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British Flapjacks

These classic British flapjacks are chewy oat bars sweetened with golden syrup and brown sugar. They're customizable with your choice of seeds and dried fruits, making them perfect for snacks or lunchboxes.

Featured in Sweet treats for any occasion.

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Updated on Fri, 03 Jan 2025 01:23:41 GMT
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A tray of homemade granola bars with oats, pumpkin seeds, and dried berries, arranged neatly on parchment paper. Save it
A tray of homemade granola bars with oats, pumpkin seeds, and dried berries, arranged neatly on parchment paper. | myhomemaderecipe.com

I learned to make these British flapjacks during a rainy afternoon in London and now they're my favorite tea time treat. Made with buttery oats golden syrup and whatever goodies you fancy these chewy bars are pure comfort. My kids love finding them in their lunchboxes and friends always ask for the recipe when I bring them to gatherings.

Why These Win Hearts

These bars come together in no time but taste like they took all day. That rich buttery caramel flavor wrapped around chewy oats hits all the right notes. Perfect with your morning coffee afternoon tea or tucked in your bag for a sweet pick me up whenever you need one.

Your Shopping List

  • The Base: Quick cook rolled oats give that perfect chewy bite.
  • Sweet Magic: Golden syrup brings that classic flavor though honey works in a pinch.
  • Make It Rich: Good butter and brown sugar create that caramel goodness.
  • Extra Fun: Any seeds or dried fruit you love pumpkin seeds and cranberries are my favorites.

Let's Bake

Get Ready
Heat your oven to 350°F line your pan with parchment leaving some hanging over for easy lifting later.
Mix Your Dry Bits
Toss oats seeds dried fruit and any spices in a bowl until everything's well mixed.
Make It Sticky
Warm butter sugar and golden syrup in a pot just until melted and smooth no need to boil.
Bring It Together
Pour that warm syrup over your oats mix well press firmly into your pan then bake until golden about 25 minutes.
A stack of homemade oat bars with cranberries and pumpkin seeds, placed on a light blue plate, alongside a small bowl of dried cranberries. Save it
A stack of homemade oat bars with cranberries and pumpkin seeds, placed on a light blue plate, alongside a small bowl of dried cranberries. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Kitchen Secrets

Keep an eye on that syrup mixture you want it just melted not boiling keeps your bars chewy not hard. Really press those oats down firm nobody wants crumbly flapjacks. Let them cool completely before cutting trust me on this one makes all the difference for clean pretty squares.

Time to Share

These beauties shine at tea time coffee breaks or packed in lunch boxes. Sometimes I drizzle melted chocolate on top when I want them extra special. They're perfect for picnics bake sales or just keeping in your kitchen for when sweet cravings hit.

Save Some For Later

Pop them in an airtight container they'll stay perfect for a week if they last that long. Want to plan ahead? Wrap them up and freeze them for up to 3 months. Some folks even like them straight from the freezer gives them an extra chewy texture.

Mix It Up

Try honey instead of golden syrup brings its own lovely flavor. Switch up your add ins maybe chopped nuts dried apricots or chocolate chips. Play with the sweetness level until it's just right for you. Some days I toss in extra seeds when I want them more wholesome.

A close-up of freshly baked granola bars made with oats, nuts, and dried fruits, neatly arranged in a baking tray. Save it
A close-up of freshly baked granola bars made with oats, nuts, and dried fruits, neatly arranged in a baking tray. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Make It Yours

Add some orange zest for brightness or a pinch of nutmeg for warmth. Feeling fancy? Dark chocolate drizzle never hurt anyone. Sometimes I sprinkle sea salt on top creates this amazing sweet salty thing. Your kitchen your rules that's what makes baking fun.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What's the difference between British and American flapjacks?

British flapjacks are chewy oat bars made with golden syrup and butter. American flapjacks are actually pancakes, making them completely different desserts.

→ Can I substitute golden syrup?

While golden syrup gives the best traditional flavor, you can use honey or maple syrup. The texture and taste will be slightly different but still delicious.

→ Why are my flapjacks falling apart?

Flapjacks need proper cooling time to set properly. Make sure to let them cool completely for 1-2 hours before cutting. Also, pressing the mixture firmly into the pan helps them hold together.

→ Can I freeze these flapjacks?

Yes, these flapjacks freeze well for up to 3 months. Wrap them individually in parchment paper and store in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature when ready to eat.

→ What seeds work best in this recipe?

Pumpkin, sunflower, and sesame seeds work great in flapjacks. You can also use hemp seeds or chopped nuts for extra crunch and nutrition.

British Flapjacks

Chewy, golden British flapjacks loaded with oats, seeds, and dried fruit. These sweet treats are perfect for snacking and incredibly easy to make.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: British

Yield: 16 Servings (16 squares)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 Quick-cook rolled oats (250g).
02 Mixed seeds of choice (75g).
03 Dried fruit of choice (75g).
04 Kosher salt (1/2 teaspoon).
05 Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon).
06 Unsalted butter (113g).
07 Brown sugar (107g).
08 Golden syrup (112g).

Instructions

Step 01

Heat your oven to 350°F. Get an 8x8-inch pan ready by lining it with parchment paper on the bottom and sides. Give both pan and paper a light coating of grease.

Step 02

Take a large bowl and mix your oats, your chosen seeds, dried fruit, salt, and cinnamon together.

Step 03

Put butter, brown sugar, and golden syrup in a pot. Warm it up on low heat until butter melts, then stir until sugar dissolves and everything comes together smoothly.

Step 04

Pour your warm syrup mix over the oat mixture. Stir well making sure all dry ingredients are coated with the syrup.

Step 05

Spread mixture into your prepared pan. Press down firmly using a spatula or flat-bottomed glass to make it compact.

Step 06

Pop it in the oven for 25-30 minutes until edges turn golden brown and middle is lightly golden.

Step 07

Let cool completely for 1-2 hours. Lift out using parchment paper and cut into 9 or 16 pieces with a bread knife.

Notes

  1. Keeps fresh for up to 1 week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
  2. Can use any combination of seeds like pumpkin, sunflower, sesame, or hemp seeds.
  3. Dried fruit options include cranberries, apricots, cherries, raisins, or dates.

Tools You'll Need

  • 8x8-inch baking pan.
  • Parchment paper.
  • Saucepan.
  • Mixing bowl.
  • Serrated bread knife.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (butter).
  • May contain nuts if used as optional ingredients.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 189
  • Total Fat: 8 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 28 g
  • Protein: 3 g