If you’re anything like me, the moment pumpkin spice hits the shelves, you’re ready to dive into all things cozy and delicious. This Pumpkin Spice Twix Bars Recipe is exactly that—a dreamy mashup of fall flavors with that classic Twix crunch, but made from scratch and way better. I absolutely love how this recipe balances the crispy shortbread, luscious pumpkin caramel, and a rich chocolate topping. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step so your kitchen smells like autumn magic—and your family begs for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Homemade goodness: You get that perfect buttery shortbread crust and creamy caramel made from real pumpkin—not a single processed ingredient in sight.
- Pumpkin spice meets twix: I discovered blending pumpkin pie spice into both the crust and filling makes these bars taste fresh, warm, and just right.
- Easy to customize: Whether you’re vegan, paleo, or just love tweaking treats, you’ll find this recipe pretty forgiving and adaptable.
- No baking stress: The short baking time and simple steps mean you’ll have these bars ready in about an hour with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient plays a special role in making this Pumpkin Spice Twix Bars Recipe sing. I recommend using quality pantry staples—especially pure maple syrup and fresh spices for the best flavor punch.
- Coconut flour: Super absorbent—this gives the crust a lovely crumb while keeping it grain-free.
- Pumpkin pie spice: The heart of this recipe! Freshly ground if you can; it brightens up each layer beautifully.
- Kosher salt: Balances sweetness in each layer; don’t skip it.
- Pure maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness and moisture to crust and filling—makes a big difference over processed sugars.
- Coconut oil: Use solid but softened for crust; melted for filling and topping—that texture is key!
- Creamy almond (or cashew) butter: Creates that smooth, luxurious caramel feel without heavy cream.
- Pureed pumpkin: Make sure it’s plain pumpkin, not the pie filling—it adds moisture and that unmistakable fall flavor.
- Vanilla extract: A little but mighty—it brings all the flavors together.
- Cocoa powder: Deepens the chocolate topping’s richness; unsweetened is best for balance.
Variations
I love encouraging you to make this Pumpkin Spice Twix Bars Recipe your own. I’ve played around with a few tweaks that might spark your creativity or fit your dietary needs.
- Nut-free version: Swapping almond butter for sunflower seed butter works like a charm—and I’ve tried it myself when a friend had a nut allergy.
- Extra chocolatey: Double the cocoa powder in the topping if you’re a serious chocolate fan; I do this for movie nights!
- Spice it up: Toss in a pinch of cayenne or some ginger for a little warmth twist—my husband loves this unexpected kick.
- Gluten-free base swap: Although coconut flour works great, I’ve occasionally used almond flour for a slightly softer crust—it’s all about texture preference.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Twix Bars Recipe
Step 1: Whip Up That Cozy Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF and prepping your pan—I like a 14×5” tart pan, but an 8×8” square works great too. Grease it well and line it with parchment if the pan doesn’t have a removable bottom; it really helps with cleanup and getting perfect bars out. In a bowl, mix the coconut flour, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Then, add the maple syrup and softened coconut oil. Use your hands or a spatula to combine everything until it forms a large dough ball—don’t worry if it’s a bit crumbly but it should hold together when pressed.
Press the dough evenly into your pan, all the way to the edges—I find using the bottom of a glass helps smooth it out nicely. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust turns a lovely light golden color. If you’re craving a crisper texture, let it go a minute or two longer, but watch carefully so it doesn’t overbrown. Let it cool completely while you prep the filling.
Step 2: The Creamy Pumpkin Caramel Filling
This part feels almost like magic. Combine pure maple syrup, creamy almond butter, melted coconut oil, puréed pumpkin, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and salt in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Heat gently over low heat or zap for 30 seconds in the microwave, then whisk until silky smooth and fully combined. Pour this luscious pumpkin caramel right over your cooled crust.
Refrigerate for about an hour to an hour and a half until it sets firmly. If you’re in a hurry (and trust me, I’ve been there!), pop it in the freezer for 20-30 minutes—it works like a charm to speed things up!
Step 3: Smooth on the Rich Chocolate Topping
Whisk together melted coconut oil, cocoa powder, maple syrup, and salt until silky and smooth. Pour this over the chilled caramel layer, smoothing it out with a spatula for an even finish. Now, let it cool until firm—this usually takes about 30-45 minutes in the fridge.
Once set, slice into bars about 1-inch wide or 16 squares depending on how big a bite you want. Keep these bars refrigerated for best texture and flavor.
Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Spice Twix Bars Recipe
- Room Temperature Coconut Oil: I learned that using coconut oil just softened—not melted—in the crust helps you get the perfect shortbread texture without it turning greasy.
- Press Firmly for Even Crust: Pressing the dough firmly and evenly into your pan ensures a crisp, even bake — no thin or thicker patches.
- Speed Up Layer Setting: When short on time, freezing between layers works wonders without ruining texture—just be mindful not to freeze too long or the chocolate might crack.
- Slice with a Warm Knife: To get smooth slices, I warm my knife with hot water and wipe it dry before cutting—this prevents sticking and crumbly edges.
How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Twix Bars Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep these bars simple, but if you want a little extra flair, a light dusting of cinnamon or finely chopped toasted pecans on top adds a lovely crunch and visual appeal. Sometimes, a drizzle of warmed dark chocolate looks gorgeous and ups the decadence factor.
Side Dishes
These bars pair beautifully with a hot cup of spiced chai tea or a creamy latte. For brunch, they’re divine alongside fresh fruit salad or whipped coconut cream—perfect when you want a special treat without the heaviness.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday parties, I’ve arranged these Pumpkin Spice Twix Bars Recipe on a wooden board with fall leaves and mini pumpkins for a festive vibe. Wrapping each bar in wax paper tied with twine turns them into charming homemade gifts that everyone’s been asking me about!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Because of the coconut oil and nut butter, these bars keep beautifully in the fridge for up to a week. I keep them in an airtight container, layered between parchment paper to avoid sticking. They taste just as fresh on day five as on day one—though I won’t lie, they rarely last that long in my house!
Freezing
If you want to prep in advance, these bars freeze really well. I slice them before freezing, layer with parchment in an airtight container, and thaw in the fridge overnight. This makes enjoying a quick treat super easy during busy weeks.
Reheating
Since these bars are best served cool, I usually just let frozen ones thaw in the fridge. But if you prefer a slightly softer texture, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave does the trick—just don’t overdo it or the chocolate layer might melt unevenly.
FAQs
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Can I use regular flour instead of coconut flour for the crust?
Definitely! Regular flour will work, but coconut flour absorbs a lot more moisture, so you’ll want to slightly adjust the wet ingredients if you swap it. Almond flour can also be used for a softer, more buttery crust.
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Is this recipe vegan?
Yes! All the ingredients are plant-based, making these Pumpkin Spice Twix Bars great for vegan diets. Just make sure your vanilla extract and almond butter have no hidden animal products.
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Can I substitute canned pumpkin pie filling for pure pumpkin?
I don’t recommend it because pie filling usually contains added sugars and spices that can throw off the balance. Pure pumpkin puree is best for controlling sweetness and flavor.
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How long do these bars last at room temperature?
Because of the coconut oil and nut butter, they’re best stored in the fridge to maintain texture and freshness. At room temperature, they might get too soft within a few hours.
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Can I make these bars nut-free?
Yes! Swap the almond butter with sunflower seed butter to keep the creamy caramel layer nut-free—this is a great option for allergy-friendly treats.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Spice Twix Bars Recipe holds a special place in my heart as my go-to fall treat that’s both impressive and simple. Every time I make these, my kitchen fills with that irresistible pumpkin spice aroma, and my family hovers around grabbing seconds before I can say “let it cool!” I hope you’ll give them a try and find the same joy in baking and sharing them as I have. Trust me, these bars will become your seasonal staple fast—and I’m already looking forward to baking another batch with you.
PrintPumpkin Spice Twix Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 15 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Pumpkin Spice Twix Bars are a delightful seasonal treat combining a coconut flour shortbread crust with a creamy pumpkin-flavored caramel filling and a rich chocolate topping. Perfectly spiced with pumpkin pie spice and sweetened naturally with maple syrup, these bars offer a delicious blend of textures and flavors that evoke the cozy tastes of fall. Made with wholesome ingredients and free from gluten, they make a festive dessert or snack that’s both satisfying and nourishing.
Ingredients
Shortbread Crust
- ⅔ cup coconut flour
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- ⅓ cup coconut oil, solid but softened
Caramel Filling
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
- ⅓ cup creamy almond butter or cashew butter
- ⅓ cup coconut oil, melted
- 3 tablespoons puréed pumpkin (NOT pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Chocolate Topping
- ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Grease a 14×5” tart pan or 8×8” square pan with coconut oil. For easier removal, line the pan with parchment paper if it doesn’t have a removable bottom.
- Make the crust: In a mixing bowl, combine coconut flour, pumpkin pie spice, and kosher salt. Add the maple syrup and softened coconut oil, mixing until a large dough ball forms and any clumps of coconut oil are pressed out.
- Bake the crust: Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes until light golden brown. For a crisper crust, bake an additional 1-2 minutes until a deeper golden color is achieved. Remove from oven and let the crust cool completely.
- Prepare the caramel filling: In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, combine maple syrup, almond (or cashew) butter, melted coconut oil, puréed pumpkin, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and kosher salt. Heat over low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until fully melted and combined, stirring thoroughly.
- Pour caramel over crust: Pour the warm caramel mixture evenly over the cooled crust. Place the pan in the refrigerator and let the caramel layer set for about 1 to 1.5 hours. If you need to speed up this step, use the freezer until set.
- Make the chocolate topping: In a bowl, whisk together melted coconut oil, cocoa powder, maple syrup, and kosher salt until smooth and fully combined.
- Top with chocolate layer: Pour and spread the chocolate topping evenly over the set caramel layer. Let it cool at room temperature or in the refrigerator until the chocolate is firm and set.
- Slice and store: Once fully set, slice into 1-inch pieces or 16 squares. Store the bars in the refrigerator for freshness.
Notes
- Prep time accounts for allowing the caramel and chocolate layers to set completely.
- Use puréed pumpkin, not canned pumpkin pie filling, to avoid extra sugars and spices.
- For the crispiest crust, extend baking time slightly but watch to prevent burning.
- If in a hurry, you can set the caramel layer faster in the freezer.
- Bars keep well refrigerated for up to 1 week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approx. 1-inch square)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg