Nova Scotia Gluten-Free Oatcakes Recipe

Nova Scotia Gluten-Free Oatcakes are the perfect snack to enjoy with a hot cup of tea, and you know how much I love tea! What you might not know is that I grew up in Nova Scotia. Oatcakes were introduced to Nova Scotia by Scottish settlers in the 1700s. I was first introduced to them because a bakery close to my dance classes sold them on weekends. I remember running down to the bakery between dance classes to enjoy a chocolate-dipped oatcake just like the one I’m sharing today. You can leave off the chocolate but I think everything is better drizzled in chocolate.

Nova Scotia Gluten-Free Oatcakes by Jesse Lane Lee

Now disclaimer, this isn’t my “healthiest” recipe but it is so very dear to my heart. To get the healthiest version of these possible, I wanted to keep them gluten-free and full of fibre (and full of butter…). Step into my childhood and scroll for the complete recipe for these Nova Scotia Gluten-Free Oatcakes, as well as some fun health facts about oats!

Nova Scotia Gluten-Free Oatcakes Recipe by Jesse Lane Wellness

Nova Scotia Gluten-Free Oatcakes Recipe

Gluten-free | Nut-free

Prep time:  30 min | Cook time: 15-20 min | Chill time: 15 min | Serving size: 16

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup ground white chia seeds
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup oat flour
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 cup room temperature butter
  • Room temperature water as required
  • 2 cups bittersweet chocolate chips

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 and line an 8×8 square pan with parchment paper.
  2. Make a big chia egg by mixing 1/4 cup ground chia seeds with 1/2 cup water. Set aside to gel.
  3. In a large bowl combine the oats, flour, sugar, baking soda and salt.
  4. Cut in the butter and the chia egg using two knives or a pastry blender. Continue until the mixture is crumbly, similar to making pie crust. If the mixture is still dry slowly add cold water. You can also do this in a food processor with a metal blade.
  5. Press the mixture into the pan with your fingers, or the back of a spoon or use a pastry roller so it is evenly distributed.
  6. Bake for 15-20 minutes until it is golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
  7. Once the oatcakes have cooled, remove them from the pan and slice them into 16 squares.
  8. These gluten-free oatcakes can be enjoyed as is or you can add some chocolaty goodness to sweeten them up. Pour the chocolate chips into a double broiler and melt them on low heat until they are shiny. Drizzle the chocolate over the oatcakes.
  9. Place the gluten-free oatcakes on a wax paper-lined baking sheet and place in the freezer to set for 15 minutes. 

Health Benefits of Oats

Oats are an inexpensive, yet powerful grain that promotes good heart health and overall well-being. Oats are the primary star of this nostalgic recipe, so what better ingredient to shine a spotlight on! Here are some of the key benefits of regularly incorporating oats into your diet:

  • Oats are an excellent source of fibre that helps to remove excess cholesterol from the body, which prevents it from entering the bloodstream and clogging arteries.
  • Furthermore, oats contain a special type of fibre called β-glucan that has been shown in studies to lower cholesterol levels even further.
  • Oats contain unique compounds called progladins that help to reduce inflammation, lower blood sugar levels, and improve overall skin health.
  • Oats are also rich in selenium, a mineral which has been shown to decrease asthma symptoms, support the thyroid gland, and play a role in DNA repair.
  • Additionally, oats are high in calcium and manganese, which support the building and repairing of healthy bones and connective tissue.

Although oats are naturally gluten-free, they may become contaminated with gluten during processing as they are often manufactured in facilities that also process wheat and other grains. For individuals with celiac disease or those following a gluten-free diet, it’s crucial to use certified gluten-free oats when making these Nova Scotia Gluten-Free Oatcakes.

Certified gluten-free oats are available at select grocery stores and most health food stores. By using certified gluten-free oats, you can enjoy the health benefits of oats without risking exposure to gluten, ensuring that your Nova Scotia Gluten-Free Oatcakes are safe and suitable for your gluten-free diet.

Nova Scotia Gluten-Free Oatcakes by Jesse Lane Wellness

Teach Your Team How To Perfect The Art of Healthy Picnicking This Summer

With warmer weather finally at our doors, many of us are looking forward to getting outside for some much-needed summer fun! One of my favourite relaxing ways to enjoy the outdoors is to take advantage of picnic season. However, finding nutritious and delicious outdoor meals can be a challenge. 

These Nova Scotia Gluten-Free Oatcakes are the perfect portable dessert to add to any picnic feast. But we can’t just stop at dessert, we need a meal!

Fortunately, my Healthy Picnic Corporate Cooking Class has you covered! Together, we’ll make the perfect healthy picnic dishes, my Smashed Chickpea Avocado Wraps and Refreshing Quinoa Tabouli!

The Smashed Chickpea Avocado Wraps offer a fresh take on the classic sandwich, with a filling made from protein-rich chickpeas and flavorful avocado. Meanwhile, the Refreshing Quinoa Tabouli is a light and tasty salad packed with fibre, protein, and essential nutrients. Together, these dishes provide a satisfying and nourishing picnic meal.

By incorporating homemade, healthy dishes into your picnic plans, you can enjoy the outdoors without compromising your commitment to wellness. Whether you’re lounging in the park, soaking up the sun at the beach, or hosting a backyard gathering, these dishes are sure to please your taste buds and leave you feeling refreshed and energized.

If your team is interested in making the most of picnic season this year, email me at info@jesselanewellness.com for more details on how you can set them up for a summer of delicious fun!

Nova Scotia Gluten-Free Oatcakes Recipe by Jesse Lane Lee

Exciting Oat-Filled Recipe Roundup

In this recipe roundup, I’m going to share some of my all-time favourite oat recipes that will knock the socks off of any plain-Jane oatmeal! Try these recipes as a quick snack or to replace that basic breakfast oatmeal. You’ll never look at oats the same after you’ve tried some of these!

Balsamic Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp Gluten-Free Recipe by Jesse Lane Lee

Balsamic Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp

Strawberry season is upon us and what better way to use those oats than in a delicious summery crisp! This classic pairing of sweet strawberries and tangy rhubarb is a match made in heaven, and in my Balsamic Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp, I’ve taken this pairing to the next level. While traditional crisp recipes use lemon to add a punch of sourness, I like to experiment with different ingredients to create something truly special. In this recipe, I’ve swapped out the lemon for balsamic vinegar, which adds a unique depth of flavour to this mouthwatering dish!

Energizing Granola Parfait Recipe with Blackberries by Jesse Lane Wellness 

Energizing Granola Parfait

This protein-packed breakfast stars my basic homemade granola recipe! This Energizing Granola Parfait is a quick and filling weekday treat or speedy breakfast on the go. To give it an extra punch, I stir my favourite protein powder into the Greek yogurt. I love to layer these parfaits in mason jars with seasonal fruits and my crunchy granola. They make the perfect fresh and satisfying grab-and-go breakfast option. 

Chocolate Lover’s Granola

Speaking of granola! Satisfy your chocolate cravings guilt-free with my Chocolate Lover’s Granola, a healthy morning indulgence. I sweetened this granola with a small amount of maple syrup and loaded it with fibre and protein from almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and chia seeds. With raw cacao powder, raw cacao nibs, and goji berries, it’s packed with antioxidants. It’s also naturally vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free. Enjoy this granola with nut milk or sprinkle it over a smoothie bowl or fresh fruit salad for a delicious and nutritious breakfast or snack.

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