Homemade Twix Bar

Recipe and Blog by Laura Hearn, Nutrition Assistant in The Clear Skin Solution

Halloween is headed our way, and while it’s fun to indulge in spooky sweets, it’s no secret that many store-bought treats can be loaded with ingredients that can negatively affect our skin and overall health such as artificial dyes, refined sugars, and other gut-irritating ingredients. But don’t worry – you don’t have to miss out on the treats! We’ve created our own Homemade Twix Bar with a twist on the classic chocolate bar that’s not only Paleo-friendly but also great for your skin. You’ll love this healthier version if you’re craving that caramel-chocolate combo but want to skip the junk.

The Scary Truth About Treats

When it comes to Halloween candies and snacks, it’s essential to be mindful of what’s inside. Here are three common culprits to watch out for:

Artificial Food Dyes

Found in many processed treats, artificial food dyes like Red No. 3, Red No. 40, and Yellow No. 5 are commonly used in candies and snacks and can wreak havoc on our gut lining and microbiome. Some of the most commonly used artificial food dyes have also been identified as potentially cancer-causing chemicals, while many others are known to trigger reactions in individuals with allergies.

High Fructose Corn Syrup

This sweetener is prevalent in many candies and has been associated with obesity and metabolic disorders, meddling with blood sugar levels, setting the stage for weight gain and insulin resistance.

Titanium Dioxide

Often used to enhance the color and texture of chewy, fruit-flavored candies and gummies with concerns about its safety and impact on gut health. In fact, in 2021 The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) banned the use of titanium dioxide as a food additive due to concerns about its potential genotoxicity.

Inflammatory Oils

In addition to candies, be cautious of fried snacks such as potato chips as most are cooked in unhealthy oils like canola, corn, or soybean oil, which can contribute to inflammation, a key contributor to acne. 

Empowering Your Trick-or-Treat Choices

While it’s important to recognize that all candy contains sugar and isn’t a healthy food, you have the power to make mindful choices that benefit your skin and overall health. By becoming informed about the ingredients in your treats, you can opt for better options that align with your goals. Here are some of my top tips: 

1. Read Ingredient Labels: Check for artificial colors, high fructose corn syrup, and titanium dioxide.
2. Choose Certified Organic: Organic products are less likely to contain harmful additives.
3. Opt for Dye-Free Treats: Look for brands that use natural colors from fruits and vegetables.
4. Avoid Artificial Additives: Stay away from treats with preservatives and other questionable ingredients.
5. Explore Healthier Brands: Look for brands that focus on better quality ingredients such as Unreal Candy, YumEarth, Siete, and Hu.
6. Consider Homemade Options: Making your own treats allows you to control what goes in, like our Homemade Twix bars!

Other Acne-Friendly Treats

Looking for more delicious and healthier treats? Check out these recipes from the blog:

• Mini Raspberry Pop Tarts
• Healthy Homemade Chocolate Bars
• Salted Caramel Turtle Bars
• Sweet n’ Salty Chocolate Bark

Homemade Twix Bar

Craving a little chocolate? We've created our own Homemade Twix Bar with a twist on the classic chocolate bar that’s even acne-friendly!

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Ingredients

For the Shortbread Base:

• 1 1/2 cups almond flour
• 1/4 cup coconut flour
• 1/4 cup coconut oil (melted)
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of sea salt

For the Caramel Layer:

• 1 1/2 cups pitted Medjool dates (soaked in warm water for 10 minutes)
• 1/4 cup almond butter (or cashew butter)
• 1/4 cup coconut oil (melted)
• 1/4 cup full-fat coconut milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of sea salt

For the Chocolate Layer:

• 1/2 cup dairy-free chocolate chips (or a chopped dark chocolate bar)
• 1 tbsp coconut oil

Instructions

Prepare the Shortbread Base:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
• In a medium bowl, mix together the almond flour, coconut flour, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt until well combined.
• Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, creating a flat, even layer.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.

Make the Caramel Layer:

• Drain the soaked dates and place them in a food processor or high-speed blender.
• Add the almond butter, melted coconut oil, coconut milk, vanilla extract, and sea salt.
• Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. The mixture should be thick and sticky, resembling caramel.
• Spread the date caramel evenly over the cooled shortbread base.
• Place the pan in the freezer for about 30 minutes to firm up the caramel layer.

Prepare the Chocolate Layer:

• In a small pot combine the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil. Warm on low heat, stirring constantly until chocolate is melted and smooth.
• Pour the melted chocolate over the firm caramel layer, spreading it evenly.

Set and Serve:

• Place the pan back in the freezer for another 20-30 minutes, or until the chocolate is set.
• Once set, remove from the pan using the parchment paper and cut into bars.
• Store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They can also be kept in the freezer for a firmer texture.