Classic Baby Ruth candy bar flavor comes together at home with chocolate, peanuts, caramel, and nougat style layers that feel instantly familiar.

Photo by Lottery Monkey
Copycat Baby Ruth Candy Bar
Baby Ruth Candy Bars are known for their layered combination of nougat, caramel, peanuts, and milk chocolate in a rich, satisfying candy bar.
This homemade version recreates the recognizable Baby Ruth experience using accessible ingredients and simple layering techniques without commercial equipment.
Quick Recipe Overview
- Best For: Candy making, homemade treats
- Flavor Profile: Sweet, nutty, chocolate forward
- Skill Level: Intermediate no bake
- What Makes It Like the Restaurant: Layered nougat, caramel, peanuts, and chocolate coating
Baby Ruth Candy Bar
Baby Ruth is one of the most recognizable candy bars in American history, introduced in the early twentieth century and later produced by major confectionery companies. The bar became known for its generous peanuts and layered construction, setting it apart from simpler chocolate bars. Over the decades, Baby Ruth established itself as a staple in movie theaters, convenience stores, and vending machines. Its name, branding, and distinctive structure helped cement its place in classic American candy culture.
A Classic Candy Bar Recreated
Layered candy bars like Baby Ruth reflect early American candy making traditions that emphasized texture as much as sweetness. Nougat based centers paired with caramel and nuts became popular because they offered contrast and chew in every bite. These bars were designed to feel substantial rather than delicate, making them enduring favorites. Homemade versions aim to capture that same balance using simpler methods while keeping the familiar flavor combination intact.
Baby Ruth Candy Bar Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/3 cups Margarine
- 2 cups Brown Sugar
- 1/3 cup White Corn Syrup
- 8 cups Oatmeal
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla
- 1/2 cup Peanut Butter
Toppings
- 1 6- ounce package Chocolate Chips
- 1/2 6 oz. package Butterscotch Chips
- 2/3 cup Peanut Butter
- 1 cup chopped Nuts/Peanuts
Instructions
- Melt margarine.
- Add brown sugar, syrup, peanut butter, oatmeal and vanilla.
- Put in 9 x 13-inch cake pan.
- Bake at 350°F for about 15 minutes.
- Melt topping ingredients together and spread on top.
- Cut into bars when cool.
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Is this an exact Baby Ruth candy bar recipe
No. This is a homemade version designed to closely mimic the flavor and texture.
Do I need a candy thermometer
Most home versions do not require one, depending on the caramel method used.
Can I store homemade candy bars
Yes. Keep them refrigerated or in a cool place to maintain structure.
Can I freeze homemade Baby Ruth bars
They freeze well and can be thawed briefly before serving.
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