For years, I’ve been indulging in Starbucks’ oat bars, and my love for them only grew stronger when I stumbled upon an exact replica while exploring Europe – the classic British flapjacks. The recipe is a game-changer, and once you try it, you’ll be hooked just like me. Oats have a way of making everything better, don’t they? These bars are the perfect solution for a quick breakfast on-the-go, a midday pick-me-up, or even a satisfying dessert after dinner. The best part? You can easily whip them up at home without breaking the bank. With their soft, chewy texture and subtle sweetness, it’s no wonder these flapjacks have earned a special place in my heart.
Why You Will Love This Starbucks Oat Bar Recipe
When it comes to making Starbucks oat bars at home, you have the freedom to tailor every aspect of the process to your liking. For starters, you’re in complete control over the ingredients that go into each bar, allowing you to choose exactly what you want and avoid any unwanted additives. This not only ensures a cleaner label but also lets you customize the flavors and textures to suit your personal taste preferences. Furthermore, making oat bars at home is an incredibly cost-effective way to enjoy this popular treat. By buying ingredients in bulk and whipping up a batch, you can save a significant amount of money compared to regularly purchasing them from Starbucks. And let’s not forget about the freshness factor – when you make oat bars at home, you can be sure they’re always at their best, with no artificial preservatives or additives to compromise the quality. Ultimately, making copycat Starbucks oat bars is all about gaining control over every aspect of the process and enjoying a delicious, customized treat that’s tailored to your unique tastes and preferences.
British Flapjack Flavour Notes
At first glance, this Starbucks oat bar recipe (flapjacks) may bear some resemblance to Nature Valley granola bars. However, these sweet treats are truly unique. The texture is a delightful combination of chewy and crispy, with a dense center giving way to slightly caramelized edges. The sugar and butter meld together in perfect harmony, imbuing the oats with a rich, buttery flavor that’s both deep and indulgent. A subtle hint of salt and cinnamon adds depth without overpowering the other flavors, while the turbinado sugar provides a satisfying crunch and bursts of sweetness.
What is Turbinado Sugar?
Turbinado sugar, also known as raw sugar, is derived from sugar cane juice and boasts a slightly coarser texture compared to white granulated sugar. Its subtle molasses flavour adds depth to various culinary applications. This versatile sweetener is often used in baking and cooking, as well as serving as a topping for oatmeal, cereals, and fruits, or even sweetening coffee and tea. If you don’t have turbinado sugar on hand, feel free to substitute it with brown sugar in this Starbucks-inspired oat bar recipe.
What is Golden Syrup?
Golden syrup is a type of inverted sugar syrup that’s deeply ingrained in British baking traditions. Its rich flavor profile sets it apart from regular syrups, lending a distinct sweetness to the final product. In these oat bars, golden syrup plays a crucial role in binding the oats together and imparting a luscious golden hue and delectable taste.
Visually, golden syrup bears a striking resemblance to honey – its thick, syrupy texture is reminiscent of liquid gold. While some might compare it to corn syrup, it’s actually more akin to honey or maple syrup in terms of flavor profile. A sweet treat with subtle hints of caramel, golden syrup is a must-have for any British baking enthusiast.
While you may not be able to find it at your local grocery store, there are plenty of online options and specialty markets where you can get your hands on this coveted ingredient. And if all else fails, you can even try whipping up your own golden syrup at home! If substitution is necessary, dark corn syrup or honey make suitable stand-ins, ensuring the flavor and texture of your oat bars remain intact.
Oats Used in Oat Bars or Flapjacks
While the Starbucks granola bar recipe relies on quick cooking rolled oats, it’s essential to note that not all oats are created equal. Specifically, quick oats are thinner and smaller than regular oats, allowing for faster and more even cooking. In this recipe, I’ve used these specific oats, while also providing a gluten-free alternative (for those interested) elsewhere in the blog. If you don’t have quick oats on hand, you can still use regular oats – just be sure to pulse them in a food processor 2-3 times to break down their texture and achieve a similar consistency.
Oat Bar Recipe Variations
One of the greatest benefits of making these bars at home is the ability to tailor the ingredients to your personal taste preferences. Whether you prefer a sweeter or more savory flavor profile, or want to add some texture with nuts or seeds, the possibilities are endless. This versatile base recipe serves as a starting point for experimenting with various spices, flavourings, and mix-ins. Imagine incorporating raisins, nuts, dried fruit, dried berries, chocolate chips, M&Ms, pumpkin spice, or vanilla bean paste to create unique and delicious oat bar varieties. The best part? You can easily adapt this recipe to accommodate dietary restrictions such as gluten-free or vegan options, making it a guilt-free snack for everyone.
How To Serve British Flapjacks or Starbucks Oat Bars
These versatile homemade oat bars can be savored in multiple ways. You can enjoy them as a quick snack by cutting them into bite-sized squares, making them an excellent alternative to store-bought treats that are easy to grab-and-go. Alternatively, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a delightful dessert experience. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, offering a satisfying accompaniment to your morning brew. For breakfast, try serving the oat bars with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup and a side of yogurt for a sweet start to the day. Additionally, you can crumble the oat bar over yogurt or oatmeal for a crunchy topping. Finally, mix chunks of the oat bar with nuts, dried fruits, and seeds to create a tasty trail mix perfect for hiking, picnics, or anytime you need a satisfying snack on-the-go.
Tips for Making the Bars at Home
When preparing your baking dish, line it with parchment paper, allowing the excess to hang over the edges for effortless removal once cooked. This simple step ensures the bars slide right off, making cooling and slicing a breeze. To achieve that perfect balance of crispy exterior and chewy interior in traditional flapjacks, it’s essential not to overcook them. Monitor their progress while they’re baking and remove them as soon as they’ve reached a golden brown hue. For evenly coated oats, ensure your mixture is well combined before pressing it into the prepared tray. Apply gentle yet firm pressure to spread the mix out uniformly. If you prefer your flapjacks more chewy, opt for a shorter cooking time, while crisper results can be achieved with a slightly longer baking period.
Starbucks Oat Bars FAQs
You’re free to get creative with the recipe by incorporating additional ingredients such as nuts, seeds, dried fruits, chocolate chips, or spices. Just be sure to add them after the butter, sugar, and syrup have been melted and mixed together before adding the oats. If you want to make these oat bars gluten-free, simply substitute regular quick-cooking rolled oats with gluten-free quick-cooking rolled oats. I personally prefer using this specific type of gluten-free oats. Keep in mind that gluten-free oats might yield a slightly different texture and taste compared to their regular counterparts.As for veganizing the recipe, you can easily do so by substituting butter with plant-based alternatives. I’ve had success with these options. If you’re struggling to find golden syrup, dark corn syrup or honey are suitable substitutes.In terms of shelf life, these oat bars typically remain fresh for about a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also store them in the refrigerator to extend their freshness. To revive their crunchiness, simply heat them up in the oven or microwave for a few seconds before serving.Finally, yes, you can freeze flapjacks! After baking and cutting into squares, place them on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Then transfer the oat bars to an airtight container or freezer bag, where they’ll stay fresh for up to three months.
Starbucks Oat Bars Recipe
Starbucks Oat Bars
For years, I’ve had a sweet spot for Starbucks oat bars – or as they’re commonly known in the UK, British flapjacks. And I’m thrilled to share my tried-and-true copycat recipe with you, which is just as delicious as the original. These scrumptious treats are ideal for a quick breakfast on-the-go, a midday energy boost, or even a satisfying snack any time of day. With only 15 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes of cooking time, this recipe is a breeze to whip up. And best of all, it yields 16 mouthwatering bars that are sure to become a favorite in your household.
Instructions
To begin, prepare a 9×9-inch baking dish by lining both the bottom and sides with parchment paper. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a medium saucepan, combine butter, turbinado sugar, brown sugar, golden syrup, salt, and cinnamon. Over medium heat, melt the mixture until the butter is fully dissolved and the brown sugar has mostly dissolved, leaving some crystallization on the turbinado sugar. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Next, add rolled oats to the saucepan and mix until they are evenly coated with the butter-sugar mixture. Press this mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring a flat surface. Use a spatula to pat down the top for an even finish. Place the bars in the oven and immediately reduce the temperature to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake for 25 minutes or until the edges have a light golden brown color. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly while still in the pan. Once hot, cut the flapjacks into 16 pieces. Allow them to cool completely within the pan before lifting them out onto a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to re-cut the bars into their original 16-piece form. Finally, separate the pieces and either serve immediately or store in an airtight container.