Favorite Honey Bars
Sweet and chewy honey bars with coconut, nuts, and oatmeal, offering rich flavors and satisfying texture, perfect for snack time or sharing with friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream shortening, sugar, and honey until light and fluffy.
- Add the beaten egg and blend well.
- Mix together dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry mixture to the creamed mixture and blend thoroughly.
- Stir in oatmeal, coconut, and nuts.
- Spread the batter evenly into a 10 1/2 x 15-inch baking pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar, which will add a hint of molasses. If you're out of shortening, unsalted butter works as a great substitute for a richer taste. You can also customize the nuts based on your preference; walnuts or pecans can add a lovely crunch. If you want a gluten-free option, try using almond flour instead of regular flour.
Serving Suggestions
These honey bars are perfect for a snack or dessert and pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For an elevated experience, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. They also make a great addition to a picnic spread alongside other treats like Melon Pops or Aunt Pam's Best Blueberry Dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover honey bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, simply place them in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Favorite Honey Bars contains roughly 190 calories, with 2g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is a good source of iron (18% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 523mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).
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 different sweeteners instead of honey?
Yes, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar as alternatives to honey. However, keep in mind that these sweeteners may alter the flavor and texture slightly. If choosing maple syrup, use a bit less as it is sweeter than honey.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make these honey bars vegan, substitute the egg with a flaxseed egg or applesauce, and use a plant-based shortening or coconut oil. Replace honey with agave syrup or a similar vegan sweetener, ensuring you adjust the liquid ratio as needed.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The honey bars are done when they turn golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake, as they can become dry.
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).