Make Your Own Wholesome, Buttery-Sweet Crunchy Oatmeal Bars

The other day, I found myself in a sweet pickle. You know those moments when you’re craving something, but you can’t quite put your finger on it? That was me, sitting with my morning cuppa, searching for that perfect balance between sweet and substantial. And then, out of nowhere, it hit me like a delicious blast from the past – the memories of the aroma and flavour of homemade goodness that took me back about 35 years. It was like biting into a memory, but better! Nutty, crispy, and oh-so-chewy oatmeal Crunchies. Ah, the quintessential South African “biscuit” that pairs magically with a steaming cup of tea or coffee, making every afternoon a delight. And let’s not forget how they’re absolute winners for those kiddies’ lunch boxes, too!

The great thing about crunchies is that they’re not overly sweet. They’re the perfect snack when you’re craving a little pick-me-up without going overboard. Whipping them up is a breeze—no rolling pins or cookie cutters involved. In just under an hour, you’ll have a batch of these beauties ready to munch on. It’s the kind of treat that every South African knows and loves, likely a childhood staple lovingly baked by mom or gran.

If you’re new to the world of crunchies, fret not! This recipe is your golden ticket to sweet satisfaction. The wonderful part about crunchies is you can jazz them up however you like. Add some almonds or sunflower seeds, mix in a handful of cranberries, apples or raisins, or even drizzle some chocolate for that extra zhoozsh. But let me tell you, they’re so darn tasty as is, that your first batch might just vanish into your mouth before you even realise! So, keep this recipe close by because once you try it, you’ll be dreaming up all sorts of delicious experiments for your next baking adventure.

A Quick Homemade Syrup Recipe for Crunchies

The recipe calls for syrup (or honey), which I didn’t have on hand. However, whipping up a batch of homemade syrup is as quick as boiling, stirring and pouring! Within about five minutes, I had two empty glass yoghurt jars full of golden syrup. To make the syrup, I used:

2 cups of water
2 cups brown sugar
2 cups white sugar
half a teaspoon vanilla essence

Method:
In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil.
Stir in the brown sugar until it dissolves.
Then, stir in the white sugar until it dissolves.
Stir in the vanilla essence. Here, you can add any flavour of your choice. You could try coffee, brandy or rum, almond, cinnamon, or nutmeg. How about some mint leaves to make a cordial to mix with water for a refreshing summer drink? But that’s for another day. Back to the crunchies.

Crunchies – The Best South African Coconut & Oat Bars

Wholesome, Buttery-Sweet Crunchy Oatmeal Bars

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Prep Time: 20

Cook Time: 30

Ingredients

250 g butter
2 tbsp syrup or honey
2 cups rolled oats
1 cup flour
1 cup desiccated coconut unsweetened
½ cup chopped almonds optional
1 cup brown sugar
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon optional
1 tsp nutmeg optional

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 170℃
Grease and line an ovenproof Pyrex dish.
Mix the oats, flour, coconut, almonds, cinnamon and nutmeg in a large bowl.
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Once the butter has melted, stir in the syrup and sugar and stir until the sugar has dissolved.
Remove from heat and stir in the bicarbonate of soda.
Pour the melted butter mixture over the dry ingredients and mix well to incorporate everything.
Scoop the mixture into a prepared oven dish and firmly press down the mixture. Aim to get it around 2 cm thick, and make sure to press it firmly, or else it'll crumble and crack. And who wants crumbly crunchies?
Bake in the oven at 170℃ for minutes.
Turn down the heat to 160℃ and bake for 10 -15 mins or until golden brown.
It's best to cut the crunchies while still a little warm, and best with a serrated knife.
Allow to cool and enjoy with a hot cup of tea for a mid-morning or afternoon treat!

Whether you’re indulging in a solo snacking session or sharing these treats with loved ones, each bite is a reminder of the simple joys in life. With endless possibilities for customisation and a taste that’s simply irresistible, these crunchies are bound to become a beloved staple in your home. Here’s to happy munching and many more crunchy adventures!

xoxo