Caramel Brownie ‘Twix’ Bars (Gluten Free, Refined Sugar Free, High Protein)
These Caramel Brownie ‘Twix’ Bars are my newest obsession. They’ve got a crisp, chocolate shortbread base, a gooey nutty caramel layer, and a snappy chocolate shell. Totally vegan, gluten free, refined sugar free—and ready in under 20 minutes. Dangerously good.
Twix bars and Milky Ways were always neck and neck for my favorite candy bar growing up—but that crispy cookie layer in a Twix? Won me over every single time. So of course I had to recreate it with better-for-you ingredients—no gluten, no dairy, no refined sugar. And then, because I can’t be stopped, I took it up a notch with this double chocolate version.
If you’ve been searching for a treat that feels indulgent but leaves you feeling good, these healthier Caramel Brownie ‘Twix’ Bars might just be your new obsession. Picture a crispy-chewy chocolate shortbread base, a thick maple-nut butter caramel, and a silky dark chocolate shell finished with flaky sea salt. Oh, and did I mention they’re vegan, gluten free, grain free, refined sugar free, and high in protein? I know—it sounds too good to be true, but I promise you it’s not. Try them for yourself (I bet you already have everything you need in your pantry).
Watch Me Match Caramel Brownie ‘Twix’ Bars
Why You’ll Love These
Made With Whole Food Ingredients - They taste just like your favorite candy bar, but are made with almond flour, plant-based protein, cacao, maple syrup, and cashew butter, these bars are not only delicious but also packed with better-for-you nutrients
Naturally Sweetened - I only use maple syrup as a sweetener for this recipe.
Dietary Friendly - Grain free, gluten free, dairy free, vegan, refined sugar free, and high in plant based protein.
Meal Prep Friendly - They freeze beautifully, the caramel stays nice and silky even after being frozen for a period of time.
Made In Under 30 Minutes - Yes, even the caramel!
Blood Sugar Friendly - These bars have a great balance of healthy fats, carbs, and plant based protein, which meals you’ll feel satisfied and won’t end up with a sugar crash
What You’ll Need
Almond Flour - Helps to create that crispy cookie base without any gluten.
Chocolate Plant Based Protein Powder - I love using Truvani (Code: SARI) but any plant based or whey protein will work.
Coconut Oil - Helps to make the cookie base extra crispy, and thins out the chocolate layer.
Applesauce - Adds a little extra moisture to the base without excess oil.
Maple Syrup - Sweetens the base and the caramel without any refined sugar.
Cashew Butter - The base of the caramel
Coconut Milk - Thins out the caramel and makes it extra creamy.
Dark Chocolate Chips - I love using Hu Kitchen because it’s refined sugar free, but feel free to use whatever chocolate you have on hand.
Salt - Brings out all of the flavors.
Vanilla Extract - Adds an extra sweetness and richness.
Flaky Sea Salt - Optional, but I love adding it as a finishing touch.
How To Make
Preheat the oven to 350F. Line an 8x4 loaf pan with parchment paper.
In a bowl, mix together the base ingredients until a thick dough forms. Press into an even layer in the pan. Bake for 15 minutes until set and lightly golden. Cool completely.
Mix all caramel ingredients together until smooth. Pour over the base and spread it in a smooth layer. Freeze for 1 hour.
Melt the chocolate with the coconut oil and pour over the caramel layer, spreading it out to completely cover. Freeze for 30 more minutes.
Sprinkle with flaky sea salt, cut into slices and enjoy!
Recommended Tools
8x4 Loaf Pan - Caraway for nontoxic (Code: SARI)
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these bars really high in protein?
Yes, thanks to the addition of protein powder in the base and macro balanced ingredients, these bars deliver a nice protein boost with each slice.
What’s the best way to store these?
Keep them in the freezer in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Let them sit at room temp for a few minutes before eating.
Is the caramel layer actually sticky and soft?
Definitely! The caramel is made with natural ingredients and due to the high fat content in the cashew butter stays soft and creamy even when frozen,
Can I swap the protein powder flavor?
Yes, just use a protein powder you like the taste of—vanilla or chocolate both work great.
Do they really taste like Twix?
They have that classic Twix combo—cookie base, caramel, and chocolate—but with a richer, double chocolate twist thanks to the brownie layer.
Caramel Brownie Twix Bars
These Brownie Caramel Twix Bars are next-level good, rich, fudgy, and layered with a creamy, 3-ingredient caramel that tastes way fancier than it is. The baked brownie shortbread base gives you that perfect chewy yet crispy bite, while the soft caramel and dark chocolate top make them taste just like your favorite candy bar—only better. They’re gluten-free, dairy-free, and made with whole food ingredients, but still feel like an indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
Store in the fridge for 5 days or the freezer for 2 months
Like This Recipe?
💡 More healthy high protein recipes you’ll love: [High Protein Cookie Dough] / [Salted Caramel Pretzel Tart] / [Peanut Butter Banana Protein Brownies]