Scottish Timesavers
Scottish Timesavers are a crunchy, sweet snack bar featuring oats, raisins, and sesame seeds, baked until golden. Perfect for a quick treat or a trail snack, they offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors that appeal to both children and adults alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Measure all ingredients into a large bowl.
- Mix at low speed of a mixer until a dough forms.
- Using a well floured rolling pin or well floured fingers, roll or pat out the dough, half at a time, on an ungreased cookie sheet to a 12 x 8-inch rectangle.
- Cut into 2-inch squares, but do not separate them.
- Sprinkle with sugar.
- Bake at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown.
- Immediately cut into squares along the lines.
- Cool for 2 minutes; remove from cookie sheets.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nuttier flavor, consider substituting half of the flour with whole wheat flour. If you prefer a sweeter treat, add a handful of chocolate chips or dried fruit to the mix. Ensure your mixing bowl is large enough, as the dough can be quite thick. Using a rolling pin dusted with flour helps prevent sticking while shaping the dough.
Serving Suggestions
These delightful squares are perfect for breakfast or a quick snack throughout the day. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a more indulgent treat, serve them with a spread of orange fondant or alongside fresh fruit. They also make a great addition to lunchboxes or picnics.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Scottish Timesavers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze individual squares wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Scottish Timesavers contains roughly 249 calories, with 3g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 16g fat.
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 cooking oats?
Yes, but the texture may be slightly different. Rolled oats will take longer to absorb moisture, which may affect the dough consistency. For best results, if using rolled oats, you might want to chop them a bit to mimic the texture of quick-cooking oats.
What can I substitute for brown sugar?
You can replace brown sugar with an equal amount of white sugar mixed with a tablespoon of molasses for a similar flavor. Alternatively, coconut sugar or maple sugar can be used for a different twist, though they may alter the final taste slightly.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make Scottish Timesavers vegan, simply replace the brown sugar with coconut sugar and ensure that any additional ingredients, like chocolate chips, are dairy-free. The recipe as it stands is already egg-free, making it easy to adapt for vegan diets.
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).