Take a delicious trip down memory lane with these classic Oh Henry Bars! They capture the rich, chewy goodness you loved about the original candy bar but with a delightful twist. This version features a chewy, buttery oat base topped with a decadent layer of chocolate and peanut butter that sets into a fudgy finish. It’s sweet, salty, and utterly addictive—seriously, good luck trying to stop at just one square!

What is an Oh Henry Bar?

An Oh Henry! bar is a timeless candy made with peanuts, caramel, and milk chocolate, celebrated for its chewy, nutty texture and rich chocolate coating. Originally introduced in 1920 by the Williamson Candy Company, it hit the market even before Baby Ruth and Snickers! Although Nestlé took over its U.S. distribution in 1984, the bar quietly disappeared from store shelves after Ferrara Pan acquired the rights in 2018.

Enter this delightful copycat recipe! With a buttery oat base and a chocolatey peanut butter topping, it might not be the original, but it’s just as satisfying.

Ingredients

For the Base:

• Oats: Quick-cooking oats work best for a soft, uniform texture, while old-fashioned oats can be used for a heartier base.
• Butter: Salted butter adds richness and balances the sweetness of the bars.
• Brown Sugar: You can use either light or dark brown sugar. Dark sugar adds a richer molasses flavor.
• Light Corn Syrup: This binds the oats and keeps the bars chewy. If desired, feel free to substitute with honey.

For the Topping:

• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Milk or dark chocolate, or even chocolate chunks, can also be used.
• Peanut Butter: Use creamy peanut butter for easy mixing with the chocolate; avoid natural brands, which can leave an oily finish.

How to Make Oh Henry Bars

This beginner-friendly recipe is easily customizable with ingredients you have on hand.

1. Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. Make the Oat Base

In a large saucepan, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar, corn syrup, and vanilla, cooking until the mixture begins to bubble. Remove from heat and fold in the oats.

3. Bake

Press the oat mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan using a spatula or the back of a spoon. Bake for 15 minutes.

4. Prepare the Topping

Melt the chocolate chips and peanut butter in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between until smooth.

5. Pour the Topping

Immediately pour the melted mixture over the warm oat base and spread it evenly with a spatula.

6. Cool and Set

Allow the bars to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.

7. Slice and Serve

Carefully slice into squares and savor every bite!

Tips and Substitutions

Customize your Oh Henry Bars with these handy tips and ingredient swaps!

• Use creamy peanut butter for a smooth topping; natural peanut butter won’t blend as well.
• Wet the spoon: To avoid sticking, dampen the back of your spoon with a bit of water.
• Oats swap: Old-fashioned oats give a chewier texture, albeit slightly more crumbly.
• Corn syrup substitute: Honey works well as a replacement.
• Chocolate choice: Dark or milk chocolate are great alternatives.
• Enhance with chopped peanuts for a crunchy twist, and finish off with flaky sea salt for a sophisticated touch.

How to Store and Freeze

To Store: Keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If stacking, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

To Freeze: Wrap the bars tightly in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw on the counter for about an hour before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I substitute the oats?

Yes! You can use old-fashioned oats for a heartier texture, though this may make the bars a bit crumbly.

2. Is there a vegetarian option for the bars?

Absolutely! The ingredients in this recipe are vegetarian-friendly.

3. How long do these bars last?

The bars can be stored at room temperature for 3-4 days or in the fridge for up to a week.

4. Can I add other ingredients?

Yes! Feel free to add in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruits for added flavor and texture.

5. What if I don’t have corn syrup?

You can easily substitute honey for corn syrup in this recipe.