07 May 2025
Cook time 20 min
Prep time 15 min
Ingredients:
1 cup all-purpose white wheat flour
1 cup oats
1 cup dried coconut meat
1/2 cup butter
1/3 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tsp baking soda
Coconut and oat bars are a delightful and nutritious treat, perfect for snacking or enjoying as a light dessert. They combine the rich flavors of coconut and oats with the sweetness of maple syrup and brown sugar, creating a chewy and satisfying bite. Whether you're baking for yourself or sharing with friends and family, these bars are sure to be a hit.
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch (20x20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Prepare Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose white wheat flour, 1 cup oats, 1 cup dried coconut meat, and 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Prepare Wet Ingredients:
- In a microwave-safe bowl or a small saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of butter. Once melted, stir in 1/3 cup of maple syrup and 1/2 cup of brown sugar until fully combined. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts and stir in between to prevent the sugar from burning.
4. Combine and Mix:
- Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until all the dry ingredients are moistened and well combined. The mixture should be slightly sticky and hold together when pressed.
5. Transfer to Baking Pan:
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to press the mixture evenly into the pan, ensuring it is compact and reaches all edges.
6. Bake:
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown. The edges should be visibly pulling away from the sides of the pan.
7. Cool:
- Remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack. Cooling is essential to ensure the bars set properly and hold together when cut.
8. Cut and Serve:
- Once the bars are completely cool, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang or gently run a knife around the edges to loosen them. Transfer to a cutting board and cut into bars or squares of your desired size.
9. Storage:
- Store the coconut and oat bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the refrigerator for longer shelf life. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Tips:
- For a healthier option, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
- Make sure to press the mixture firmly into the baking dish to ensure the bars hold together well after baking.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting to prevent them from crumbling.
- For added texture and flavor, consider mixing in some nuts or dried fruits.
- If you prefer vegan bars, replace the butter with coconut oil and use a maple syrup substitute if necessary.
Once you've baked your coconut and oat bars to a golden perfection, allow them to cool before cutting into squares and serving. These bars are a delicious way to enjoy the wholesome goodness of oats and coconut, and they make for a convenient, on-the-go snack. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh for days.