The idea for this recipe actually came from my husband, Geoff. He had a craving for something like an oatmeal cookie but a little crunchier and a little more exotic.
When he was describing it to me he said, “You know, kind of like Baklava, but not quite as sweet and with a more oatmeal-ly texture.”
Well, that got me to thinking and searching through recipes.
Baklava is a Middle Eastern desert made with phyllo pastry filled with chopped nuts and soaked in honey.
I wasn’t able to find exactly what I was looking for, or exactly what I thought he was describing, so I created my own recipe I call Baklava Inspired Oatmeal Squares.
Here’s the result and, if I do say so myself, they came out very well.
- Combine all ingredients for oatmeal base in a large bowl
- Mix together until all ingredients are well incorporated (I like to use my hands to mix this)
- Press oatmeal base mixture into a greased 13 x 9 inch glass baking dish
- Bake at 350 deg. F for 15 minutes and remove from oven
- While base is baking, combine all topping ingredients, mixing well
- Sprinkle Topping mix evenly over still warm oatmeal base.
- In a microwave safe bowl, or measuring cup, combine all glaze ingredients, mixing well. Microwave on High for 1 minute or until bubbly.
- Drizzle Glaze evenly over Topping.
- Return to oven for another 15 – 20 minutes at 350 deg F.
- Remove from oven and drizzle the remaining honey over squares while still hot.
- Allow to cool completely and cut into squares.