Easy Nova Scotia oatcakes, made with just a few basic ingredients you likely have in your pantry! These sweet and salty oatcakes make for a perfect snack or dessert.
Meet one of my all time favorite snack/dessert: Nova Scotia oatcakes!
I grew up in New Brunswick, a small Canadian province next to Nova Scotia. Naturally, it was easy to find Nova Scotia oatcakes wherever we went. My favorite being the ones at Second Cup in Dieppe. If you know, you know.
As we now live on the opposite side of the country and sadly can’t find oatcakes as easily, I thought I’d create my own version at home.
If you’ve never had oatcakes, I highly recommend that you try them. They’re incredibly easy and made with just a few ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen: flour, oats, brown sugar, butter, baking soda and salt. That’s it!
How to Make Nova Scotia Oatcakes:
Here are the simple steps that you need to make oatcakes at home.
- Getting Ready
Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients
Add the flour, oats, sugar, baking soda and salt to a mixing bowl. Stir together.
- Add the Wet Ingredients
Next, add the cold butter and combine it to the dry mixture, using a fork or your hands. The mixture will be crumbly. Add the water and stir it all together until you get a slightly wet dough.
- Form the Oatcakes
Sprinkle flour on a clean surface. Transfer the dough to the floured surface. Sprinkle a small amount of flour on the dough and roll out until you get a 1/2″ thick rectangle. Cut into 12 squares and transfer to the baking sheet, placed close together.
- Bake
Bake for 15 minutes at 375°F. Let them cool completely, then drizzle with melted chocolate if desired. Enjoy!
Nova Scotia Oatcakes FAQ and Ingredient Substitutions:
Yes! You can easily make this recipe vegan by using vegan butter. I tested this recipe with vegan Becel and it works perfectly.
Yes, this recipe works with different flours. I’ve tried spelt flour, all-purpose white flour and all-purpose whole wheat flour.
For a gluten-free option, you can try using Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 gluten-free flour mix. Oat flour might work as well. Make sure to use gluten-free rolled oats.
You might be able to substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar. However, keep in mind that brown sugar holds more moisture, so you might need to add an extra tablespoon of water to the recipe. The recipe could turn out a bit dry, but it’s certainly worth a try if that’s all you have at home!
This recipe will work with rolled and quick oats. Traditionally, oatcakes were made with old-fashioned rolled oats. This is what I used for my final recipe
Traditionally, oatcakes are served plain, but I love to add a drizzle of chocolate. They’re also delicious served with peanut butter! Enjoy oatcakes with a cup of tea for an afternoon snack or dessert.
I hope you’ll give these a try! And if you do, let me know what you think in the comments.
Nova Scotia Oatcake Variations:
Looking for more oat-filled desserts? Try these vegan chocolate chip oatmeal cookies or easy no-bake oat bars.
Easy Nova Scotia Oatcakes Video:
Easy Nova Scotia Oatcakes
Ingredients
- 1 cup flour (all-purpose white, whole wheat or spelt), spoon and level
- 2 cup rolled oats
- 2/3 cup butter (use vegan butter for vegan option), cold
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 cup warm water
- Chocolate for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Add the flour, oats, sugar, baking soda and salt to a medium mixing bowl. Stir together.
- Add the cold butter and combine it to the dry mixture, using a fork or your hands. You want to get a crumbly mixture.
- Add the water and stir it all together until you get a slightly wet dough.
- Sprinkle flour on a clean surface. Transfer the dough to the floured surface. Sprinkle a small amount of flour on the dough and roll out until you get a 1/2" thick rectangle. Cut into 12 squares and transfer to the baking sheet, placed close together (see pictures). Alternatively, you can do these steps directly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden and crispy with a slightly soft middle.
- Let them cool completely, then drizzle with melted chocolate if desired. Store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the freezer. They will be slightly crumbly, especially when warm.
Video
Notes
If you make these Nova Scotia oatcakes, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I love to hear from you guys. And of course, if you try this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram!
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