Oh Henry Bars

Oh Henry Bars

40 servings
For a retro sweet treat, make these easy-as-can-be Oh Henry bars. With a chewy, buttery oat base and a peanut butter and chocolate topping, this recipe is sure to please.

Ingredients

  • packed brown sugar
    1 c
  • butter

    melted, go ahead and brown the butter if you feel like it

    1 stick
  • honey or corn syrup

    see recipe note

    ½ c
  • vanilla extract
    2 tsp
  • salt
    ¼ tsp
  • rolled or quick oats

    do not use instant

    4 c
  • semisweet chocolate chips
    1 c
  • creamy peanut butter

    do not use natural peanut butter

    ½ c
  • chopped peanuts

    optional

    ¼ c

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Grease the sides with cooking spray.

  2. 2

    Make the oaty base: Grab a large bowl. Add the brown sugar, melted butter, honey or corn syrup, vanilla, and salt and stir with a sturdy wooden spoon until smooth. Then add the oats and stir until they are well coated.  Dump the oat mixture into the pan and pat it in an even layer using slightly dampened hands. Bake for 15 minutes—the color won’t change and there won’t be any obvious changes except it’ll smell sweet and toasty. Do not overbake. Set aside.

  3. 3

    Make the topping: Combine the chocolate chips and peanut butter in a medium heatproof bowl and set it over a saucepan of gently simmering water. Stir frequently with a rubber spatula until melted and smooth. Pour the topping over the baked oat base and spread around evenly. Sprinkle the chopped peanuts over the top, if using. Let the pan cool to room temperature and then cover and refrigerate until the topping is set, about 1 hour.

  4. 4

    Cut the bars: Loosen the edges from the pan with a thin table knife or metal spatula. Then use the parchment to quickly lift the base from the pan onto a cutting board. Lift a corner of the bar up and grab an edge of the parchment so you can pull it back, freeing the cookie base from the parchment. With a large, sharp knife, cut into 40 bars. Store in an airtight container, separating the layers with waxed paper or parchment. Keep the Oh Henry bars in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or at room temperature for 3 days. These freeze well, up to 2 months. Love the recipe? Leave us a review and stars below!

Oh Henry Bars

Oh Henry Bars

86 min40 servings116 cal

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About this Recipe

Craving a taste of nostalgia with minimal fuss? These Oh Henry Bars bring that beloved retro sweet treat right into your kitchen, delivering a delightful blend of flavors and textures that's sure to please any crowd.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe shines through its simple elegance and satisfying chew. The chewy, buttery oat base creates a fantastic foundation, providing a comforting texture that perfectly balances the rich topping. An optional touch of browned butter in the base deepens the flavor, adding a layer of sophisticated nuttiness that elevates these easy-as-can-be bars from good to truly exceptional. It's a method that ensures a deeply flavored treat without requiring complex techniques.

What to Expect

Prepare for a dessert that hits all the right notes: a rich, sweet, and deeply satisfying experience. You'll find a delightful contrast between the substantial, chewy texture of the oat base and the creamy, decadent layer of peanut butter and chocolate. Each bite is packed with the classic combination of sweet, salty, and nutty flavors, reminiscent of your favorite candy bar but with the comforting chewiness of a homemade baked good. This straightforward recipe is designed for maximum flavor impact with minimal effort, making it a perfect project for bakers of all skill levels.

Customization & Variations

Feel free to personalize these bars to your liking. For the liquid sweetener in the base, you can easily use either honey or corn syrup depending on what you have on hand or prefer. If you love an extra crunch, don't skip the chopped peanuts sprinkled over the top—they add a wonderful textural element. While the recipe suggests semisweet chocolate chips, you could experiment with milk chocolate or even dark chocolate for a different flavor profile. Remember, for the best results, stick with rolled or quick oats and avoid instant oats, and opt for creamy peanut butter over natural varieties to maintain the intended texture.

Serving & Context

These Oh Henry Bars are ideal for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or simply as a comforting after-dinner treat. They travel well and are always a crowd-pleaser, making them a go-to dessert for sharing with friends and family. Serve them with a tall glass of milk or a cup of coffee for the ultimate indulgence.

Frequently Asked Questions