Name: Sourdough Twix Bars Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 3 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 250 g All Purpose Flour; 185 g Butter, cold and diced; 100 g Sourdough Starter (or sourdough discard); 120 g Powdered Sugar; 5 g Salt; 300 g Granulated Sugar; 115 g Butter, softened; 160 g Heavy Cream, left out for 30 minutes; 5 g Salt; 450 g Milk Chocolate Chips or chunks (16 ounces); 1-2 tbsp Coconut Oil (optional); Flaky Salt (optional for topping)

Jump to Recipe·4 from 13 reviews

Get ready to fall in love with a truly irresistible treat: the Sourdough Twix Bars Recipe. These bars bring together a buttery sourdough shortbread base, gooey homemade caramel, and a smooth chocolate coating that perfectly melds sweet and slightly tangy flavors. It’s a delightful twist on a beloved classic that’s bursting with texture and rich taste. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself on a cozy afternoon, these bars are guaranteed to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows two top view shots side by side on a white marbled surface. On the left, there is a silver saucepan filled with a smooth, golden-brown liquid. Next to the saucepan, on a piece of parchment paper, are small cubes of pale yellow butter. On the right, the same saucepan contains a light brown bubbly mixture being whisked by a whisk with a white handle with subtle patterns. The sheen on the liquid and bubbles shows movement and heat. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role, balancing flavors and textures to create those iconic layers we all adore. From the buttery shortbread base to the creamy caramel topping and silky chocolate shell, every component is essential to making these Sourdough Twix Bars Recipe come to life.

250 g All Purpose Flour: Provides the sturdy yet tender foundation of the shortbread base.
185 g Butter (cold and diced): Adds richness and flakiness to the dough, critical for that perfect crumbly texture.
100 g Sourdough Starter: Brings a subtle tang and depth to the shortbread, giving these bars a unique twist.
120 g Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the shortbread gently without grit, creating a smooth bite.
5 g Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
300 g Granulated Sugar: Essential for making that luscious, golden caramel layer.
115 g Butter (softened): Enriches the caramel, making it velvety and smooth.
160 g Heavy Cream: Adds creaminess and helps create that gooey caramel texture.
450 g Milk Chocolate Chips (or chunks): Delivers that irresistible chocolate coating we all crave.
1-2 tablespoon Coconut Oil (optional): Helps the chocolate coating shine and smooth out beautifully.
Flaky Salt (optional): Sprinkled on top to add a pleasant crunch and highlight the layered flavors.

How to Make Sourdough Twix Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Base

Start by preheating your oven to 320ºF (160ºC) and greasing two 8x8-inch pans. Lay parchment paper in each with some overhang to create a sling; this makes removing the bars effortless later on. In a food processor, combine the all-purpose flour, cold diced butter, powdered sugar, sourdough starter, and salt. Pulse just until the mixture resembles a rough dough with butter bits intact. Divide the dough into two equal parts, press each into the pans, and smooth out to about a half-inch thickness. For a silky finish, use parchment paper on top and a rolling pin to press evenly. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until lightly golden on top, then set aside to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Sauce

While the shortbread bakes, get your caramel ingredients ready: softened butter, heavy cream, salt, and granulated sugar. Gently melt the sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly to avoid burning. Watch closely as it melts into a thick amber liquid; patience here pays off with rich flavor. Remove from heat and whisk in butter cubes, the mixture will bubble vigorously but keep whisking until smooth and glossy. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while continuing to whisk; this transforms your caramel into a silky, luscious topping. Let the homemade caramel cool slightly before moving on.

Step 3: Assemble and Chill

Pour half the warm caramel evenly over one cooled shortbread layer, then repeat with the other half. Tilt the pans gently to ensure a smooth layer of caramel covering every inch. Cover with foil and refrigerate for at least two hours, or even overnight, until the caramel is set but still soft to the touch. This chilling step is key to making neat, clean bars that hold together perfectly when sliced.

Step 4: Cut and Coat the Bars

Once chilled, use the parchment sling to lift the bars out of the pans and place them on a cutting board. Slice each block in half and then into 8 to 10 equal bars. To coat, melt the milk chocolate chips with optional coconut oil in short bursts in the microwave, or use a double boiler setup for smooth chocolate. Dip each bar into the chocolate, then use a spatula to cover all sides neatly. Place dipped bars on parchment-lined trays and chill again for about 15 minutes to let the chocolate set completely. Optionally, sprinkle with flaky salt for a gourmet finishing touch.

How to Serve Sourdough Twix Bars Recipe

Three chocolate bars rest on light brown parchment paper on a white plate with a white marbled surface underneath. Two whole bars lay flat in the background, coated in smooth milk chocolate with a few scattered flakes of sea salt on top. In the foreground, one chocolate bar is broken in half showing three layers inside: a bottom layer of light beige crisp biscuit, a middle layer of glossy caramel, and a top layer of thick milk chocolate coated in small salt flakes. The chocolate coating has a soft texture around the edges. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A little sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the chocolate not only looks beautiful but also amps up the contrast between sweet and savory. You can also try finely chopped toasted nuts or a light drizzle of extra caramel for a fancy and inviting presentation.

Side Dishes

Serve these bars alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a comforting dessert pairing. A fresh berry salad or a cup of strong coffee or tea can also enhance the tasting experience by balancing the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For gift-giving or parties, wrap individual bars in parchment or decorative cellophane tied with a bow. You might even layer bars in a glass jar separated by parchment squares for a visually stunning and practical treat container. Displaying them on a rustic wooden board with scattered nuts and caramel drizzle invites guests to indulge.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Sourdough Twix Bars Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to one week, making them perfect for a sweet snack anytime.

Freezing

You can freeze these bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge to maintain texture and flavor before enjoying again.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy the bars with a soft, melty caramel and chocolate layer, warm them gently in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes. Avoid overheating to keep the chocolate from blooming or the caramel from becoming too runny.

FAQs

Can I use sourdough discard instead of an active starter in this Sourdough Twix Bars Recipe?

Absolutely! Using sourdough discard works perfectly here, adding that lovely tang without needing an active, bubbly starter. It’s a great way to reduce waste and add flavor.

What if I don’t have coconut oil for the chocolate coating?

No worries at all. Coconut oil helps the chocolate coat smoothly and gives a nice shine, but the bars will still taste amazing without it. Just melt the chocolate carefully and proceed as usual.

Can I substitute the milk chocolate for dark or white chocolate?

Definitely! Dark chocolate provides a richer, less sweet contrast to the caramel, while white chocolate adds a creamy, sweet flavor. Feel free to customize according to your taste preferences.

How long does it take for the caramel to set properly?

Chilling the caramel-covered bars for at least two hours in the fridge is essential to allow the caramel to firm up nicely. For best results, you can let them chill overnight for a sturdier texture when cutting.

Is it necessary to use parchment paper in the pans?

Using parchment paper with an overhang is highly recommended since it acts like a sling, making it much easier to lift the bars out of the pans without breaking or crumbling.

Final Thoughts

There's something truly magic about homemade treats, and the Sourdough Twix Bars Recipe is no exception. These bars combine familiar comfort with an unexpected sourdough twist that keeps every bite exciting. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or savoring them solo, I promise these bars will bring joy and made-from-scratch pride to your kitchen. So grab your ingredients, get baking, and delight in the perfect balance of buttery, gooey, and chocolaty goodness.

Sourdough Twix Bars Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need