Oven-Baked Anzac Biscuit Bars with Coconut and Golden Syrup
A chewy and nutty baked bar inspired by traditional Australian Anzac biscuits, combining rolled oats, desiccated coconut, and sweet golden syrup. This australian-inspired desserts ready in about 33 minutes layers rolled oats, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar 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.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup desiccated coconut
- 125 g unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp golden syrup
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tbsp boiling water
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups rolled oats, 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, and 1 cup desiccated coconut. Stir until evenly mixed.
- Step 3: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt 125 g unsalted butter and 2 tbsp golden syrup together until smooth and combined.
- Step 4: In a small cup, dissolve 1 tsp baking soda in 2 tbsp boiling water, then quickly stir this into the melted butter and golden syrup mixture; it will foam slightly.
- Step 5: Immediately pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly until all oats are coated and the mixture is sticky.
- Step 6: Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan and press it down evenly with the back of a spatula.
- Step 7: Bake for 15-18 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and the center is set but slightly soft.
- Step 8: Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing into bars.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Oven-Baked Anzac Biscuit Bars with Coconut and Golden Syrup take to make?
Total time is about 33 minutes (15 min prep + 18 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 Oven-Baked Anzac Biscuit Bars with Coconut 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 Oven-Baked Anzac Biscuit Bars with Coconut 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 Oven-Baked Anzac Biscuit Bars with Coconut 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 Oven-Baked Anzac Biscuit Bars with Coconut 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.
