freezer-friendly ! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight bag or container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months . When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or give them a quick microwave zap for a delicious treat on-demand!
Conclusion:
These Twix Bar Brownies are a decadent fusion of two classic favorites: the rich, fudgy comfort of brownies paired with the sweet caramel crunch of Twix bars. They offer a playful, indulgent twist that’s perfect for casual snacking, birthday parties, or special holiday gatherings. With easy-to-follow steps, rich ingredients, and the signature Twix combo, these brownies are destined to impress everyone who’s lucky enough to grab a bite (or two).
So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up that oven, and bake a batch of chocolatey joy!