Homemade Twix Bars

I LOVE Twix candy bars. I used to be a Snickers girl, but I think I've slowly made the switch to Twix over time...crunchy shortbread, chewy caramel, sweet chocolate...need I say more? I recently caved and joined Pinterest, and this recipe was one of the first that I pinned. I'm quite proud of myself for actually making something off of my Pinterest account and not just drooling over everything I find there.

If you like Twix then you've gotta try this recipe!

Homemade Twix Bars

-1 cup salted butter, softened

-1 cup powdered sugar

-2 tsp. vanilla extract

-2 cups all-purpose flour

-2-1/2 cups caramel, cut into small chunks

-3 Tbsp. heavy cream

-2 cups milk chocolate chips-(I used semi-sweet chocolate chips and I think they'd be more like the real Twix if you use milk chocolate)

-1 Tbsp. vegetable shortening (Optional)

For the crust:

1. Preheat oven to 300 degree Fahrenheit.
2. Line a 9X13 pan with parchment paper
3. In a medium-sized bowl, beat together the butter, sugar, and vanilla.
4. Add the flour - at first the mixture may seem dry, but will come together quickly.
5. Take the dough and press it evenly into the pan. (Lightly flouring your fingertips will help with any sticking.)
6. Prick the crust all over with a fork - this allows steam to escape so the crust will bake evenly with fewer bubbles.
7. Bake until lightly golden brown on top and edges - about 30-35 minuts.
8. Remove and let cool completely

For the caramel layer:

1. Melt the caramel and cream in a small saucepan over low heat.
2. Pour the caramel over the cooled crust and set in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up.

For the chocolate layer:

1. Melt the chocolate in the microwave using ten second increments - stirring every time.
2. If the chocolate seems too thick, add a tablespoon of shortening to thin it. (Just know that this will leave your end-resulting chocolate a little softer than normal)
3. Pour evenly over the chilled caramel layer and spread until it covers the entire surface.
4. Return to the refrigerator (or freezer) until the chocolate is well set.
5. Cut and serve.

*adapted from high heels and grills