Homemade Twix Candy Bar Squares

WOW!  These are amazing!!!  I had to give them away to stop eating them.  The kids also really liked these.  They took a little time to make but absolutely worth every minute.

Twix bar squares

• Shortbread layer:
• 2 sticks cold butter, cut into small pieces
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 2 cups flour
• Caramel layer:
• 20 ounces Kraft Caramels, unwrapped of course! (about 1 1/2 bags)
• 3 tablespoons heavy cream
• Chocolate layer:
• 18 ounces milk chocolate, melted (I used Ghirardelli Bars rather than chips)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable shortening (optional, I didn't do this)

Instructions

1. For the crust: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 9" x 13" pan with nonstick foil. Set aside.
2. Using a pastry blender cut butter into sugar. Use fingers to break up butter, till mixture resembles cornmeal. Add vanilla . Add the flour. Mix till flour is incorporated...mixture will be crumbly.
3. Press it evenly into the pan. Lightly flouring your fingertips will help with any sticking.
4. Prick the crust all over with a fork.
5. Bake 15 minutes until the crust is lightly golden brown on top and the edges are deeper golden brown. Set it aside to cool completely.
6. For the caramel layer: Melt the caramel and cream over low heat in a small saucepan. (or use microwave, stopping and stirring at 30-60 second intervals till smooth and melted). Pour the caramel over the cooled crust and set in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to chill and firm up.
7. For the Chocolate Layer: Melt the chocolate and shortening in by microwaving using 30 second increments, stopping and stirring till melted and smooth. Spread over caramel. I used a plastic frosting tool to make optional striations while the chocolate was warm. 
8. Let cool completely before cutting.