17Aug2013
Posted in Foodby kaileymichelle
My hubby’s guilty pleasure is island oat bars from Starbucks.
We don’t frequent like we used to, [thanks to Financial Peace University] but when we do, we split our favourites- an island oat bar and a dark roast with one pump peppermint, one pump mocha [we like to Pretend its Christmas all year long]. But the last few times we’ve been, they’ve been right out of bars, leaving Dave long faced and heartbroken. I know it’s only an oat bar, you say… but we’ve seriously cut back. And these outings are a treat in and of themselves….
So, being the mother fix-it-if-I-can, that I am, I took matters in my own hands and brought his simple treat home. This afternoon, after much research and fiddling with recipes, I made my own island oat bars which, dare I say it, taste EXACTLY like the originals!
If you’d rather take them from treat status to every day granola bar status, I’ve included the healthy alternatives also!
Makes 1 dozen servings
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter [ **Mashed Banana]
- 1/2 cup brown sugar [**Stevia or Brown Sugar Splenda]
- 1/4 cup Corn Syrup [**Honey or Agave Syrup]
- 1/4 cup milk [**Almond Milk]
- 1/4 tsp salt [**Sea Salt]
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 + 1/2 cups quick cooking oats [**Steel Cut Oats]
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees
- Line 8″ square pan with parchment
- Grind down 2 cups of the oats using a blender or food processor, until they look like flour
- Mix ground oats with remaining non-ground oats and set aside
- In a pot or pan, melt butter with sugar, syrup and salt, until fully dissolved
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and milk
- Add oats and mix until thoroughly combined
- Pour into pan and firmly press and pack down using both hands and a ladle
- Bake for 17 mins or until light golden brown
- Let cool completely before cutting into squares
But don’t say I didn’t warn you. These things are easy to make and somewhat addictive…..
Yummy!
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Do you add the banana or no?
Yes!
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OMG thank you SO much for this. I’ve been trying to find a gluten and dairy free recipe for so long that my son will like. This is PERFECT! I used gluten free oats and rice milk, then added some teeny chocolate chips just to make them a bit closer to the non gluten free granola bar that he always wants to eat 🙂
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You’re so welcome Lori. I personally know how difficult it can be to find scrumptious recipes that are allergy friendly, so Im delighted to hear your son was a fan. Merry Christmas my friend!
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Reblogged this on Doug Vale.
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Any extra steps if you use the steel cut oats? Will they grind like regular oats?
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They certainly will- you may just need a good blender
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Hi! Just wondering if the steel cut oats can be ground down the same as the regular oats or if there are any extra steps involved.
You bet! Grind away my friend 🙂
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Had to search google to find a good oat bar recipe. Stumbled across yours and it tastes incredible. Thank You, Thank You, Thank you for sharing!!!
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Really enjoyed your recipe! tried with the steel cut oats and they add a nice texture, going to try it with dried blueberries next time. 🙂
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I’m SO glad Shawna! That’s awesome. I may just have to try that too 🙂
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Great recipe these tasted just like the ones at Starbucks. One question though, mine came out a bit softer and they fall apart easily; I even baked them a little longer than the recipe said to. Have you had this problem? Not sure if increasing the corn syrup would help or not. Otherwise great recipe!
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I haven’t! Perhaps you might want to grind up part of your oats to make them finer. Or yes, try a touch more corn syrup. I hope that helps!
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I replaced the corn syrup with maple syrup. I’m hoping it turns out!
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Excellent! I’d love to know if it does. 🙂
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Has anyone tried this with all the healthier replacements? Would like to know thoughts??
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I certainly have Pam and while they’re not quite as decadent tasting, they’re still good! Have a bit for of a banana hint 🙂
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thanks! going to try them today!
I made these last week and they were amazing. Just like the real thing, only better because they were fresh. I got a sudden craving for these with peanut butter mixed in! I think I might try to melt 1/4 cup or so in with the butter next time. 🙂
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I was just looking for oat bar recepie and I stumble on your blog. Omg. So funny.
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Please help… I’ve made these twice now as after our trip to the island my dear husband fell in love with these bars.
Both my attempts have turned out cakey. I do use honey instead of the corn syrup. Could that be the reason? Any advise would be appreciated.
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Hmm I’m not sure Billie! Perhaps try the corn syrup or maybe change up the oat type to give it more texture. I’m not sure if you’re mixing the healthy and normal recipes together, but if so, perhaps try to either do all the healthy ingredients or all the normal ones. Hope that helps!
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