Anzac Biscuit Bars with Oats and Golden Syrup

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Chewy Anzac biscuit-inspired bars combining rolled oats, coconut, and golden syrup for a nostalgic Australian treat. This australian-inspired desserts ready in about 40 minutes layers rolled oats, desiccated coconut, all-purpose flour into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 12 Australian cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups rolled oats, 1 cup desiccated coconut, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup packed brown sugar, and 1/4 tsp salt.
  3. Step 3: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt 125 g unsalted butter with 3 tbsp golden syrup, stirring until smooth.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, dissolve 1 tsp baking soda in 2 tbsp boiling water, then quickly stir into the melted butter and golden syrup mixture.
  5. Step 5: Pour the wet mixture and 1 tsp vanilla extract into the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly until combined.
  6. Step 6: Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan and press down evenly with a spatula.
  7. Step 7: Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and set.
  8. Step 8: Remove from oven and cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Anzac Biscuit Bars with Oats and Golden Syrup take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Anzac Biscuit Bars with Oats and Golden Syrup?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Anzac Biscuit Bars with Oats and Golden Syrup?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Anzac Biscuit Bars with Oats and Golden Syrup for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Anzac Biscuit Bars with Oats and Golden Syrup?

Australian desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

Equipment for this recipe

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