These honey oat bars are a simple, wholesome treat made with everyday pantry staples. Soft yet chewy, they’re perfect for lunchboxes, quick snacks, or a healthy afternoon pick-me-up.

Honey Oat Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These bars are mixed in one bowl, take under 30 minutes to make, and yield a generous batch. They’re nut-free, freezer-friendly, and taste like your favorite granola bars — but fresher and more satisfying.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • 220 g unsalted butter
  • 220 g brown sugar
  • 100 g honey
  • 400 g rolled oats
  • 40 g desiccated coconut
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C (355°F) and line two lamington pans with baking paper.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter, honey, and brown sugar over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  3. Add oats, desiccated coconut, cinnamon, and salt to the pan. Stir well until all the dry ingredients are evenly coated.
  4. Press the mixture firmly into the prepared pans with a spatula.
  5. Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
  6. Let cool completely in the pan, then cut into 24 bars.

Servings and timing

Serves: 24 bars
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

  • Gluten-Free: Replace oats with quinoa flakes.
  • Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil instead of butter.
  • Vegan: Swap honey for maple syrup or rice malt syrup.
  • Add-ins: Mix in dried fruit, seeds, or mini chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the bars on a tray, then transfer to a sealed container with baking paper between layers. They’ll keep for up to three months. Defrost at room temperature before serving.

Honey Oat Bars FAQs

How do I keep my honey oat bars from falling apart?

Press the mixture firmly into the pan before baking and allow it to cool completely before cutting.

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, though the bars will be slightly softer and less chewy.

What kind of honey works best?

Use a mild, good-quality honey—Australian or locally produced honey gives the best flavor.

Can I cut the sugar amount?

You can reduce the brown sugar slightly, but it may affect the binding and texture.

Do I need to refrigerate the bars?

It’s best to store them in the fridge to keep them firm and fresh.

Can I make these bars thicker?

Yes, use a smaller pan to create thicker bars and adjust baking time by a few minutes.

Can kids help make these?

Absolutely! It’s a great one-bowl recipe perfect for little helpers.

Can I make them crunchy instead of chewy?

Bake for an extra 5 minutes for a crispier texture.

Are these suitable for school lunchboxes?

Yes, they’re nut-free and ideal for most school lunch policies.

How do I freeze them without sticking?

Layer bars between sheets of baking paper or parchment before freezing.

Conclusion

These honey oat bars are the perfect balance of sweet, chewy, and hearty — a wholesome snack you can make in minutes. Whether for school lunches or afternoon energy boosts, they’re a crowd-pleaser you’ll want to keep stocked in your kitchen.

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Honey Oat Bars

Honey Oat Bars

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These soft and chewy honey oat bars are a wholesome, nut-free snack made with rolled oats, honey, and brown sugar. Perfect for school lunches, afternoon snacks, or a quick energy boost.

  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 24 bars
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Australian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 220 g unsalted butter
  • 220 g brown sugar
  • 100 g honey
  • 400 g rolled oats
  • 40 g desiccated coconut
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C (355°F). Line two lamington pans with baking paper.
  2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter, honey, and brown sugar, stirring occasionally.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in rolled oats, desiccated coconut, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
  4. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pans using a spatula or the back of a spoon.
  5. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
  6. Let cool completely in the pan before cutting into 24 bars.

Notes

  • For chewier bars, avoid overbaking and allow them to cool fully before slicing.
  • Use a smaller pan for thicker bars, adjusting baking time accordingly.
  • Add dried fruit, seeds, or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.
  • Great for meal prep—freeze in layers separated by baking paper.
  • Press mixture firmly into the pan to help the bars hold their shape.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 90mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 23g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

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