English Oatmeal Tea Bars
Chewy oatmeal bars with a hint of vanilla and optional walnuts, perfect for a quick snack or dessert, offering a satisfying blend of sweetness and crunch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine corn syrup, butter, brown sugar, and vanilla over low heat until melted.
- Stir in oats and chopped walnuts if using.
- Mix well until evenly combined.
- Press the mixture into a buttered 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Bake in a preheated 300°F oven for 10 minutes.
- Stir the mixture well, then press firmly back into the pan.
- Bake for an additional 10 minutes, ensuring not to overbake.
- Cut into 1 1/2 x 2-inch bars while still warm.
- Cool completely in the pan before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting half of the oatmeal with quick oats or using a combination of nuts, such as almonds or pecans. If you want to make these bars a bit healthier, you can use honey instead of light corn syrup. Ensure to press the mixture firmly into the pan to achieve a chewy texture. If you prefer a sweeter bar, increase the brown sugar slightly.
Serving Suggestions
These oatmeal tea bars are delightful on their own, but you can also serve them with a cup of tea or coffee for a perfect afternoon snack. They pair beautifully with a fresh fruit salad for a refreshing contrast. For a special treat, consider serving alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzling with a bit of chocolate sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover oatmeal tea bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze the bars wrapped in plastic wrap and then in foil for up to three months. To reheat, simply place them in a microwave for a few seconds or enjoy them at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of English Oatmeal Tea Bars contains roughly 569 calories, with 12g protein, 93g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (138% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (86% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (36% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 10g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rolled oats instead of quick oats?
Yes, rolled oats can be used in this recipe. They will provide a heartier texture, which is perfect for these bars. Just ensure that they are cooked through during baking as per the instructions.
What can I use instead of walnuts?
If you prefer not to use walnuts or have a nut allergy, you can simply omit them or replace them with seeds like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for added crunch.
Can I make these bars vegan?
To make these bars vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based butter or coconut oil, and replace the light corn syrup with maple syrup or agave nectar. This will maintain the sweetness and texture while making it suitable for a vegan diet.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).