Gluten-Free Oh Henry Bars

Discover how to make gluten-free Oh Henry bars at home with just five simple ingredients! This easy dessert recipe is perfect for busy families craving that iconic caramel-peanut-chocolate combo. No baking required!

You know that feeling when you’re at the grocery store and you pass that nostalgic candy aisle, only to remember you can’t grab your old favorite anymore? I totally get it. That’s exactly what inspired me to figure out how to recreate gluten-free Oh Henry bars right in my own kitchen.

The beauty of these homemade gluten-free Oh Henry bars is that they taste like the real deal—that perfect trio of chewy caramel, peanutty goodness, and melted chocolate—but without the stress of wondering about hidden gluten or mysterious ingredients.

Plus, they come together in about 15 minutes with zero baking involved. If you’re feeding a crew of hungry kids or simply want a weekend dessert project that won’t keep you glued to the oven, these nut-free baked goods are about to become your secret weapon.

What Makes These Gluten-Free Oh Henry Bars Special

Creating delicious gluten-free Oh Henry bars at home means you control exactly what goes inside. Unlike store-bought versions, you’ll know each ingredient, skip the additives, and skip the worry about cross-contamination.

These dairy-free bars are also naturally vegan-friendly when you use the right mix-ins, making them inclusive for different dietary needs in your family.

I’ve found that using certified gluten-free cereal makes all the difference in achieving that satisfying texture. The Karo syrup gives you that authentic caramel layer without fussing over a candy thermometer—honestly, one of my favorite time-saving tricks.

Oh Henry Bars Ingredients

• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup white Karo syrup
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 6 cups gluten-free rice krispie cereal (see brand suggestions below)
• 20 ounces Enjoy Life semi-sweet chocolate chips (two 10-ounce bags)

Cereal Suggestions: Look for brands like Erewhon or Cascadian Farm for certified gluten-free rice krispies. Always check the label—even if the original product contains gluten, the gluten-free version is clearly marked and safe for your kitchen.

Oh Henry Bars Instructions

Step 1: Create Your Caramel Base

Heat the sugar and Karo syrup to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. This should take about 2–3 minutes. You’re looking for a gentle, consistent boil—nothing aggressive.

Step 2: Bring in the Peanut Butter

Remove the pan from heat and quickly stir in the creamy peanut butter until everything is completely combined. The mixture will be smooth and glossy. Work fast here because this step is where the magic happens, and you want the peanut butter fully incorporated while the mixture is still warm.

Step 3: Combine with Cereal

Pour your gluten-free rice krispie cereal directly into the peanut butter mixture and stir well until every bit of cereal is coated. This is where a sturdy wooden spoon becomes your best friend—don’t be shy about stirring!

Step 4: Press into Pan

Working quickly (the mixture sets up faster than you’d think), press the entire mixture firmly into a 9 x 13-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper. Use the back of a spatula or your hands (lightly oiled makes this easier) to get an even layer. This step determines your bar thickness, so take your time here.

Step 5: Melt and Top with Chocolate

Melt the Enjoy Life chocolate chips either in the microwave in 30-second intervals or slowly over low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently. Enjoy Life chips are naturally dairy-free, making these gluten and dairy-free bars safe for multiple dietary needs. Spread the melted chocolate evenly across the top of your pressed mixture.

Step 6: Set and Slice

Let the chocolate set completely at room temperature (about 30 minutes) or speed things up by popping the whole pan into the fridge for 10 minutes. Once firm, cut into bars using a sharp knife dipped in hot water between cuts for cleaner edges.

Substitutions & Customizations

Nut-Free Adjustments: These are naturally nut-free baked goods when made with peanut butter—but if you need to avoid peanuts entirely, swap in sunflower seed butter or tahini for nearly the same creamy texture and flavor depth.

Dairy-Free Variations: Oh Henry Bars is already dairy-free, but if you want to make it vegan dessert-friendly too, confirm your Karo syrup is vegan (most are, but always double-check the label). The Enjoy Life chocolate chips are your trusty dairy-free companion here.

Add Crunch: After spreading the chocolate but before it sets, sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or toasted coconut on top. This transforms your bars into something with a little more textural interest.

Salted Chocolate Topping: Add a light sprinkle of sea salt over the chocolate layer just after spreading for a sweet-salty balance that feels surprisingly sophisticated.

Troubleshooting Tips For Your Oh Henry Bars Recipe

The Mixture Feels Too Stiff: If your peanut butter mixture seems too thick to spread, you likely let it cool too long. Warm it gently over low heat for 30 seconds—no longer—and try again. The trick is working while everything’s still pliable.

Chocolate Won’t Spread Smoothly: If your melted chocolate is too thick, add a teaspoon of coconut oil (or dairy-free butter) to loosen it up without changing the flavor. Stir well.

Layers Separating: This happens when the peanut butter layer sets completely before the chocolate goes on. To prevent this, pour your chocolate topping within 5 minutes of pressing the mixture into the pan.

Bars Are Too Sticky: You might need firmer gluten-free rice krispie cereal. Some brands are crunchier than others. If your bars feel mushy, try a different brand next time or press the mixture extra firmly into the pan.

Storage & Make-Ahead Magic

The Honest Truth: These taste absolutely best the day you make them when the texture is still crispy on the bottom and chewy in the middle. However, stored properly, they’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days.

Storage Method: Keep your gluten-free Oh Henry bars in an airtight container at room temperature. A piece of parchment paper between layers prevents sticking. If your kitchen runs warm, store them in the fridge to keep the chocolate from softening.

Freezer-Friendly: These bars freeze beautifully for up to 3 weeks. Wrap each one individually in parchment paper, then place in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature for about 15 minutes before eating—this actually brings back that perfect texture.

Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the peanut butter mixture and press it into the pan the night before. Cover it loosely and refrigerate. Add the chocolate topping the next morning, and you’ve got a no-stress dessert ready to go.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

These nut-free baked goods pair beautifully with a cold glass of dairy-free milk or a hot cup of coffee. They’re the kind of treat that works equally well as an after-school snack for the kids, a lunchbox addition, or a simple dessert for movie night.

Want to make it a dessert spread? Pair your gluten and dairy-free bars with our easy gluten-free chicken taquitos for a complete meal-to-dessert experience, or round out a casual dessert table with our easy protein gluten-free bread recipe for added heartiness.

Kid-Friendly & Dietary Adjustments

Making Them Extra Kid-Approved: Let the kids help press the mixture into the pan—they love having a hand in creating something delicious. You can also let them sprinkle their own chocolate chips if you’re melting them differently, which makes the whole project feel more collaborative.

Allergy-Conscious Options: Since these dairy-free vegan desserts contain peanut butter, always inform guests about allergens. If serving a mixed group with tree nut allergies, skip the optional chopped nut topping, and you’re completely safe.

Smaller Portions: This recipe yields about 24 bars depending on how you cut them. If you’re cooking for one or two people, the recipe freezes perfectly, or you can halve it and use an 8×8-inch pan instead.

FAQs About Gluten-Free Oh Henry Bars

The Bottom Line

Making your own gluten-free Oh Henry bars isn’t just about recreating a childhood favorite—it’s about giving yourself permission to enjoy the foods you love without compromise. Whether you’re managing a gluten-free household, raising kids with multiple dietary needs, or simply looking for an easy dessert that impresses without stress, these bars deliver.

The beauty of homemade is that you skip the mystery ingredients, the cross-contamination worries, and the grocery store hunt. Instead, you get 15 minutes of simple, joyful kitchen time and a batch of treats that taste like you spent way more effort than you actually did.

Go ahead and make a double batch. Trust me, they’ll disappear fast.