If you’ve ever tasted a Whatchamacallit candy bar, you already know how amazing it is. The perfect combination of crispy, chewy, and chocolatey layers makes it hard to resist. But what if you could make this irresistible Whatchamacallit candy bar recipe at home? The good news is—you can! And it’s much easier than you might think.
In this complete guide, we’ll show you how to make your own homemade Whatchamacallit bars that taste just like the real thing (or even better). We’ll cover everything—from the ingredients and steps to helpful tips, variations, storage ideas, and serving suggestions.
Let’s dive in and create the most delicious Whatchamacallit candy bars you’ve ever had!
What Is a Whatchamacallit Candy Bar?
Before we start, let’s talk a little about what makes the Whatchamacallit candy bar so special. This unique treat is a popular American candy bar made by The Hershey Company. It first appeared in the late 1970s, and since then, it’s been a favorite for those who love sweet, crunchy, and caramel-filled desserts.
A traditional Whatchamacallit candy bar usually includes:
- A layer of crispy peanut butter rice,
- A smooth layer of caramel, and
- A coating of rich milk chocolate.
That mix of textures—crispy, gooey, and creamy—makes every bite unforgettable.
Why You’ll Love This Whatchamacallit Candy Bar Recipe
Here are a few reasons why this homemade version is absolutely worth trying:
- Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is easily available at any grocery store.
- No Baking Required: It’s a no-bake recipe, so you won’t have to turn on your oven.
- Tastes Better Than Store-Bought: You can control the sweetness and texture to make it just how you like it.
- Fun to Make: This recipe is great for family activities, parties, or gifting during holidays.
- Customizable: You can change the nuts, chocolate, or cereal for your own twist.
Once you make this irresistible Whatchamacallit candy bar, it’ll become your go-to dessert recipe for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a list of all the ingredients for this Whatchamacallit candy bar recipe:
For the Crispy Peanut Layer:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup light corn syrup or honey
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 5 cups crispy rice cereal (like Rice Krispies)
For the Caramel Layer:
- 1 (14-ounce) bag of soft caramels
- 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
For the Chocolate Coating:
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips (or semi-sweet, depending on preference)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or butter (for smoothness)
Optional:
- A pinch of sea salt for sprinkling on top
- ½ cup chopped peanuts or almonds for extra crunch
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your very own homemade Whatchamacallit bars.
Step 1: Prepare the Base
- Line a pan: Use an 8×8-inch or 9×13-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper. This will make it easier to remove the bars later.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a large saucepan, combine the sugar and corn syrup. Heat over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture begins to bubble gently.
- Add peanut butter: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the peanut butter until smooth and creamy.
- Mix with cereal: Add the crispy rice cereal into the peanut butter mixture. Stir gently but quickly until everything is evenly coated.
Step 2: Form the Crispy Layer
- Spread the mixture: Pour the peanut butter and cereal mixture into your prepared baking dish.
- Press firmly: Use a spatula or your hands (lightly greased) to press the mixture down evenly.
- Let it cool: Set it aside while you prepare the caramel layer.
Step 3: Make the Caramel Layer
- Melt the caramels: In a small saucepan, add the caramels and milk (or cream). Heat over low to medium heat, stirring constantly until fully melted and smooth.
- Pour over the base: Once melted, pour the caramel over the crispy base and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Let it set: Place the pan in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes so the caramel can firm up slightly.
Step 4: Add the Chocolate Coating
- Melt the chocolate: Combine chocolate chips and coconut oil (or butter) in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring each time until smooth.
- Spread over caramel: Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel layer and spread evenly using a spatula.
- Add toppings (optional): Sprinkle sea salt or chopped nuts on top for an extra flavor boost.
Step 5: Chill and Slice
- Chill again: Place the entire pan in the fridge for at least 1 hour or until the chocolate is fully set.
- Slice: Once firm, lift the candy slab out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into bars or squares using a sharp knife.
- Enjoy: Your irresistible Whatchamacallit candy bars are ready to serve!
Storage Tips
To keep your homemade Whatchamacallit bars fresh and delicious:
- Room temperature: Store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw before eating.
Pro tip: Place parchment paper between layers of bars to prevent sticking.
Tips for Perfect Candy Bars
Here are some extra tips to help your Whatchamacallit candy bar recipe turn out amazing every time:
- Don’t overheat the sugar mixture: If it boils too long, the bars can become hard.
- Use fresh cereal: Stale rice cereal will make your bars less crispy.
- Cut while slightly soft: It’s easier to cut the bars when the chocolate is set but not too hard.
- Try dark chocolate: For a richer taste, use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate.
- Add texture: Mix in a handful of crushed pretzels or mini marshmallows for a fun twist.
Whatchamacallit Candy Bar Variations
Want to experiment a little? Here are some tasty variations of the Whatchamacallit candy bar recipe:
1. Peanut-Free Version
If you’re allergic to peanuts, replace peanut butter with almond butter or sunflower seed butter. It tastes just as good!
2. Chocolate Lover’s Dream
Add an extra drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of cocoa nibs on top for double chocolate goodness.
3. Crunchy Nut Edition
Add crushed roasted peanuts, almonds, or cashews into the caramel layer for added crunch.
4. Salted Caramel Version
Add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel for a sweet and salty treat.
5. Protein Boost
Mix in a scoop of vanilla or chocolate protein powder with the peanut butter layer to make a more nutritious snack.
6. Holiday Special
Add colorful sprinkles or drizzle white chocolate on top for a festive look during Christmas or birthdays.
Serving Ideas
Your Whatchamacallit candy bars can be served in many creative ways:
- As a dessert bar for parties or potlucks
- With a cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy snack
- Cut into mini squares for lunchbox treats
- Wrapped in cute paper for homemade gifts
- Crumbled over ice cream or milkshakes for a sweet topping
No matter how you serve them, these bars will steal the show!
Fun Facts About Whatchamacallit Candy Bars
- The name “Whatchamacallit” was chosen because it sounded fun and unique—perfect for a candy bar people couldn’t quite describe.
- In 2009, Hershey introduced a sister candy bar called Thingamajig, but it didn’t last long.
- The original Whatchamacallit commercials in the 1980s were super catchy and helped make it a household name.
- The candy bar’s texture—crispy and chewy at the same time—is what sets it apart from most chocolate bars.
Healthier Alternatives
If you’re looking to make your Whatchamacallit candy bar recipe a bit lighter, try these adjustments:
- Use natural peanut butter with no added sugar.
- Replace corn syrup with honey or maple syrup.
- Use dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa.
- Add a bit of protein powder or chia seeds for extra nutrition.
- Use low-sugar caramel made from dates.
This way, you can enjoy your treat guilt-free while keeping that irresistible taste.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
1. My bars turned out too hard
You might have overcooked the sugar and corn syrup mixture. Next time, remove it from heat as soon as it starts to bubble.
2. My chocolate won’t set
Make sure you chill the bars long enough, or add a teaspoon of coconut oil when melting the chocolate for a smooth, firm finish.
3. The caramel layer is too sticky
If your caramel stays too soft, use less milk or let it cool longer before cutting the bars.
Why This Recipe Is Irresistible
The Whatchamacallit candy bar has a balance of sweet, salty, crunchy, and creamy textures. When you make it at home, you can adjust each layer to your liking—making it even more satisfying.
- The crispy base gives you that light, airy crunch.
- The caramel layer adds chewy sweetness.
- The chocolate coating brings everything together in a smooth, delicious bite.
It’s not just candy—it’s comfort, nostalgia, and happiness in every square.
Final Thoughts
Making your own Whatchamacallit candy bar recipe at home is pure joy. It’s simple, fun, and the results are truly irresistible. You don’t need fancy ingredients or special tools—just a few pantry staples and a little love for chocolate.
Whether you’re making them for yourself, family, or friends, these homemade Whatchamacallit bars will always bring smiles. Once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why it’s one of the most irresistible candy bars to try now.
So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy the sweet, crunchy, chocolatey goodness of your very own Whatchamacallit candy bar!
