This easy recipe for Classic British Flapjacks makes a simple treat that can be made by anyone from amateur bakers to seasoned professionals.
An Easy Flapjack Recipe You’ll Make Again and Again
When I moved to England, this was a treat I loved from the start. I mean what’s not to love? Oats coated in sweet buttery syrup – Amazing! These crisp, chewy bars are a sweet treat the whole family will devour!
Being so easy, this is a great recipe to get the kids in the kitchen. All you do is melt butter, brown sugar, and golden syrup in a pan, add the oats and coat before baking – once you see how simple they are to throw together, you’ll be making them on a regular basis!
Why This Recipe Works
- The addition of brown sugar adds an extra depth of flavor you won’t get with the syrup alone.
- Using salted butter adds more flavor than with recipes made with unsalted butter.
- The simple recipe makes it a dessert anyone can make regardless of baking skill level.
What Is A Flapjack
A flapjack is an oat bar popular in the UK. They’re typically made with butter, old-fashioned oats, and Golden Syrup. Although they’re often made at home, they are commonly found in bakeries, ready-made in grocery stores and shops.
Should Flapjacks Be Crisp or Chewy
This is a timeless debate. Some think crispy and just as many will say chewy. In my opinion, it should be somewhere in between. If you like a crisper flapjack, use a shallower baking pan and bake at a higher temperature.
What Syrup For Flapjacks
This recipe calls for either Golden Syrup or Maple Syrup. If in the US, I recommend pure maple syrup as opposed to pancake syrup as pancake maple syrup may be too sweet. You are looking for a buttery, sticky, sweet treat, not something sickly.
How to Make Classic British Flapjacks
Start with melting butter in a pan.
Add the syrup, brown sugar and melt together until fluid.
Add the oats.
Coat well with the syrup mixture.
Spread evenly into an 8-inch square pan.
Bake until golden.
Allow to cool before slicing into bars.
Serve and enjoy!
Tips For Perfect Flapjacks
- Use old fashioned rolled oats. Instant oats won’t work in this recipe.
- If in the US, use pure maple syrup as opposed to pancake syrup as pancake maple syrup may be too sweet.
- When melting the butter and sugar together cook over low heat. Higher heat can end up hard and taffy-like.
- When baking, watch closely and remove from the oven when the edges are golden. Overcooking may result in a hard, crunchy flapjack.
- For a crisper flapjack, use a shallower baking pan and bake at a higher temperature.
Flapjack FAQs
How long will flapjacks last? Stored in an airtight container, flapjacks will last up to 5 days.
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Classic British Flapjacks
Whip up a batch of these buttery, chewy, sweet treats in no time flat! They're perfect for bake sales and after-school snacks.
Ingredients
- 10 tablespoons salted butter
- ⅔ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup golden syrup or pure maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- 2 cups Old fashioned/rolled oats
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 375F
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Grease an 8-inch square baking pan.
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Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, syrup, vanilla and cook until the sugar is dissolved and fluid (being careful not to boil).
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Add the oats and mix until well coated.
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Spread evenly into the prepared pan and bake 15-20 minutes or until golden.
Recipe Notes
- Use old fashioned rolled oats. Instant oats won't work in this recipe.
- If in the US, use pure maple syrup as opposed to pancake syrup as pancake maple syrup may be too sweet.
- When melting the butter and sugar together cook over low heat. Higher heat can end up hard and taffy-like.
- When baking, watch closely and remove from the oven when the edges are golden. Overcooking may result in a hard, crunchy flapjack.
- For a crisper flapjack, use a shallower baking pan and bake at a higher temperature.
Krista says
04/22/2019 at 4:32 PMWhat a great recipe! I cannot wait to try it!
Taylor says
04/21/2019 at 7:55 PMI’ve never tried these before…they look delicious! Must try soon!
Beth Pierce says
04/20/2019 at 6:04 PMThese sound deliciously sweet and crunchy! Looking forward to enjoying these!
Erren's Kitchen says
04/21/2019 at 12:22 PMThank you, Beth!
Sara Welch says
04/20/2019 at 5:16 PMI’ve never given flapjacks a try, but you make these look so easy and delicious; I am going to give these a shot over spring break!
Erren's Kitchen says
04/21/2019 at 12:22 PMYou won’t regret it, Sara!
Katerina @ diethood .com says
04/20/2019 at 2:07 PMI have never had one of these, but they sound amazing!! I will definitely be trying this!
Erren's Kitchen says
04/21/2019 at 12:23 PMKaterina, you will love them!
Shannon Graham says
04/19/2019 at 4:57 PMI had always thought flapjacks were pancakes! These look so good and I love that I learned something new from it too!
Erren's Kitchen says
04/21/2019 at 12:24 PMI know it is strange how so many words can be so many different things!
Terri says
04/15/2019 at 7:10 PMI can’t believe I’ve never heard of these ! I’ve made many of your recipes and have never been disappointed. I’ll be making these very soon – excellent timing for Maple Syrup season. Thanks.
Erren's Kitchen says
04/16/2019 at 7:16 PMYour feedback has made my day, Terri!
Jan Counts says
04/15/2019 at 3:42 PMWhat kind of syrup u say golden
Erren Hart says
04/17/2019 at 6:58 PMHi Jan, if you look in the post there is an explanation for what golden syrup is.