Easy Vegan Twix Cups – Paleo, Gluten-Free & Gooey

These Healthy Twix Cups taste like the real deal—but they’re made with wholesome, unprocessed ingredients, and they’re vegan, paleo, dairy-free, gluten-free, and completely no-bake. With a crunchy almond flour shortbread base, a gooey date caramel layer, and a smooth dark chocolate topping, these mini treats are layered perfection.

They’re ideal for meal prepping, satisfying sweet cravings, or even gifting. Best of all? They’re made with 7 clean ingredients, come together in 30 minutes, and store beautifully in the freezer.

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 A Better-For-You Take on Classic Twix Bars

If you’ve ever loved the crunch, caramel, and chocolate combo of a Twix bar, but not the processed sugars and additives—this recipe is your answer. These Twix Cups mimic that flavor and texture in a bite-sized, better-for-you version you can feel good about eating.

This recipe skips the cane sugar, dairy, and grains and instead uses real food ingredients that nourish and energize without compromising on flavor or satisfaction. Think nutty shortbread crust, rich date caramel, and melted chocolate, all layered into individual muffin cups for easy portioning and zero guilt.

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Ingredient Overview: Wholesome Ingredients, Big Flavor

Almond Flour

• Forms the base of the shortbread layer.

• Naturally gluten-free and gives a buttery, nutty flavor.

• Rich in healthy fats and protein.

Coconut Oil

• Used to bind the shortbread crust and smooth the chocolate.

• Solidifies when chilled, helping the layers stay firm.

• Use unrefined for a coconut note or refined for a neutral taste.

Maple Syrup

• Adds natural sweetness to the crust and caramel.

• Paleo-friendly and low-glycemic compared to refined sugar.

Medjool Dates

• The star of the caramel layer.

• When soaked and blended, they create a sticky-sweet, creamy caramel alternative.

• Naturally sweet, fiber-rich, and nutrient-dense.

Nut Butter (Almond or Cashew)

• Adds richness and a silky texture to the caramel layer.

• Choose unsweetened, natural nut butter for the cleanest flavor.

Dark Chocolate (Paleo/Vegan Approved)

• The final layer! Look for dairy-free chocolate with 70% or higher cacao.

• Can also use melted cacao chips or homemade chocolate sauce.

Sea Salt

• Just a pinch intensifies the sweetness and adds a gourmet touch.

• Optional: Sprinkle flaky salt on top for that extra Twix vibe.

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Step-by-Step Instructions: Easy, No-Bake Twix Cups

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

• Line a 12-cup muffin tin with silicone liners or parchment liners.

• These are crucial to ensure the cups release easily.

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Step 2: Make the Shortbread Base

Ingredients:

• 1½ cups almond flour

• 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted

• 2 tbsp maple syrup

• Pinch of sea salt

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, stir together almond flour, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and salt until a crumbly dough forms.

2. Divide evenly between muffin cups (about 1 tablespoon per cup).

3. Press down firmly with fingers or the back of a spoon to form a flat base.

4. Freeze for 10–15 minutes while you prepare the caramel.

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Step 3: Make the Date Caramel

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Medjool dates, pitted and soaked in hot water for 10 mins

• 3 tbsp nut butter (almond or cashew work best)

• 1 tbsp coconut oil

• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Drain soaked dates and place in a food processor with nut butter, coconut oil, vanilla (if using), and salt.

2. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. Scrape sides as needed.

3. Spoon 1 heaping tablespoon of caramel onto each base.

4. Smooth out the top. Freeze again for 10–15 minutes.

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Step 4: Make the Chocolate Topping

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup dairy-free dark chocolate chips or chopped bar

• 1 tbsp coconut oil

Instructions:

1. Melt chocolate and coconut oil together in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second increments, stirring until smooth.

2. Spoon about 1 tbsp of chocolate over each caramel layer.

3. Gently tap the pan to level the tops.

4. Optional: sprinkle with flaky sea salt.

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Step 5: Chill and Serve

• Return the muffin tin to the freezer for 20–30 minutes, or until fully set.

• Once solid, pop them out and store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.

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Tips, Variations & Substitutions

Pro Tips

• Use silicone liners to avoid sticking and make removal easy.

• Press the shortbread base very firmly to prevent crumbling.

• Soak dates until very soft for a smooth caramel.

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Flavor Variations

• Peanut Butter Twix Cups: Use peanut butter in the caramel and sprinkle with crushed roasted peanuts.

• Hazelnut Crunch: Add chopped hazelnuts to the crust and top with crushed roasted hazelnuts.

• Mint Chocolate Twist: Add ¼ tsp peppermint extract to the chocolate layer for a cool, refreshing finish.

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Substitutions

• Nut-free? Use sunflower seed butter and tigernut flour for a fully nut-free version.

• No maple syrup? Sub agave nectar or date syrup (still paleo & vegan).

• No coconut oil? Use avocado oil for the base and skip in the topping (though it may be less firm when chilled).

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Serving Ideas & Occasions

These Healthy Twix Cups are:

• Perfect for meal prep—store in the freezer and grab when needed.

• Great as a post-dinner dessert, midday snack, or holiday treat.

• Ideal for kid-friendly lunches or party trays.

• Wrapped individually, they make amazing homemade edible gifts!

Serving Tip:
Let sit at room temp for 5 minutes for the best creamy caramel texture.

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Nutritional & Health Notes

These bars are packed with:

• Healthy fats from almonds and coconut oil

• Natural sweetness from maple and dates

• Fiber and antioxidants from dates and dark chocolate

• Zero refined sugar, dairy, or gluten

Approximate per cup (1 of 12):

• Calories: 210

• Fat: 14g

• Carbs: 18g

• Sugar: 13g

• Protein: 3g

These are indulgent without being inflammatory, making them a smart choice for clean eaters, vegans, and paleo followers alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Do I need to soak the dates?

Yes. Soaking softens the dates and ensures a smooth caramel. If your dates are already very soft, you may be able to skip the soak.

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2. How do I store these Twix cups?

Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or the freezer for up to 3 months. They’re best served chilled or slightly softened.

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3. Can I use peanut butter?

Absolutely! While not technically paleo, peanut butter works great in the caramel and gives a Reese’s-style vibe.

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4. What kind of chocolate is best?

Use dairy-free dark chocolate that’s 70% cacao or higher for a rich flavor. Hu, Enjoy Life, or Theo are great vegan-friendly brands.

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5. Can I make them in a square pan instead?

Yes. Use an 8×8-inch pan, press each layer evenly, and slice into squares after chilling. Lining the pan with parchment helps with removal.

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6. Are these keto-friendly?

They’re lower in carbs than traditional Twix, but dates and maple syrup make them not keto. Try a keto version using almond butter caramel and monk fruit sweetener instead.

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7. Can kids eat these?

Yes! They’re sweet, soft, and satisfying—perfect for lunchboxes or after-school treats. Just avoid if there are nut allergies.

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