Crunchies

Get ready to fall in love with the nutty, buttery goodness of homemade Crunchies! This classic South African treat is a delightful fusion of rolled oats, shredded coconut, and a touch of golden syrup, baked to golden perfection for a satisfyingly crisp and chewy texture. With easy preparation in just 15 minutes and a bake time of under 20, these oat bars are a quick and simple way to satisfy your snack cravings. The combination of pantry staples like all-purpose flour, sugar, and butter results in a warm, caramelized flavor, while the baking soda and boiling water add a light, airy crunch. Perfect as a midday snack, a sweet addition to your tea break, or a versatile lunchbox filler, these squares are a nostalgic treat the whole family will love. Best of all, they keep fresh in an airtight container for up to a week—though they’re sure to disappear much sooner!

Nutriscore Rating: 47/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 16

Ingredients

• 125 grams All-purpose flour
• 250 grams Rolled oats
• 100 grams Shredded unsweetened coconut
• 150 grams Granulated sugar
• 125 grams Butter
• 2 tablespoons Golden syrup (or honey)
• 1 teaspoon Baking soda
• 2 tablespoons Boiling water
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a 9x9-inch (23x23 cm) baking dish with parchment paper or grease it lightly.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, shredded coconut, granulated sugar, and salt. Mix well and set aside.

Step 3

In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter with the golden syrup (or honey). Stir occasionally until the mixture is fully melted and smooth.

Step 4

In a small heatproof bowl or cup, dissolve the baking soda in 2 tablespoons of boiling water.

Step 5

Remove the melted butter mixture from the heat and stir in the dissolved baking soda mixture. The mixture will foam up slightly, which is normal.

Step 6

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly until everything is evenly combined.

Step 7

Press the mixture firmly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing it out with the back of a spoon or your hands to create an even layer.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. The center may still appear slightly soft, but it will firm up as it cools.

Step 9

Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10

Once fully cooled, use a sharp knife to cut the crunchies into squares or rectangles as desired. Store them in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(831.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3715.9

Total Fat 185.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 117.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.1g
Cholesterol 293.8mg	0%
Sodium 3138.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 470.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 47.8g	0%
Total Sugars 192.1g
Protein 63.4g	0%

Vitamin D 20IU	0%
Calcium 205.4mg	0%
Iron 21.2mg	0%
Potassium 1523.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 43.9%

Protein: 6.7%

Carbs: 49.4%