STEP 1
Preheat and Prepare Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line an 8-inch square baking tin with parchment paper, making sure it covers both the bottom and sides of the tin to prevent sticking.
STEP 2
Melt the Ingredients In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter together with the brown sugar and golden syrup or honey. Stir the mixture continuously until smooth and fully combined. Remove from heat once melted.
STEP 3
Mix the Dry Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, combine the instant oats and a pinch of salt. If using vanilla extract, add it now. Stir these dry ingredients together to ensure even distribution of the salt and vanilla.
STEP 4
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures Pour the melted butter mixture into the bowl with the oats. Use a wooden spoon to mix everything together until the oats are completely coated and the mixture becomes homogenous.
STEP 5
Bake the Mixture Transfer the oat mixture to the prepared baking tin. Press it down firmly into an even layer using the back of the spoon or your hands. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are slightly crisp.
STEP 6
Cool and Cut Allow the oat bars to cool in the tin for about 15 minutes before lifting them out using the edges of the parchment paper. Place on a cutting board and slice into desired shapes and sizes once they are cool enough to handle but still slightly warm for easier cutting.