As I unwrapped a bar of my beloved Twix recently, a thought crossed my mind—could I recreate that heavenly experience with a twist? Welcome to my kitchen adventure with these enticing Matcha Twix Bars! This delightful recipe infuses the classic dessert with vibrant Japanese matcha, creating a uniquely rich and decadent treat. With a buttery matcha shortbread base and creamy coconut caramel, these bars are not just a feast for the taste buds, but also incredibly easy to whip up. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to impress your friends and elevate your dessert game with an Asian-inspired flair. Ready to see how a simple bar can transform your dessert experience? Let’s dive in!
Why are Matcha Twix Bars a Must-Try?
Decadent Flavor: The rich blend of matcha, chocolate, and coconut caramel creates a uniquely indulgent treat that will tantalize your taste buds.
Versatile Option: Whether as a dessert for special occasions or a sweet snack, these bars adapt to any setting, easily paired with green tea or coffee.
Easy to Make: With simple steps, you can create these stunning bars without a hassle, making baking fun and approachable for everyone.
Unique Presentation: The vibrant green matcha and luscious layers offer a beautiful aesthetic that’s sure to impress your friends and family.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Elevate your dessert game with a delightful twist on a classic, ensuring everyone will rave about your impressive creation. Check out our Matcha Sponge Cake for more delicious matcha recipes to try!
Matcha Twix Bars Ingredients
For the Shortbread Base
• Butter – Provides richness and tenderness to the shortbread. Substitute with vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
• Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the shortbread and adds a smooth texture; use granulated sugar if needed, but it will alter the texture slightly.
• Matcha Powder – Adds a unique flavor and vibrant color to the shortbread; opt for culinary-grade matcha for the best results.
• Salt – Enhances the overall flavor of the dessert, essential for balancing sweetness.
• All-Purpose Flour – Forms the base of the shortbread; gluten-free flour can be used for a gluten-free version.
For the Coconut Caramel
• Coconut Cream – Creates a rich, creamy caramel; avoid coconut milk as it is too watery.
• Honey – Acts as a sweetener for the caramel, with maple syrup as a great vegan substitute.
• Vanilla Extract & Salt – Add depth to the caramel flavor, enriching the overall taste.
For the Raspberry Coulis
• Raspberries – Provides tartness and freshness; substitute with strawberries or mixed berries if desired.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the raspberry coulis, adjust based on berry sweetness.
• Cornstarch – Thickens the coulis; arrowroot powder can be used as an alternative.
For the Ganache Layer
• Dark Chocolate Chips – Forms the ganache layer, with semi-sweet chocolate providing a sweeter option and dairy-free chocolate for a vegan version.
• Coconut Oil – Helps to thin the chocolate for pouring; optional but adds a nice sheen.
• Sea Salt – A finishing touch that enhances flavors beautifully.
Join us in creating these delectable Matcha Twix Bars, where every bite offers a warm and inviting taste of love and creativity!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Matcha Twix Bars
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). While it warms up, prepare an 8×8 inch baking pan by greasing it with cooking spray and lining the bottom with parchment paper. This ensures easy removal of your delicious Matcha Twix Bars later on and gives a lovely clean finish to the edges.
Step 2: Make the Matcha Shortbread Base
In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and powdered sugar until fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Gradually blend in the matcha powder, salt, and all-purpose flour until a cohesive dough forms. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, then roll it out on a lightly floured surface. Fit the rolled dough into the prepared pan and bake for 15 minutes, until just firm and edges are lightly golden. Let it cool completely.
Step 3: Prepare the Coconut Caramel
In a saucepan, combine coconut cream and honey over medium heat. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and slightly reduced. The caramel should coat the back of a spoon well. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, allowing it to cool slightly before pouring it over the cooled matcha shortbread base.
Step 4: Create Raspberry Coulis
In a small saucepan, combine fresh raspberries and granulated sugar over medium heat. Cook until the raspberries soften and burst, approximately 5-7 minutes. In a separate small bowl, mix cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the raspberry mixture and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until thickened. After cooling, blend the coulis for a smooth texture or leave it as is for a bit of rustic feel.
Step 5: Assemble and Chill
Spread the raspberry coulis evenly over the set coconut caramel layer in the pan. Place the assembled Matcha Twix Bars in the refrigerator for about 1 hour to let them firm up properly. The combination of layers will start to set beautifully, creating the decadent treat you’re aiming for.
Step 6: Add the Dark Chocolate Ganache
Once chilled, cut the bars into squares for serving. Melt dark chocolate chips with coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second bursts, stirring between each until smooth. Carefully pour the ganache over the cut bars, ensuring an even layer. Let it set at room temperature, or refrigerate for a quicker finish.
Step 7: Final Touches
Once the chocolate has set, you can drizzle any remaining melted chocolate over the top for a decorative touch. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on each bar to enhance the flavors—this adds a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the Matcha Twix Bars. Your decadent sweet treat is now ready to be enjoyed!
Make Ahead Options
These decadent Matcha Twix Bars are ideal for meal prep, allowing you to save time during busy weeknights! You can prepare the matcha shortbread base and the coconut caramel up to 24 hours in advance; simply store them separately in the refrigerator to maintain their quality. For an even quicker assembly, the raspberry coulis can be made up to 3 days before serving, just ensure it’s sealed tightly in an airtight container to retain freshness. When you’re ready to enjoy, assemble the layers, add the chocolate ganache, and chill until set. This way, you’ll have these delightful Matcha Twix Bars ready with minimal effort, perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings on a whim!
Expert Tips for Matcha Twix Bars
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Use Culinary-Grade Matcha: Ensure you select high-quality culinary-grade matcha for the best flavor; lower grades can taste bitter and won’t deliver that vibrant green color.
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Chill the Shortbread: After mixing the shortbread dough, chill it thoroughly before rolling out. This prevents the dough from sticking and helps maintain a crisp bottom in your Matcha Twix Bars.
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Monitor Caramel Consistency: Watch the coconut caramel closely as it simmers. If it becomes too thick, it can become hard once cooled. You want a pourable yet thick consistency for the best results.
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Adjust Coulis Sweetness: When making the raspberry coulis, taste as you go. Fresh berries can vary in sweetness, so adjust the sugar accordingly for a balanced flavor.
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Drizzle with Love: After pouring the ganache, drizzle additional melted chocolate over the bars for a professional-looking finish. This not only enhances aesthetics but adds extra chocolatey goodness.
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Be Mindful of Cooling Times: Proper cooling is essential for creating layers. Ensure each layer sets adequately in the refrigerator before adding the next to achieve the perfect texture in your Matcha Twix Bars.
What to Serve with Decadent Matcha Twix Bars with Coconut Caramel
When it comes to enjoying the blissful richness of these Matcha Twix Bars, pairing them with the right accompaniments can elevate your dessert experience even further.
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Green Tea: This classic Japanese beverage heightens the matcha flavor, bringing a soothing contrast to the decadence of the bars. Its earthy notes harmonize beautifully, making each bite feel more balanced.
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Coconut Sorbet: A creamy, refreshing sorbet ties in the coconut caramel while offering a cooling effect. The lightness of the sorbet complements the richness of the bars, making for a delightful textural contrast.
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Chilled Fresh Berries: A medley of fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries adds a burst of freshness. Their tartness pairs perfectly, cutting through the sweetness and delivering a vibrant pop on your palate.
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Matcha Latte: For matcha enthusiasts, sipping on a frothy matcha latte can enhance the overall theme of the dessert. The creamy, slightly sweet finish of the latte echoes the flavors in the bars while creating a comforting experience.
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Whipped Coconut Cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream offers a cloud-like texture that feels indulgent, enhancing the tropical vibe. Its natural sweetness beautifully complements the richness of the Matcha Twix Bars.
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Chocolate-Covered Almonds: For an added crunch, serve some chocolate-covered almonds alongside. The nutty flavor and crunchiness bring a pleasing contrast, making for a delightful gourmet treat.
Each pairing provides an opportunity to explore flavors and textures that resonate with the delightful experience of biting into these decadent Matcha Twix Bars.
Matcha Twix Bars Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine and customize these delightful bars to suit your taste preferences!
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Traditional Caramel: Swap the coconut caramel for classic caramel for a rich, buttery flavor.
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Berry Bliss: Use any berries like blueberries or blackberries for the coulis; each brings a unique flavor twist.
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Nutty Crunch: Add chopped nuts, such as almonds or pistachios, to the ganache for a delightful crunch.
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Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes in your chocolate ganache for a surprising spicy finish.
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Coconut Flakes: Top the bars with toasted coconut flakes for an extra layer of tropical flavor and texture.
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Matcha Infusion: Of course, you can increase the matcha powder for an even more vibrant green hue and stronger flavor profile.
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Chocolate Swirl: Create a marbled effect by swirling white chocolate into the dark chocolate ganache for visual appeal.
For those who adore matcha, consider trying out these flavors with a versatile twist! And for another delightful way to incorporate matcha into your treats, you’ll want to check out our delicious Matcha Sponge Cake as well!
How to Store and Freeze Matcha Twix Bars
Fridge: Store your Matcha Twix Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week to maintain their fresh, decadent flavors.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the bars wrapped individually in parchment paper and then placed in an airtight container. They can last up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy the bars again, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and indulge straight from the fridge, or bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Slicing Tip: If you find the bars difficult to slice after freezing, let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before cutting to ensure clean edges.
Matcha Twix Bars Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right matcha powder?
Absolutely! When selecting matcha powder for your Matcha Twix Bars, aim for culinary-grade matcha. This type is specifically designed for cooking and baking, offering a vibrant green color and a sweeter flavor profile. Avoid lower grades, as they may taste bitter and affect the overall taste of your bars.
How should I store my Matcha Twix Bars?
I recommend storing your Matcha Twix Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. This keeps their rich flavors fresh and prevents them from drying out. Ensure they are fully cooled before sealing to allow any excess moisture to escape.
Can I freeze Matcha Twix Bars?
Indeed! For longer storage, wrap each Matcha Twix Bar in parchment paper and place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for the best texture.
What if my coconut caramel doesn’t thicken properly?
Very good question! If your coconut caramel isn’t thickening as expected, it may not have simmered long enough. Ideally, you should let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. If it remains too runny, continue to simmer and stir until it reaches a thick coating consistency on the back of a spoon.
Can I use different berries for the coulis?
Absolutely! While raspberries add a lovely tartness, feel free to substitute with strawberries, blackberries, or a mix of your favorite berries. Just remember to adjust the sugar in the coulis based on how sweet the berries are to achieve the right balance.
Is there a way to make these bars suitable for pets or those with allergies?
For sure! To make your Matcha Twix Bars suitable for pets or those with allergies, avoid ingredients like chocolate and honey. You can substitute chocolate with carob (safe for dogs) and use maple syrup instead of honey. Additionally, ensure you use allergy-friendly substitutions for any potential allergens, like gluten-free flour or vegan butter as needed.
Irresistible Matcha Twix Bars with Coconut Caramel Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and prepare an 8x8 inch baking pan by greasing it and lining with parchment paper.
- Cream together softened butter and powdered sugar in a mixing bowl until fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Gradually blend in matcha powder, salt, and flour until cohesive dough forms.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, then roll it out and fit it into the prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes until edges are golden. Cool completely.
- In a saucepan, combine coconut cream and honey over medium heat, bring to a gentle boil, then simmer for 20-25 minutes until thickened. Stir in vanilla extract and salt, cool slightly before pouring over shortbread.
- In another saucepan, cook raspberries and sugar over medium heat until raspberries burst, about 5-7 minutes. Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, stir into raspberry mixture and cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
- Spread raspberry coulis over the cooled coconut caramel in the pan. Refrigerate for about 1 hour to set.
- Melt dark chocolate chips with coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second bursts, stirring until smooth. Pour ganache over the cut bars.
- Once chocolate sets, drizzle extra melted chocolate over bars and sprinkle with sea salt before serving.