Craving that irresistible blend of chewy oats, chocolate chunks, and nutty flavors that make heavenly hunks copycat recipe simply divine? Look no further! With step-by-step instructions and photos, making these no-bake treats is a breeze.
Our Heavenly Hunks copycat recipe is easy to whip up (with little-to-no chill time, depending on your preference) and uses simple, wholesome ingredients which makes it great for snacking at any time of the day.
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Why you will love this Heavenly Hunks copycat recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, whipping up these Heavenly Hunks at home is simple.
- No Chilling Required: Forget about waiting for dough to chill – this recipe gets you straight to the good stuff. Although I do think it tastes a bit more like cookie dough when chilled!
- Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins like extra chocolate chips, dried fruits, or nuts to tailor these hunks to your taste preferences.
- Wholesome Ingredients: Packed with oats, nut butter, and dark chocolate, these treats offer a satisfying indulgence without the guilt.
- Versatile Snack: Enjoy them as an afternoon pick-me-up, a post-workout treat, or a midnight snack – there's never a wrong time for a Heavenly Hunk!
Ingredients Notes & Substitutions
- Oat Flour: If you don't have oat flour on hand, you can easily make your own by grinding rolled oats in a food processor or blender until finely ground.
- Almond Flour: Almond flour adds richness and nuttiness to the recipe. If you have a nut allergy or prefer a different flavor, you can substitute it with an equal amount of all-purpose flour or another type of nut flour.
- Rolled Oats: Opt for old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture and chewiness. Avoid using quick oats as they may result in a different consistency.
- Honey (or Agave): Acts as a natural sweetener and helps bind the ingredients together. Feel free to use honey instead of agave if you prefer. For a vegan option, stick with agave or use maple syrup.
- Cashew Butter: Adds creaminess and richness to the recipe. You can substitute it with almond butter, peanut butter, or another nut butter of your choice.
Step-by-Step Instructions
First, set aside those irresistible chocolate chips – we'll get to them later. Now, let's focus on the other goodies: oat flour, almond flour, rolled oats, honey, and cashew butter. Pour them all into a mixing bowl and give them a good stir until they come together into a nice, thick dough. It should be smooth and cohesive, holding its shape well.
Feeling adventurous? You can switch things up by using any of the substitutes mentioned earlier, depending on what tickles your taste buds. Whether it's swapping out almond flour for coconut flour or opting for maple syrup instead of honey, feel free to customize this recipe to suit your preferences.
Now comes the fun part – it's time to bring in those chocolate chips! Once your dough is perfectly mixed and ready, gently fold in the chocolate chips until they're evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
To avoid those pesky chocolate chip clusters, grab a trusty metal spoon and use it to carefully incorporate the chocolate chips into the dough. This helps ensure that they're evenly dispersed, giving each bite that delightful burst of chocolaty goodness. After all, nobody wants a cookie with all the chocolate in one spot!
Now it's time to shape our delicious creation! Grab your trusty 8x8 baking dish and firmly press the dough mixture into it. To make cleanup a breeze, consider lining the dish with either foil or parchment paper before pressing in the mixture.
This handy step prevents any sticky situations by ensuring that your bars come out easily once they're done baking. Plus, it makes for effortless cleanup – win-win!
Now, exercise a bit of patience – it'll be worth it! Allow your bars to chill out at room temperature for roughly 30 minutes. This gives the coconut oil a chance to firm up, ensuring your bars hold together nicely when you cut them.
If you're in a hurry or just can't wait any longer (we've all been there), pop the dish in the freezer for about 5 minutes instead. This quick chill will do the trick just as well.
Once sufficiently set, it's time for the exciting part – cutting your creation into delectable squares! With a sharp knife, slice through the mixture to create roughly 25 to 30 perfectly sized squares.
And there you have it – a batch of irresistible homemade treats, ready to be devoured!
Tips for Success
- Ensure Proper Mixing: When combining the ingredients in the mixing bowl, make sure to thoroughly mix them until a cohesive and thick "dough" is formed. This ensures that all the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the mixture, resulting in consistent texture and flavor in every bite.
- Line the Dish: Line the 8x8" baking dish with parchment paper or foil, leaving some overhang on the sides. This will make it easier to lift the dough out of the pan for slicing.
- Press Firmly and Flatten Evenly: After transferring the mixture to the lined baking pan, use your hands to press very firmly from edge to edge and flatten it evenly into the pan. This helps to create uniform thickness throughout the dough, resulting in evenly sized squares.
- Storage Options: Enjoy the Heavenly Hunks immediately, or for longer storage, refrigerate them in an airtight container. They can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, making them a convenient grab-and-go snack option.
FAQs
Yes, you can experiment with different types of flour based on your dietary preferences and taste preferences. For example, you can substitute almond flour with another nut flour or all-purpose flour, and oat flour can be replaced with whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
The recipe as written is gluten-free and vegan, provided you use certified gluten-free oats and vegan chocolate chips. However, if you're making substitutions, be sure to check the labels of your ingredients to ensure they meet your dietary preferences and restrictions.
Yes, you can make the recipe nut-free by omitting the almond flour and using a seed butter (such as sunflower seed butter) instead of cashew butter. Be sure to check that all ingredients are free from traces of nuts if you have severe allergies.
Recipe
Heavenly Hunks
Ingredients
- 2½ cups rolled oats
- 1 cup oat flour
- ⅔ cup almond flour
- ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup coconut oil, melted
- 2 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
- ½ cup honey (or agave)
- ½ cup cashew or almond butter
- ½ cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients except for the chocolate chips. Stir until a thick dough forms.
- Once the dough is formed, add the chocolate chips and mix until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil, ensuring that there is some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- Transfer the dough mixture into the prepared baking pan, then use hands to press it down firmly and evenly, smoothing the surface as much as possible.
- Optional: place the pan in the freezer for 5-10 minutes, or until it is set and slightly chilled.
- Lift it out of the pan using the lining overhang and transfer it to a cutting board.
- Using a sharp knife, slice the dough into approximately 25 squares, or as desired.
- Enjoy the Heavenly Hunks immediately, or store them in the refrigerator for later. They can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
You can find the video in the post above. If you don't see a video, please check your browser settings.
Sarah
dangerously good! even better than store-bought!