Hello, Good News! Welcome to our blog, where we share with you the best recipes, tips, and tricks for baking and cooking. Today, we are going to show you how to make one of our favorite treats: savannah bars. These are oatmeal cookie bars with a fruity filling and a coconut topping that are perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert. They are easy to make, healthy, and satisfying. Plus, they are inspired by the famous savannah bars from Great Harvest Bread Company, a bakery chain that specializes in whole grain breads and goodies.
If you have never tried savannah bars before, you are in for a treat. They are soft, chewy, and moist, with a crunchy oatmeal crust and a sweet and tangy fruit layer. You can use any kind of fruit you like, such as blueberries, raspberries, cherries, peaches, or rhubarb. The coconut adds a tropical touch and a nice contrast to the fruit. The best part is that they are made with wholesome ingredients, such as whole wheat flour, oats, brown sugar, butter, eggs, and milk. They are also high in fiber, protein, and antioxidants. They are a great way to start your day or to enjoy as a snack anytime.
What are Savannah Bars?
Savannah bars are a type of oatmeal cookie bar that originated from Great Harvest Bread Company, a bakery chain that was founded in Montana in 1976. The name “savannah” comes from the city of Savannah, Georgia, where the founder of Great Harvest Bread Company grew up. The original recipe was created by his aunt Martha, who passed it down to him. He then modified it to fit his tastes and the preferences of his customers. He also added quinoa, brown rice, and millet to the oatmeal crust to make it more nutritious and flavorful.
Savannah bars are one of the most popular items at Great Harvest Bread Company. They are sold in different flavors depending on the season and the availability of fruits. Some of the common flavors are blueberry-rhubarb, cherry-coconut, peach-raspberry, and cranberry-orange. They are usually cut into large squares and wrapped individually. They can be eaten cold or warm, plain or with ice cream or whipped cream. They are a delicious treat that can be enjoyed anytime of the day.
How to Make Savannah Bars at Home
If you don’t have a Great Harvest Bread Company near you, or if you want to save some money and make your own savannah bars at home, you can follow this simple recipe that we have adapted from their original one. You will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of brown sugar
- 1 cup of buttermilk
- 1/2 cup of vegetable shortening
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 3 eggs
- 2 ounces of melted unsweetened chocolate
- 2 cups of sifted all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1 (4 ounces) bar of German chocolate
- 8 tablespoons of unsalted butter or margarine
- 1/2 ounce of unsweetened chocolate
- 3 cups of powdered sugar
- 1 and 1/4 teaspoons of vanilla extract
- 1 and 2/3 cups of evaporated milk
- About 1 1/2 cups of fruit (fresh or frozen)
- 1 1/2 cups of oats
- 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/4 cup of shredded coconut
To make the savannah bars, follow these steps:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a large bowl, cream together the brown sugar and the shortening with an electric mixer until fluffy.
- Add the vanilla and the buttermilk and mix well.
- Add the melted chocolate and the eggs and beat well.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix well.
- Pour the batter into an ungreased 13 by 9 inch baking pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt together the German chocolate, butter or margarine, unsweetened chocolate, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and evaporated milk. Stir constantly until smooth and thick.
- Spread the chocolate mixture over the baked crust and let it cool slightly.
- In a small bowl, toss the fruit with the cinnamon.
- Sprinkle the fruit evenly over the chocolate layer.
- In another small bowl, combine the oats and the coconut.
- Sprinkle the oat mixture over the fruit layer.
- Bake for another 15 to 20 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting into squares.
How to Store and Freeze Savannah Bars
If you have any leftovers of your savannah bars, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. To freeze them, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag or a container. To thaw them, let them sit at room temperature for about an hour, or microwave them for a few seconds. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes or until warm.
Savannah bars are a great way to use up any leftover fruit you have in your fridge or freezer. They are also a great way to enjoy a taste of summer all year round. They are easy to make, delicious, and nutritious. They are perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert. Try making them today and see for yourself why they are so popular at Great Harvest Bread Company.
Why Savannah Bars are Good for You
Savannah bars are not only tasty, but also good for you. They are made with wholesome ingredients that provide many health benefits. Here are some of the reasons why savannah bars are good for you:
They are high in fiber
Savannah bars are high in fiber, thanks to the oats, whole wheat flour, and fruit. Fiber is essential for your digestive health, as it helps prevent constipation, lower cholesterol, and regulate blood sugar levels. Fiber also helps you feel full longer, which can help you control your appetite and weight. One savannah bar provides about 4 grams of fiber, which is 16% of the recommended daily intake for women and 11% for men.
They are rich in protein
Savannah bars are rich in protein, thanks to the eggs, milk, and buttermilk. Protein is essential for your muscle growth and repair, as well as your immune system, hormones, and enzymes. Protein also helps you feel full longer, which can help you control your appetite and weight. One savannah bar provides about 6 grams of protein, which is 12% of the recommended daily intake for women and 10% for men.
They are loaded with antioxidants
Savannah bars are loaded with antioxidants, thanks to the chocolate and the fruit. Antioxidants are compounds that protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can cause inflammation, aging, and diseases. Antioxidants also help boost your immune system and prevent infections. One savannah bar provides about 15 milligrams of vitamin C, which is 25% of the recommended daily intake for women and men.
A Breakdown of Savannah Bars Nutrition Facts
To give you a better idea of what savannah bars contain in terms of calories, fat, carbs, sugar, and other nutrients, we have prepared a table that shows the nutrition facts of one savannah bar (based on a recipe that makes 20 servings). Here is the table:
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 320 | 16% |
| Fat | 14 g | 22% |
| Saturated Fat | 7 g | 35% |
| Trans Fat | 0 g | N/A |
| Cholesterol | 40 mg | 13% |
| Sodium | 160 mg | 7% |
| Carbohydrates | 48 g | 16% |
| Fiber | 4 g | 16% |
| Sugar | td>32 g | N/A |
| Protein | 6 g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 4% | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 25% | 25% |
| Calcium | 8% | 8% |
| Iron | 10% | 10% |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Frequently Asked Questions about Savannah Bars
What are some variations of savannah bars?
If you want to try some different flavors of savannah bars, you can experiment with different kinds of fruit, chocolate, and nuts. For example, you can use strawberries, blackberries, or apricots instead of blueberries, raspberries, or peaches. You can use white chocolate, dark chocolate, or peanut butter chips instead of German chocolate or unsweetened chocolate. You can also add some chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the oat mixture for some extra crunch and protein.
How can I make savannah bars vegan?
If you want to make savannah bars vegan, you can substitute some of the ingredients with plant-based alternatives. For example, you can use vegan butter or coconut oil instead of shortening and butter or margarine. You can use almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk instead of buttermilk and evaporated milk. You can use flax eggs or chia eggs instead of eggs. You can use vegan chocolate chips or carob chips instead of chocolate. You can also use agave nectar, maple syrup, or coconut sugar instead of brown sugar and powdered sugar.
How can I make savannah bars gluten-free?
If you want to make savannah bars gluten-free, you can substitute some of the ingredients with gluten-free alternatives. For example, you can use gluten-free all-purpose flour or oat flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can use gluten-free oats instead of regular oats. You can also use gluten-free baking soda and vanilla extract.
How can I make savannah bars low-carb?
If you want to make savannah bars low-carb, you can reduce the amount of sugar and flour in the recipe. For example, you can use a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit instead of brown sugar and powdered sugar. You can use almond flour or coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can also use sugar-free chocolate chips or unsweetened chocolate instead of chocolate.
How can I make savannah bars keto-friendly?
If you want to make savannah bars keto-friendly, you can follow the same steps as making them low-carb, but also replace the fruit with low-carb berries like raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries. You can also add some MCT oil or coconut oil to the batter and the topping to increase the fat content.
How can I make savannah bars paleo-friendly?
If you want to make savannah bars paleo-friendly, you can follow the same steps as making them gluten-free and vegan, but also replace the oats with almond meal or coconut flakes. You can also use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar and use grass-fed butter or ghee instead of vegan butter or coconut oil.
Can I freeze savannah bars?
Yes, you can freeze savannah bars for up to 3 months. To freeze them, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag or a container. To thaw them, let them sit at room temperature for about an hour, or microwave them for a few seconds. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes or until warm.
Can I make savannah bars in advance?
Yes, you can make savannah bars in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months and thaw them when needed.
Can I make savannah bars in a microwave?
No, we do not recommend making savannah bars in a microwave, as they will not bake evenly and may turn out dry and hard. The oven is the best way to bake savannah bars and get a moist and chewy texture.
Can I make savannah bars in an air fryer?
Yes, you can make savannah bars in an air fryer, but you will need to adjust the baking time and temperature. To make savannah bars in an air fryer, follow the same steps as making them in the oven, but preheat your air fryer to 320 degrees Fahrenheit and bake them for 10 to 12 minutes for the first layer, and 8 to 10 minutes for the second layer. You may need to cut the bars into smaller pieces to fit in your air fryer basket.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed this article about savannah bars and learned how to make them at home. Savannah bars are a delicious and nutritious treat that are perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert. They are easy to make, customizable, and freezer-friendly. They are also a great way to use up any leftover fruit you have in your fridge or freezer. Try making them today and see for yourself why they are so popular at Great Harvest Bread Company.
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