Homemade Oh Henry Bars Recipe

I don’t know about you, but I grew up loving Oh Henry candy bars. That mix of peanuts, caramel, and chocolate? Pure heaven. Sadly, you can’t find them everywhere anymore, which is probably why this recipe has become such a favorite in my kitchen.

Now, I’ll be honest—this isn’t a copycat. It’s my spin on it. Instead of caramel, you get a buttery oat base that’s chewy and sweet. Then comes the real star: a thick, fudgy layer of chocolate mixed with peanut butter. It sets just firm enough to slice into neat little squares… though I can never stop at just one.

Homemade Oh Henry Bars Recipe – Easy & Delicious Treats

What Makes These Bars Special?

Traditional Oh Henry bars had caramel, peanuts, and a milk chocolate coating. This version swaps things around for something easier to make at home but just as satisfying. The oats give the base a lovely chew, while the peanut butter-chocolate topping tastes a bit like a Reese’s cup. Together? Absolutely addictive.


Homemade Oh Henry Bars Recipe

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need:

For the oat base:

  • Quick oats (old-fashioned oats work too, they’ll just make the bars a little chewier)
  • Butter (salted is best—it balances the sweetness)
  • Brown sugar (light or dark, depending on how rich you like the flavor)
  • Light corn syrup (or honey if that’s what you have)
  • A splash of vanilla

For the topping:

  • Semi-sweet chocolate chips (milk or dark chocolate also works fine)
  • Creamy peanut butter (skip the natural stuff; it tends to separate)

Homemade Oh Henry Bars Recipe

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13 baking dish.
  2. Melt the butter in a large pot. Stir in the brown sugar, corn syrup, and vanilla. Once it bubbles, take it off the heat and stir in the oats.
  3. Press the mixture firmly into your pan. Bake for about 15 minutes.
  4. While that’s in the oven, melt the chocolate and peanut butter together. Microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until it’s smooth.
  5. Pour the chocolate-peanut butter mix over the warm oat base. Spread evenly.
  6. Let it cool down, then pop the pan in the fridge until set—about an hour.
  7. Slice into bars or squares, and enjoy.

Homemade Oh Henry Bars Recipe

Tips & Variations

  • Wet the back of your spoon when pressing the oats—no sticking.
  • Swap the corn syrup for honey if you want a more natural option.
  • Use dark chocolate if you prefer less sweetness.
  • Add chopped peanuts on top for crunch.
  • A sprinkle of flaky salt makes them look fancy and balances the richness.

Storage

  • Keep them in an airtight container at room temp for 3–4 days.
  • In the fridge, they’ll last up to 5 days.
  • Want to freeze? Wrap them well and store for up to 3 months. Just thaw on the counter before eating.

These homemade Oh Henry Bars are a little old-fashioned, a little modern, and completely irresistible. Perfect for bake sales, holiday trays, or just because you deserve a treat.

Homemade Oh Henry Bars Recipe

Servings

12

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes
Calories

417

kcal

For the Oat Base:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter

  • 1 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed

  • 1 cup light corn syrup

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 4 cups quick oats (the kind that cooks fast)

  • For the Chocolate-Peanut Butter Topping:
  • 1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips

  • ¾ cup smooth peanut butter (go with creamy, not chunky)

Directions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

  • In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, corn syrup, and vanilla. Let the mixture cook until it starts to bubble, then take it off the heat. Mix in the oats until well combined.

  • Press the oat mixture firmly and evenly into your prepared pan using the back of a spoon or a spatula. Bake for about 15 minutes.

  • While the base is baking, melt the chocolate chips and peanut butter together. You can do this in the microwave in 30-second bursts (stirring after each) or on the stovetop over low heat until smooth.

  • Spread the topping over the warm oat layer, smoothing it out with an offset spatula so it covers evenly.

  • Let the bars cool at room temperature, then transfer to the fridge for at least 1 hour to set.

  • Cut into squares and dig in!

Notes

  • If you like more chew, you can swap the quick oats for old-fashioned oats. Just know the bars will turn out a little more crumbly.

  • For extra crunch, sprinkle chopped peanuts over the chocolate topping before it sets.

  • Leftovers keep best in an airtight container—at room temperature for about 3–4 days, or in the fridge for up to 5.

  • These bars are also freezer-friendly. Wrap them individually so you can grab one whenever a snack craving hits.
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