Coffee-Infused Oh Henry Bars with Layered Chocolate Topping

Prep: 20 minCook: 2 hr 15 minmediumAmerican
Coffee-Infused Oh Henry Bars with Layered Chocolate Topping

These indulgent layered bars combine a coffee-flavored oatmeal base with dual chocolate toppings for the ultimate sweet treat. The bottom layer features a chewy oat crust enhanced with coffee powder, while two rich toppings create distinct textures - a creamy peanut butter chocolate layer followed by a glossy chocolate glaze. Perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or when you need a crowd-pleasing dessert that delivers both comfort and sophistication.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ sticks margarine
    butter1:1note:richer flavoradds dairy

    conf:5

    Full guide →
  • 1 ½ cups brown sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1 cup oatmeal
  • 1 teaspoon coffee powder, vanilla flavored preferred
    vanilla extractadd 1 tspnote:traditional flavor

    conf:4

  • ½ teaspoon vanilla
  • 8 ounces chocolate chips, for first topping
  • 1 ½ cups peanut butter
    almond butter1:1note:different flavor profilepeanuts-freeadds dairy

    conf:4

    Full guide →
  • 1 cup chocolate chips, for second topping
  • 1 teaspoon corn syrup
  • 1 stick margarine, for second topping
    butter1:1note:richer flavoradds dairy

    conf:5

    Full guide →

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 350F and grease a 9x13 pan

  2. 2

    Cream margarine and brown sugar until fluffy

  3. 3

    Beat in egg, then mix in flour, oatmeal, coffee powder, and vanilla

  4. 4

    Spread mixture evenly in prepared pan

  5. 5

    Bake for 15-20 minutes, removing at 16 minutes for best texture

  6. 6

    Cool completely before adding toppings

  7. 7

    Melt chocolate chips with peanut butter for first topping

  8. 8

    Stir mixture for 30 seconds until slightly cooled

  9. 9

    Pour over cooled crust and spread evenly

  10. 10

    Chill in refrigerator for about one hour

  11. 11

    Melt chocolate chips with corn syrup and margarine for second topping

  12. 12

    Stir for 30 seconds until cooled slightly

  13. 13

    Pour over chilled first topping

  14. 14

    Let set until firm before slicing

Tips

Tip 1

Don't overbake the base - removing at 16 minutes ensures chewy texture rather than crispy

Tip 2

Let each layer cool completely before adding the next to prevent melting and mixing

Tip 3

Use vanilla-flavored coffee powder if available for enhanced flavor complexity

Good to Know

Storage

Store covered at room temperature for up to one week

Make Ahead

Can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored covered

Serve With

Slice into squares and serve at room temperature

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't skip cooling time between layers to avoid melting

Watch

Avoid overbaking base to prevent dry, crumbly texture

Substitutions

Nut-Free Alternatives

peanut butter
almond butter1:1note:different flavor profilepeanuts-freeadds dairy

conf:4

Full guide →

General Alternatives

margarine
butter1:1note:richer flavoradds dairy

conf:5

Full guide →
coffee powder
vanilla extractadd 1 tspnote:traditional flavor

conf:4

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use butter instead of margarine?

Yes, substitute equal amounts of butter for richer flavor, though texture may be slightly different.

How long do these bars keep?

Store covered at room temperature for up to one week, or refrigerate for longer storage.

Can I freeze these bars?

Yes, wrap individual portions and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.