Decadent Chocolate Peanut Caramel Bars
Indulge in these delectable Decadent Chocolate Peanut Caramel Bars, a beloved copycat rendition of the classic Oh Henry Bar. This delightful candy features layers of rich chocolate, creamy caramel, and crunchy peanuts, bringing the perfect balance of textures and flavors in every bite. Originally crafted by my talented mother-in-law for our church's fundraising cookbook, this recipe is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a cherished family tradition. Perfect for special occasions, holidays, or anytime you need a sweet treat to brighten your day.
36
Servings
140
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Milk chocolate chips
2 cups (none)
Shortening
2 tablespoons (none)
Vanilla caramels
30 pieces (unwrapped)
Butter
3 tablespoons (none)
Water
2 tablespoons (none)
Chopped peanuts
1 cup (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by setting up a double boiler. Combine the milk chocolate chips and shortening in the top section and heat over simmering water. Stir continuously until the mixture is completely melted and smooth.
2
Once melted, remove the chocolate mixture from heat. Pour half of the mixture into a foil-lined 8-inch square pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Place the pan in the refrigerator to allow the chocolate layer to firm up.
3
In a separate saucepan, add the unwrapped vanilla caramels, butter, and water. Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring frequently until the caramels are fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
4
Once smooth, remove from heat and stir in the chopped peanuts until well combined. Take the pan out of the refrigerator and pour the caramel-peanut mixture over the set chocolate layer, spreading it evenly.
5
Next, pour the remaining melted chocolate mixture over the top of the caramel layer, ensuring it fully covers the entire surface. Use a spatula if necessary to spread it evenly.
6
Return the pan to the refrigerator and let it chill until completely firm, about 1 hour.
7
After the mixture has set, remove it from the pan using the foil for support and carefully cut into bite-sized pieces. Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
8g
Fat
16g
Carbs
2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Chocolate Peanut Caramel Bars?
They are a delectable candy featuring layers of milk chocolate, creamy caramel, and crunchy peanuts, often described as a copycat version of the classic Oh Henry Bar.
What candy bar does this recipe resemble?
This recipe is a homemade version of the popular Oh Henry Bar.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 36 bite-sized pieces.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
The main ingredients include milk chocolate chips, shortening, vanilla caramels, butter, water, and chopped peanuts.
How much milk chocolate is used?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of milk chocolate chips.
What is the purpose of adding shortening to the chocolate?
Shortening is used to help the chocolate melt smoothly and reach the right consistency for spreading.
How many caramels are required?
You will need 30 unwrapped vanilla caramel pieces.
What size pan should I use?
An 8-inch square pan is recommended for this recipe.
Why should I line the pan with foil?
Foil makes it easy to lift the entire block of candy out of the pan once it has set, making cutting much simpler.
How do I melt the chocolate chips?
Melt them using a double boiler with shortening over simmering water, stirring until smooth.
Can I use a microwave to melt the ingredients?
While the recipe suggests a double boiler and saucepan, you can use a microwave at low power in short intervals, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
What is the first step in assembling the layers?
The first step is spreading half of the melted chocolate mixture into the pan and refrigerating it to firm up.
How do I prepare the caramel layer?
Melt vanilla caramels, butter, and water in a saucepan over low heat until smooth, then stir in the peanuts.
When should the peanuts be added?
The chopped peanuts are stirred into the melted caramel mixture before it is poured over the first chocolate layer.
How long does the candy need to chill?
The bars should chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour until completely firm.
How do I get the best results when cutting the bars?
Lift the mixture out of the pan using the foil and use a sharp knife to cut into uniform bite-sized pieces.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 140 calories.
Is this a no-bake recipe?
Yes, this is a no-bake candy recipe as it only requires melting ingredients on the stovetop.
Can I substitute the peanuts with other nuts?
Yes, you can use walnuts or pecans if you prefer, though peanuts are traditional for the Oh Henry flavor.
What is the fat content of one bar?
Each bar contains 8g of fat.
How much butter is needed for the caramel mixture?
The recipe requires 3 tablespoons of butter.
How much water is added to the caramels?
Use 2 tablespoons of water to help the caramels melt smoothly.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 16g of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this candy contain protein?
Yes, each serving provides 2g of protein.
What type of peanuts should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of chopped peanuts.
How should these bars be stored?
Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the layers firm.
Is this a good recipe for holidays?
Absolutely, it is described as perfect for special occasions, holidays, and fundraisers.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are a total of 6 ingredients in this recipe.
Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?
Yes, you can substitute milk chocolate with semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips if you prefer a less sweet taste.
What category of food does this fall under?
This recipe is categorized as Candy.