Nutty Squares are a delightful, chewy baked treat packed with oats, coconut, nuts, and just the right touch of spice. These bars are an excellent example of mid-20th-century homemade snacks, balancing nutrition and indulgence. Perfect as a wholesome dessert or a hearty lunchbox addition, this recipe combines whole grains and seeds with just enough sweetness to satisfy. With its unique blend of wheat germ and sesame seeds, it stands out from typical oat-based bars and reflects a time when home bakers began experimenting with healthful ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 cup oat bran
- 1 cup quick oats
- ¼ cup sesame seeds (unroasted )
- ¼ cup coconut (shredded )
- ¼ cup wheat germ (toasted )
- ½ cup nuts (choppe , e.g., walnuts or pecans)
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ⅛ tsp salt
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup peanut oil
- 1 egg yolk
- 3 egg whites
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine oat bran, quick oats, sesame seeds, shredded coconut, wheat germ, chopped nuts, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Step 2: Prepare Wet Mixture
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolk and egg whites. Add brown sugar, vanilla extract, and peanut oil. Mix until smooth.
Step 3: Combine Mixtures
- Stir the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until well combined. The mixture will be thick and slightly sticky.
Step 4: Bake
- Spread evenly in an ungreased 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes or until golden.
Step 5: Cool and Slice
- Let cool completely in the pan. Slice into squares to serve.
Tips
- Use honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a softer, chewier bar.
- Swap peanut oil for coconut oil or light olive oil.
- Add dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, chopped apricots) for extra texture.
- Mix in chocolate chips or carob chips after combining wet and dry ingredients.
- Toast the coconut and nuts for deeper flavor.
- Replace part of the oats with crispy rice cereal for a lighter bar.
- Make it gluten-free by ensuring oats and wheat-germ substitutes are gluten-free.
- Drizzle with melted chocolate after baking for a dessert-style bar.
- Add orange zest or lemon zest for brightness.
- Use almond extract instead of vanilla for a different flavor profile.
Nutrition
Calories: 236kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 6gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 16mgSodium: 22mgPotassium: 188mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 26IUVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 28mgIron: 2mg
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