Oh Henry Bars

Oh Henry Bars are a quick dessert with a buttery oatmeal base and topped with a combo of chocolate and peanut butter.  These easy bars are the perfect addition to any bake sale, luncheon, potluck or family gathering – yum!

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My mom has been making these Oh Henry Bars for as long as I can remember (you'll be able to tell from the photo of the recipe card below haha!). They were often requested for after school snacks, birthday treats, dessert…..basically any reason us kids could come up with!  My brother Pat especially loves these bars – one thing we can certainly agree on!

Pat and I are just 15 months apart in age and were naturally just one year apart in school.  Like any two siblings, you can imagine that we had our fair share of bickering.  I mean, I’d like to think we were little angels, but Mom and Dad would call my bluff real quick. 

Being so close in age, we also found ourselves spending a lot of time together.  We rode bikes together, rode the school bus together, drove to high school together and later found ourselves running into each other at house parties at Iowa State. Anyway, onto Pat's favorite dessert - Oh Henry Bars!

What is an Oh Henry Bar?

The original Oh Henry! candy bar was made by Nestle in the 1920's and is still being made to this day. The candy bar's package describes them as "peanutty caramel fudge bars in milk chocolate." The recipe I've got for you is different - these bars have a chewy oatmeal base and a chocolate peanut butter topping. (So - I suppose there are some of the same flavors!)

Are Oh Henry! candy bars still made?

Yes! The Oh Henry! candy bars are still being made by Nestle - I still see them on occasion, but will admit I've never had one!

Oh Henry Bars Ingredients

• Butter - I recommend using salted butter.
• Brown Sugar - Light or dark brown sugar will work great.
• Corn Syrup - Light or dark corn syrup will work.
• Oatmeal - Use "quick oats" in this recipe.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
• Creamy Peanut Butter

Are Oh Henry Bars easy to make?

Yes!! These Oh Henry Bars are super easy to make - the hardest part is waiting for them to cool!

First, you'll mix up the bottom layer. Before you begin, be sure the butter is softened and at room temperature. Then combine the butter, brown sugar, corn syrup and oats. You can use a fork to combine them or mix in a bowl of a stand mixer.

Press this mixture into the bottom of a jellyroll pan (if you don't have a jellyroll pan, use a 9x13" pan). Bake for 15 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to brown (the middle will still be very soft). DO NOT overbake!

Once the bars come out of the oven, they'll begin to set up as they cool. Once they've had a chance to set up a bit, you'll melt the chocolate chips and peanut butter until smooth. Pour over the bars and smooth out. Let the bars cool, cut into squares and enjoy!!!

What are some of my other favorite bars to make?

It depends what I'm in the mood for!! If I want something really quick that doesn't require turning the oven on, Scotcheroos are my go-to. When I'm in the mood for something fruity, these Raspberry Bars always hit the spot! And if I had to pick a favorite, these Butterscotch Brickle Bars would be the one!!

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Of the four siblings in our family, there are a few different things about Pat that really stand out….

1. He's the most injury-prone.  He broke his arm when we were debating who could jump furthest off the swing (he won – wonder if he’d say it was worth it ha!).  He’s also had countless stitches.  I’ll never forget the time he took my bike and I was so irritated.  He told me I could have my bike back “if I got him off the bike.”  Well, I got him off the bike…..also got him 15 stitches.  Whoops.
2. He's decisive & dedicated. (And I'll admit that I'm the most indecisive!) He always seems to know exactly what he wants and is dead set on it. For example, he was a Hawkeye fan growing up and he was determined that going to Iowa State wasn't going to change that. (Yep, he's still a Hawkeye). He also knew he wanted to farm and raise a family. It's pretty cool to see him back on the homestead with his wife and three littles. This decisive-ness also made him super hard to argue with when we were little - he isn't one to give up. ha!
3. He's got a need for speed. I think both of my brothers got this trait from my dad....they love their dirt bikes and 4-wheelers! I remember being on a little Honda 50 one day when I was little. Pat was on his dirt bike said "follow me," so I did. (You know, because being the little sister, you want to show that you're just as cool!) I tried so hard to keep up with him, but the soft gravel (yeah, I'll blame it on the gravel ;)) gave me a rough landing. Took me awhile to get back on that dirt bike after that fall!
4. He's the "cupid" of the family.  If someone were to tell me 10 years ago that Pat would introduce me to my husband, I would’ve laughed.  He was cool with me being friends with his friends, but absolutely nothing more (totally understandable).  However, one night at the bar, Pat introduced me to Zach and told me “this is my only friend I’ll allow you to date.”  Mind if I marry him, too? 😉
5. Lover of Krista, the Hawkeyes, peanut clusters, Grandma's Oatmeal Raisin Cookies and Oh Henry bars!