These tasty Healthy Twix Cups are a dream come true! Made with wholesome ingredients, they have a crunchy base, creamy filling, and a sweet chocolate coating. Yum!
They’re perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without feeling guilty. I love making a batch to keep in the fridge for a quick treat when cravings hit. Who knew healthy could taste this good? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Almonds or Cashews: These nuts form the base. If you have nut allergies, try sunflower seeds instead. I often mix both nuts for added flavor and texture!
Medjool Dates: They provide natural sweetness and stickiness. If you can’t find them, you might use dried figs or prunes as a substitute, but be aware that they’ll change the flavor slightly.
Coconut Milk: Choose full-fat for a creamy caramel. You can replace it with cashew cream if you want a nut-free option. I love using coconut for its rich flavor, but cashew cream makes it super smooth too!
Almond or Cashew Butter: These nut butters give a delicious creamy texture. Sunflower butter works well too. I lean towards almond butter for its mild taste and silky consistency.
Dairy-Free Dark Chocolate: Aim for at least 70% cacao for rich flavor. If you don’t have it, use carob chips for a different but tasty twist! Dark chocolate is my go-to for that indulgent taste.
How Do You Get the Perfect Caramel Consistency?
Making the caramel filling is key to your Healthy Twix Cups! The goal is to achieve a smooth, pourable mixture that thickens as it cools.
- Heat your ingredients gently—don’t rush it! Use a low flame to avoid burning.
- Whisk continuously for 5 minutes until it combines and starts to thicken. If it’s too runny, continue heating for a bit longer.
- Let it cool slightly before adding to the cups; it will firm up more in the fridge!
Take your time with the cooling process, and you’ll get that gooey texture everyone loves!
Healthy Twix Cups (Vegan, Paleo)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Base:
- 1 cup raw almonds or cashews (or a mix)
- 1 cup pitted medjool dates
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Caramel Filling:
- 1/2 cup canned full-fat coconut milk
- 1/2 cup almond butter or cashew butter
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or coconut nectar
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Chocolate Topping:
- 1/2 cup dairy-free dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate (70% cacao or more)
- 1 tsp coconut oil
For Garnish:
- Sea salt flakes (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus 1-2 hours to chill in the refrigerator. You’ll spend a little time mixing and assembling the layers, but the wait is worth it for the delicious, creamy, and crunchy bites you’ll have later!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base:
In a food processor, pulse the almonds or cashews until they are finely chopped but not powdery. Add the pitted medjool dates, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Process everything together until the mixture is sticky and holds together when pressed. This will be your tasty base!
2. Form Cups:
Take the nut-date mixture and press it firmly into lined or lightly greased mini muffin tins or silicone molds. Create little cups with a well in the center for the caramel filling. Make sure the sides are compact and hold together well; this is where the yumminess happens!
3. Prepare the Caramel:
In a small saucepan over low heat, whisk together the coconut milk, almond or cashew butter, maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir until it becomes smooth, warm, and slightly thickened, which should take about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool a bit—it will thicken even more as it cools.
4. Fill the Cups:
Spoon or pipe the creamy caramel filling into each nut base cup, filling them to the top. Don’t skimp on this delicious layer!
5. Melt Chocolate:
In a microwave-safe bowl or over a double boiler, gently melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil together. Stir often until smooth and creamy. This will be the delightful topping for our cups!
6. Top the Cups:
Once the chocolate is melted, spoon or drizzle it over the caramel layer in each cup, making sure to cover the top completely. Tempting, isn’t it?
7. Chill:
Now, place the cups in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours until they are set and firm. Use this time to dream about how delicious they are going to be!
8. Serve:
Before serving, sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt flakes on top of each cup to bring out that perfect sweet and salty flavor. You won’t regret it!
9. Storage:
Store your Healthy Twix Cups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze them for longer storage. Just let them thaw a few minutes before you enjoy them!
Now you can enjoy these scrumptious Vegan and Paleo Healthy Twix Cups—packed with crunch, gooeyness, and chocolatey goodness that satisfies without the guilt! Enjoy every delightful bite!
Can I Use Different Nuts for the Base?
Absolutely! You can substitute the almonds or cashews with walnuts, pecans, or even sunflower seeds for a nut-free version. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly!
What If I Don’t Have Medjool Dates?
If you can’t find Medjool dates, you can use dried figs or prunes, as they provide similar sweetness. Just chop them finely since they might be a little less sticky than Medjool dates!
How Do I Thicken the Caramel Filling?
To achieve that thick, gooey caramel consistency, be sure to simmer the ingredients over low heat while whisking. If it’s still too runny after cooling, you can simmer it again gently until it thickens further!
Can I Make These Cups Ahead of Time?
Definitely! These Healthy Twix Cups are great for meal prep. You can make them up to a week ahead and store them in the fridge. Just remember to keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness!
