OMG just made these twix ice cream bars yesterday and they’re officially my new obsession. If you’ve been hunting for the perfect frozen treat that combines everything amazing about candy bars with cold creamy ice cream, you need to try this ASAP. The combo of crunchy cookie layer, gooey caramel, vanilla ice cream and chocolate coating is literally mind-blowing. And the best part? Way better than anything you’ll find in the freezer aisle. Keep reading to see how easy these are to make!
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Why You’ll Love This Twix Ice Cream Bar Recipe
Making homemade twix ice cream bars solved my biggest summer problem – store-bought versions never have enough caramel or chocolate coating. Plus they’re usually freezer-burned by the time I get them home. My kids were skeptical when I said we’d make our own, but now they beg for these every weekend.
These are super adaptable too. You can switch up the ice cream flavor, add extra toppings, or make them mini-sized for parties. Great for making ahead when you need a quick dessert option that’ll impress everyone.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cookie Base:
- 1½ cups shortbread cookie crumbs (about 12-15 cookies crushed) – these create that authentic twix base, but graham crackers work too
- ⅓ cup melted butter – binds everything together, salted preferred for flavor contrast
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar – helps with crunch factor
For the Caramel Layer:
- 1 cup soft caramels (about 30 wrapped caramels) – get the soft chewy kind, not hard candy
- 2 tbsp heavy cream – makes the caramel spreadable, milk works in a pinch
- Pinch of salt – enhances caramel flavor big time
For the Ice Cream Layer:
- 1 quart vanilla ice cream – premium brands have less air for better texture, but any works
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional) – amps up flavor if using basic ice cream
For the Chocolate Coating:
- 2 cups chocolate chips (milk or semi-sweet) – milk chocolate tastes most like original twix ice cream bars
- ¼ cup coconut oil or vegetable shortening – creates that magic shell effect
How to Make Twix Ice Cream Bars
- Prep the pan. Line 9×9 inch pan with parchment paper leaving overhang on sides. This makes removal super easy later.
- Make cookie base. Mix cookie crumbs, melted butter and sugar in bowl until resembles wet sand. Press firmly into pan bottom. Should be packed tight so no crumbs fall off when frozen. Freeze 15 mins.
- Prepare caramel layer. Microwave caramels and cream in 30-second bursts, stirring between each until smooth (about 2 mins total). Watch carefully so it doesn’t burn! Pour over cookie layer, spread evenly. Return to freezer 30 mins until firm.
- Add ice cream. Let ice cream soften on counter 10-15 mins until spreadable but not melty. Stir in vanilla if using. Spread over caramel layer in even layer. Cover with plastic wrap pressing directly on surface. Freeze minimum 4 hours or overnight until solid.
- Cut into bars. Remove from pan using parchment overhang. Cut into 12 bars working quickly so ice cream doesn’t melt. Return to freezer on parchment-lined tray for 30 mins.
- Make chocolate coating. Combine chocolate chips and coconut oil in microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth. Let cool 5 mins so it thickens slightly but remains pourable.
- Coat the bars. Working with one bar at a time, dip into chocolate using two forks. Tap off excess and place back on parchment. Return each to freezer immediately after coating. Once all bars are coated, freeze minimum 1 hour before serving.
Tasty Twix Ice Cream Bar Variations
Salted Caramel Version
Add extra ½ tsp flaky sea salt to caramel layer and sprinkle some on top after chocolate coating sets
Dark Chocolate Twix Ice Cream Bars
Swap milk chocolate for 70% dark chocolate in coating for more intense flavor
Peanut Butter Twix Ice Cream Bars
Spread thin layer of peanut butter over caramel before adding ice cream layer
Mini Twix Ice Cream Bites
Use mini muffin tin to create bite-sized versions perfect for parties
Cookie Dough Twix Bars
Mix mini chocolate chips into softened vanilla ice cream for cookie dough vibes
Twix Ice Cream Bar
Equipment
- 9×9 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula
- Forks for dipping
- Freezer
Ingredients
For the Cookie Base:
- 1½ cups shortbread cookie crumbs about 12-15 cookies, crushed
- ⅓ cup melted butter salted preferred
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
For the Caramel Layer:
- 1 cup soft caramels about 30 wrapped caramels
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- Pinch of salt
For the Ice Cream Layer:
- 1 quart vanilla ice cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract optional
For the Chocolate Coating:
- 2 cups chocolate chips milk or semi-sweet
- ¼ cup coconut oil or vegetable shortening
Instructions
- Prep the Pan: Line a 9×9 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
- Make the Cookie Base: In a bowl, mix shortbread cookie crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press firmly into the pan and freeze for 15 minutes.
- Prepare the Caramel Layer: Microwave caramels and heavy cream in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth (about 2 minutes total). Pour over the cookie base and spread evenly. Freeze for 30 minutes.
- Add the Ice Cream Layer: Let the ice cream soften for 10-15 minutes. Stir in vanilla extract if using. Spread evenly over the caramel layer. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Cut into Bars: Remove from the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into 12 bars and place on a parchment-lined tray. Freeze for another 30 minutes.
- Make the Chocolate Coating: Microwave chocolate chips and coconut oil in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Let cool for 5 minutes.
- Coat the Bars: Dip each bar into the chocolate, using forks to coat evenly. Tap off excess and place back on parchment paper. Return to freezer for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
FAQ: Your Twix Ice Cream Bar Questions Answered
Does Twix have an ice cream bar?
Yes! The official Twix ice cream bar features the same components as the candy bar – crispy cookie, caramel, and milk chocolate – but with vanilla ice cream added. Our homemade version captures these same elements but with even more caramel and chocolate coating.
What are the crunchy things in Twix ice cream?
The crunchy element in Twix ice cream bars comes from shortbread cookie pieces. In this homemade version, we create a compressed cookie base that maintains its crunch even when frozen, similar to the authentic twix ice cream bar experience.
When did the Twix ice cream bar come out?
Twix ice cream bars were introduced in the early 2000s as part of Mars’ expansion into frozen treats. They’ve continued to be popular alongside other candy bar ice cream crossovers like Snickers and Milky Way ice cream bars.
What flavor is the Twix ice cream?
The ice cream in a Twix ice cream bar is vanilla flavored. This provides a neutral, creamy base that complements the stronger flavors of caramel, chocolate, and cookie without overwhelming them.
Does dairy Queen have a Twix blizzard?
Yes! Dairy Queen offers a Twix Blizzard that includes pieces of Twix candy bars blended with their vanilla soft serve. It’s a different experience than a twix ice cream bar but features the same flavor combination.
How many calories are in a homemade Twix ice cream bar?
These homemade twix ice cream bars contain approximately 320-350 calories each, depending on your specific ingredients. This is similar to store-bought ice cream candy bars but with better quality ingredients and more generous portions of chocolate and caramel.
Can I make these twix ice cream bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 weeks if wrapped individually in parchment paper and stored in an airtight container. Perfect for making a big batch to enjoy whenever cravings hit.
Final Thoughts
Still remember the first time I made these twix ice cream bars for my sister’s birthday. Everyone literally crowded around the freezer waiting for them to be ready. There’s something so satisfying about creating your own version of a classic treat.
What I love most about these homemade twix ice cream bars is how they connect us to childhood favorites while letting us control the quality. No artificial preservatives, just real ingredients. Give these a try next time you’re craving something sweet and cold – you won’t go back to store-bought ice cream candy bars again!
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