Craving something sweet, nostalgic, and quick to make? Look no further than Golden Oat Caramel Bliss Balls, a delightful Aussie-inspired treat that captures the essence of our beloved Golden Oat in bite-sized caramel form—without even touching the oven. These golden nuggets are chewy, oaty, and coconuty, held together with luscious caramel sauce and golden syrup. With the comforting flavours of rolled oats, desiccated coconut, and a touch of vanilla, they’re a perfect choice for lunchbox snacks, school bake sales, or afternoon tea. Whether you’re honouring ANZAC Day or simply wanting a taste of home, these no-bake caramel balls are the ideal homemade treat.
Ingredients: (Makes 20–24 balls)
- 1 cup (90 g) rolled oats
- 1 cup (85 g) desiccated coconut
- ½ cup (125 g) caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp golden syrup (or honey)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional for coating or garnish:
- Extra desiccated coconut
- Crushed biscuits
- Melted chocolate (dark, milk, or white)
Preparation:
1: Prepare your mixing bowl Grab a large mixing bowl and add your rolled oats and desiccated coconut. Give them a quick mix with a spatula or spoon to combine.
2: Add the wet ingredients Pour in the caramel sauce, golden syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together until the mixture is thick and sticky. Make sure the caramel is distributed evenly throughout the dry mix. If your caramel sauce is quite thick, you can microwave it for 10–15 seconds to make it easier to mix.
3: Let the mixture rest Allow the mixture to sit for 5–10 minutes. This lets the oats absorb some moisture, making the final balls firmer and easier to roll.
4: Roll the mixture into balls Scoop out approximately 1 tablespoon of mixture per ball. Roll between your palms to form a smooth, even ball. If it sticks, lightly dampen your hands with water. You should end up with around 20–24 balls.
5: Coat and customise (optional) Now for the fun part! Roll your balls in extra coconut, crushed biscuits, or drizzle with melted chocolate for added flavour and texture.
6: Chill to set Place the balls on a tray lined with baking paper and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up. They’ll become perfectly chewy and hold their shape beautifully.
Cooking Note:
Even though this is a no-bake recipe, using good-quality caramel sauce makes all the difference. If using store-bought, opt for one with a buttery, thick consistency. If it’s too runny, the mixture may not hold together well. For a firmer set, chill the mixture before rolling. If you’d like to make your own caramel sauce, you can combine 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup thickened cream, and 30 g butter in a saucepan, simmering until thickened.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with Anzac Day tea or coffee for a themed tribute to Aussie tradition.
- Add to a lunchbox or picnic basket for a chewy sweet treat on the go.
- Plate them on a wooden board with fresh fruit and mini lamingtons for a delightful dessert platter.
- Package in clear treat bags and gift during holidays, events, or even Mother’s Day.
Tips:
- If mixture is too soft to roll, pop it in the fridge for 15–20 minutes before shaping.
- For an extra burst of caramel flavour, add a dollop of Dulce de leche in the centre before rolling into balls.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 2 months.
- If coating in chocolate, ensure the balls are chilled first for better setting.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Chilling Time:
1 hour
Total Time:
1 hour 15 minutes
Nutritional Information (per ball):
- Calories: ~120 kcal
- Protein: ~1.4 g
- Sodium: ~40 mg
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredients used.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Yes! Just make sure to use certified gluten-free oats and check that your caramel sauce and golden syrup are also gluten-free.
Q: Do I need to use caramel sauce?
A: Caramel sauce is the key ingredient that binds and sweetens these balls. If you don’t have it, a thick dulce de leche or even thickened sweetened condensed milk can be used in a pinch.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! These balls are perfect for meal prep, parties, or gifting. Just store them in the fridge or freezer in advance.
Q: Are these suitable for kids?
A: 100%! They’re soft, chewy, and not overly sweet—great for lunchboxes or treats after school.
Conclusion
Golden Oat Caramel Bliss Balls are the ultimate combination of tradition and convenience. With the warm, comforting flavours of biscuits and the creamy indulgence of caramel, these little bites are bound to become a household favourite. Whether you’re short on time or simply want a nostalgic, chewy treat, this recipe checks all the boxes—easy, quick, customisable, and undeniably delicious.