One packaged food I have managed to avoid ever purchasing for the kids lunchboxes is muesli bars. Every time I’ve been tempted to grab them as a quick solution, a quick glance over the ingredient list has always made me put them back on the shelf.
So, to keep the munchkins happy and still ensure a sweet treat in their lunchbox, I’ve got a host of recipes that I regularly use. Muffins are always a favourite (including Strawberry, Banana Spice or Orange) as well as sweet breads (try Strawberry or Chocolate Banana) and now this Anzac Muesli Slice can be included in the mix.
The slice uses all the ingredients of a classic Anzac biscuit, with a few added extras, hence the name. The good thing is, making these bars at home means you have a preservative free alternative that you can tweak to suit your family.
Anzac Muesli Slice
Recipe inspired by Jam Packed
Ingredients
125g butter
2 tablespoons golden syrup
1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
2 tablespoons water
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup plain flour
1/2 cup sugar (caster or brown)
3/4 cup desiccated coconut
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
1/4 cup chopped dried fruit
Method
Preheat oven to 180C (360F) and line a slice tin (approx. 30cm x 20cm) with baking paper or cooking sheet.
Put the butter and golden syrup into a large saucepan and melt gently over low heat. Stir well to combine and once melted, remove pan from heat.
Mix together the bicarb and water in a small cup or container. Add to the saucepan and stir – it will foam up. Add all the remaining ingredients to the pan and stir well to combine.
Spread into prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden. While cooling, make shallow lines to make it easier to cut when cool. Allow the slice to cool in the pan and store in airtight container.
The Klutzy Cook Notes
- Use whatever dried fruit your family prefers – apricots, cranberries, dates, sultanas or a combination.
- Other seeds could be used to give the slice a different flavour as well. Try linseeds, pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.