Crunchies- South African Oatmeal Bar- Nutty, buttery, Sweet, and Crunchy – quite a treat these little wonders.
If you are one of those that dislike granola bars – I am going to say give this will make you a convert. They beat granola bar hands down. What sets them apart is the flavor- they are sweet, salty, crunchy, spicy, buttery and Naughty- How about Coconuttty?
Do you fall under the 1% that’s not addicted to sugar but still try some of my sugary recipes, guess what? This crunchy bar is for you, too! Yes, a sweet oatmeal bar that appeals to both the sugar addicts and the healthy peeps! My kind of peeps – just so you know, I fall under both categories.
They are also very adaptable for the healthy peeps- throw in some pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and raisins. I have been playing around with gluten free flour and made a batch with rice flour and it worked out great- so if you want a gluten free snack, switch up the flour with rice flour.
All the guilt of these crunchies could be off set the by using some of the afore mentioned ingredients. Double up on these during this valentine season and pass it on.
If you want super crunchy bars make them slightly thinner and bake until they are golden brown.
Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Enjoy!
Crunchies
Ingredients
- 6 ounce 170grams butter
- 11/2 tablespoon golden syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup 100grams granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup 50grams brown sugar
- 1/2-1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dry shredded coconut
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds
- 1 1/2 cups of oats
- 1 1/4 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon spice
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg spice
Instructions
- Prepare a 8x8 or 9x13 baking pan/sheet if you want a thin crunchies - grease or spray with cooking oil. Set aside
- Melt butter, syrup, brown sugar, sugar and salt in a saucepan, until completely melted. You may do this in a microwave safe bowl. Then add baking soda. Mix.
- combine all the other ingredients in a large bowl – oatmeal, flour, coconut, sliced almonds and spices. Thoroughly mix.
- Pour butter mixture into the bowl of oatmeal mixture , mix well.
- Press mixture into a greased baking pan. You may use parchment paper to smooth it out.
- Start baking at 325 degrees F for about 10-15 minutes , then finish at 300 degrees for another 10 minutes or until golden brown ,depending on your oven. Start checking after 20 minutes. Remove let it cool completely, then cut in to squares and serve. You may store in an airtight container for up to a week
Tips & Notes:
- Recipe update from 8 ounce butter to 6. I have tried it several times with less butter and it works great.
- You may increase the baking time , adding about 10 more minutes to get it really crunchy.
Nutrition Information:
Mary Pryce says
This looks really great!
Is it possible to freeze them?
Imma says
They are great. Yes, you can freeze them. Layering them between waxed or parchment paper makes them easier to get out of the freezer one at a time.
1 Park Road says
I make these for guests in my Bed and Breakfast, they are a hit. Melt a slab of aero chocolate and with a fork drizzle the chocolate over the cooled crunchies. Might have to refrigerate for a few mins for the chocolate to set. Converted the recipe into a Thermomix one – such a pleasure to do them now.
Imma says
Great to hear that. Thank you for your love and support:) Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Luis says
If we wanted to use other ingredient instead of sliced almonds, what would be the perfect substitute?
Imma says
Any crunchy nut will work. Brazil nuts, hazelnuts (filberts), cashews, or peanuts. Please let me know what you used and how it turned out.❤️
Dani van Wyk says
I have been trawling websites trying to find the perfect crunchie recipe, and at last I’ve found the golden nugget! Huzzah. And it stood up to my meddlesome instinct to go rogue and add whimsically. Thank you so much!
Imma says
Sound great, Thank you for your feedback
Marion says
Excellent recipe! Easy to make and tastes delicious
Imma says
Thank you for your feedback, Stay tuned and find more amazing recipes on the blog. I am sure you would love them also 🙂
Jill ranson says
Mine were very dry and crumbled
imma africanbites says
Sorry to hear about that, Jill. I can’t really say why it came out dry but you can try adjusting your butter, cooking time, and oven temp.