These Homemade Date Twix Bars are a tasty treat with layers of sweet dates, crunchy nuts, and smooth chocolate. Who needs the store when you can make these yummy bars at home?
I love how simple they are to whip up. Plus, they satisfy that sweet tooth without all the guilt. Just slice them up and enjoy—they’re perfect for sharing… or not! 😄
Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: This is the base for the crust. If you need a gluten-free option, use certified gluten-free oats. Oats can be swapped with almond flour too, but the texture will change slightly.
Almond Meal: It gives a nutty flavor to the crust. If you don’t have almond meal, finely ground walnuts or cashews can be a great substitution. You could also use regular flour, but it won’t be as nutritious.
Maple Syrup or Honey: Both sweeteners work well. If you’re looking to make this vegan, stick with maple syrup. Agave syrup is another alternative if you want to change it up.
Medjool Dates: These are perfect for the caramel layer because they’re naturally sweet and sticky. If you can’t find Medjool dates, any soft dates will work, but adjust the quantities to taste.
Chocolate: Dark chocolate chips are the classic choice. You can use milk chocolate or even a dairy-free chocolate if you’re looking for a vegan option. Just ensure it melts smoothly!
How Do I Make Sure My Caramel Layer is Smooth and Creamy?
The key to a great date caramel is blending thoroughly. Start by soaking the pitted dates in hot water for about 10 minutes; this softens them and makes blending easier. Then, when blending, scrape down the sides often to get an even texture.
- Blend dates with almond butter and vanilla extract until very smooth. If it’s still chunky, add a splash of water a little at a time.
- If you want an extra flavor kick, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of espresso powder to the blend!
How to Make Homemade Date Twix Bars
Ingredients You Will Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup almond meal (or finely ground almonds)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- Pinch of salt
For the Date Caramel Layer:
- 1 1/2 cups pitted Medjool dates
- 1/4 cup almond butter or natural peanut butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Chocolate Topping:
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
Optional Garnish:
- Flaky sea salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 15-20 minutes to prep and around 1 hour for chilling. So plan for about 1 hour and 20 minutes total. It’s an easy and fun process, and the wait is well worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a food processor, combine the rolled oats, almond meal, maple syrup (or honey), melted coconut oil, and a pinch of salt. Pulse this mixture until it forms a crumbly dough that sticks together when pressed.
2. Bake the Crust:
Next, take the crust mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of a lined 8×8 inch baking pan to create an even layer. Bake this in the oven for about 10-12 minutes or until it turns golden. When done, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely.
3. Make the Date Caramel Layer:
While the crust is cooling, it’s time to make the date caramel. Place the pitted dates, almond butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt into the food processor. Blend until you have a smooth, thick caramel. If it seems too thick, you can add a teaspoon of water at a time to reach your desired consistency.
4. Layer the Caramel:
Spread the smooth date caramel evenly over the cooled crust. To help the caramel set, place the pan in the freezer while you prepare the chocolate topping.
5. Prepare the Chocolate Topping:
For the topping, melt the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil together either in a double boiler or by microwaving in short bursts, stirring frequently until it becomes smooth and glossy.
6. Pour and Spread the Chocolate:
Pour the melted chocolate over the date caramel layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula so that every bite has that chocolate goodness.
7. Finish with Sea Salt:
If you’d like, sprinkle some flaky sea salt over the top for that perfect sweet-salty balance. Then, return the pan to the freezer for at least 1 hour or until the bars are fully firm.
8. Slice and Serve:
Once set, take the pan out of the freezer. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before cutting it into bars to avoid breaking the chocolate. Slice into squares and enjoy your delicious homemade date Twix bars!
9. Storage:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. They’re great for snacks or a sweet treat anytime!
Enjoy your scrumptious date Twix bars! They’re perfect for sharing or indulging just for yourself. 😊
Can I Use Different Nuts for the Crust?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can substitute the almond meal with ground cashews, walnuts, or even pecans for a different flavor profile. Just ensure whatever nuts you use are finely ground to maintain the crust’s texture.
How Do I Store the Date Twix Bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw them in the fridge before enjoying!
Can I Substitute the Sweetener?
Yes! You can use agave syrup or brown rice syrup as alternatives to maple syrup or honey. Just keep in mind that some substitutes may alter the flavor slightly, but they will still work nicely!
What Can I Do If My Caramel is Too Thick?
If your date caramel turns out too thick, simply add a teaspoon of warm water or coconut milk, then blend again until you reach your desired consistency. This will help create a smooth, spreadable caramel.