Crunchies are one of the easiest tray bakes to make.
Image: Instagram / cupcakes_and_couscous
There are some bakes that instantly transport you back to childhood, and crunchies sit comfortably near the top of that list.
They were wrapped in paper packets at church bazaars, stacked on plates at school cake sales and often waiting in the biscuit tin at home.
One square was rarely enough, especially alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea.
A good South African crunchies recipe doesn't rely on fancy ingredients. It's the combination of toasted oats, coconut, butter and golden syrup that gives these humble squares their familiar flavour and satisfying texture.
Crisp around the edges, slightly chewy in the middle and rich without being overly sweet, they're the sort of bake that never really goes out of fashion.
Unlike many biscuits, crunchies strike a balance between crisp and chewy.
Image: Instagram / sofia.r.h
They are also one of the easiest tray bakes to make, which explains why they've been a favourite for generations of home bakers.
Crunchies have earned their place as a South African classic because they're simple, economical and consistently good.
Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, the mixture comes together in minutes, and there's no special equipment required.
Unlike many biscuits, crunchies strike a balance between crisp and chewy.
The rolled oats provide texture, the coconut adds richness, and the golden syrup helps create the caramelised flavour that develops as they bake.
They're equally at home in lunchboxes, on tea tables or served after dinner with coffee.
Ingredients
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease or line a baking tray measuring about 30cm x 20cm.
2. Combine the flour, rolled oats and coconut in a large mixing bowl.
3. Place the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the sugar and golden syrup and stir until the butter has melted and the sugar has dissolved.
4. Once the mixture begins to bubble, stir in the bicarbonate of soda. It will foam and increase in volume. Remove from the heat.
5. Pour the butter mixture over the dry ingredients and mix until everything is evenly coated.
6. Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking tray and press it down evenly using the back of a metal spoon.
7. Score the surface with a sharp knife, cutting about halfway through to create squares. This makes the crunchies easier to slice after baking.
8. Bake for 15 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 160°C and bake for a further 10 minutes, or until golden brown.
9. Leave to cool completely in the tray before cutting into squares.
Stored in an airtight container, crunchies will keep well for up to a week, making them an ideal bake to prepare ahead for lunchboxes, visitors or an afternoon tea break.