Quick answer
What makes this recipe work
This recipe keeps the appeal of hopscotch dessert bars but rebuilds it for a gluten-free kitchen: clear label checks, simple supermarket ingredients, realistic timings, and a practical cost per serving.
Research signal
Rebuilt from a popular recipe idea
This is an original basilly version of the hopscotch dessert bars idea researched from Serious Eats. It uses our own gluten-free method, safety checks, cost model, and swaps.
Source researchCook mode
Prep bench
Scaled cost
£1.52
Checked
0/5
Set up safely
Clean the board, pan, and utensils before starting Butterscotch Oat Tray Bars. Check labels on gluten-free oats, butter, brown sugar, plus any sauces, stock, spice blends, and toppings.
This is the step that prevents most accidental gluten exposure.
- - Check sauces, stocks, spice mixes, sausages, cornflakes, oats, baking powder, and specialist free-from products every time because labels change.
- - Use clean boards, pans, colanders, toaster bags, and utensils if the kitchen also handles wheat.
- - Avoid shared fryers, open bakery bins, and bulk scoop ingredients for coeliac cooking.
Ingredients
- 80 g Caster sugar
- 1 tsp Gluten-free baking powder
- 320 g gluten-free oats
- 180 g butter
- 120 g brown sugar
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking tin
- Cooling rack
Method
- 1
Set up safely
3 minClean the board, pan, and utensils before starting Butterscotch Oat Tray Bars. Check labels on gluten-free oats, butter, brown sugar, plus any sauces, stock, spice blends, and toppings.
This is the step that prevents most accidental gluten exposure.
- 2
Build the base
10 minCombine gluten-free oats, butter, brown sugar, and the gluten-free dry ingredients without overworking the mix.
- 3
Bake or chill
25 minBake until set or chill until firm, depending on the style of dessert.
- 4
Finish cleanly
8 minCool before slicing, then portion with a clean knife to avoid crumbling.
Budget swaps
- Use own-brand tins, frozen vegetables, and larger gluten-free staple packs where available.
- Stretch the meal with rice, potatoes, beans, lentils, or salad rather than expensive free-from extras.
- Batch-cook the core filling and add fresh toppings only when serving.
Substitutions
- Use a certified gluten-free equivalent for any specialist bread, pasta, wrapper, stock, or sauce.
- Swap the main protein for beans, tofu, chicken, or tinned fish based on budget and dietary needs.
- Use dairy-free yogurt, cheese, or cream where needed; re-check labels on every swap.
Serve with
- Yogurt
- Berries
- Coffee
Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to three days.
- Freeze portions for up to one month, wrapped well.
- Warm gently if you prefer a softer texture.
FAQs
Is this the same as the hopscotch dessert bars recipe from Serious Eats?
No. It is an original basilly version inspired by the popular recipe idea, rewritten with different ingredients, method, gluten-free safety notes, and budget handling.
What is the main gluten risk?
The risk is the specialist substitute: pasta, bread, flour, pastry, wrappers, oats, crumb, stock, or sauce must be certified gluten-free.
Can I meal prep it?
Yes. Cool quickly, portion, label, and refrigerate or freeze using the storage notes above.
