O' Delicious: O'Henry Bars Recipe

Dear Oatsies,

I'm sorry to have to say this, but it's over. I've found another oat-based bar cookie to love.

And that other oaty treat? The O'Henry Bar. We met accidentally--when I was chatting with Sabrina, a shopper at the Urban Craft Uprising, she told me about the O'Henry Bar, a treat her mom frequently made for her growing up. At first, this bar sounded kind of like you, Oatsie--an oat, butter, sugar, and corn syrup-based confection which is baked, and then topped...and this is where it changes...with chocolate and peanut butter.

Oh, Oatsie, what was I do do? Your topping of chocolate and chopped nuts is tasty, but who can resist the smooth, salty-sweet deliciousness of peanut butter and chocolate?

Nobody, that's who. And after baking a batch, I can say with no hesitation that it was love at first bite.

It's not me...it's you. I hope you'll be well. Really.

Love,

CakeSpy

P.S. Here's the recipe.

O'Henry Bars

Adapted from Sabrina's mom

Ingredients 

  • 4 cups quick cooking oatmeal
  • 2/3 cup butter
  • 1/2 cup  Karo syrup (light, not dark)
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 3 teaspoons vanilla

 For the topping

  • 6 ounces chocolate chips
  • 2/3 cup peanut butter (a more smooth variety)

Procedure

  1. Preheat oven to 350F.
  2. Melt butter, karo syrup, sugar, and vanilla in a medium saucepan over low heat. Add the oats and stir, still over heat, until fully coated and incorporated.
  3. Press firmly into 9"x13" greased pan (I'd recommend putting a piece of wax paper down and roll with rolling pin/can so it doesn't stick) and bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes.
  4. While this cools, make the topping. Melt together 6oz chocolate chips & 2/3 cup of peanut butter (I used Peanut Butter and Co.'s Dark chocolate Dreams for extra chocolaty richness) in either a microwave-safe bowl or over low heat.
  5. Spread over oatmeal bars and let cool. Cut into yummy morsels & enjoy!