British Flapjacks are a delightful, chewy oat bar that’s perfect for snacking or a quick breakfast on the go. These flapjacks are packed with mixed seeds and dried fruit, adding both flavor and texture to the bars. Easy to make and versatile, you can customize them with your favorite mix-ins. Enjoy these delicious flapjacks any time of the day.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 210 kcal per serving
- Servings: 9 to 16 servings
- Yield: 1 (8×8-inch) pan
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups (250g) quick-cook rolled oats
- 1/2 cup (75g) mixed seeds (pumpkin and sunflower seeds recommended)
- 1/2 cup (75g) dried fruit (cranberries recommended)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup (107g) brown sugar
- 1/3 cup (112g) golden syrup
Directions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line the bottom and two sides of an 8×8-inch square pan with parchment paper. Lightly grease the pan and parchment paper.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together the oats, mixed seeds, dried fruit, salt, and cinnamon.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients:
- In a medium saucepan, heat the butter, brown sugar, and golden syrup over low heat until the butter melts.
- Stir the mixture with a whisk or silicone spatula until the brown sugar dissolves and the mixture comes together, about 30 seconds.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Pour the butter mixture over the oats. Use a silicone spatula to stir everything together, ensuring all the dry ingredients are well coated with the syrup mixture.
- Spread the oat mixture in an even layer in the prepared pan. Compact the oats by pressing down the top with a spatula or the bottom of a glass.
- Bake:
- Bake the flapjacks until they turn golden brown around the edges and lightly golden in the middle, about 25 to 30 minutes.
- Cool and Slice:
- For the cleanest slices, let the flapjacks cool completely, at least 1 to 2 hours, before using the parchment paper to lift them out of the pan.
- Use a serrated bread knife to slice into 9 large or 16 small flapjacks.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee.
- Pack as a snack for work, school, or outdoor activities.
- Serve as a dessert with a dollop of whipped cream or yogurt.
Cooking Tips
- Ensure the brown sugar fully dissolves in the butter and golden syrup mixture to avoid graininess.
- Let the flapjacks cool completely before slicing to get clean, neat bars.
- Feel free to customize with your favorite nuts, seeds, or dried fruits.
Nutritional Benefits
- Oats: A great source of fiber, which helps keep you full longer.
- Mixed Seeds: Add vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats to the snack.
- Dried Fruit: Provides natural sweetness and additional nutrients like vitamins and antioxidants.
Dietary Information
- Contains gluten and dairy.
- Can be made vegan by substituting butter with a plant-based alternative.
- Nut-Free: Use nut-free seeds and dried fruits for a nut-free version.
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Total Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 70mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 26g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 12g
- Protein: 4g
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: These flapjacks can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Simple and quick to prepare, perfect for busy schedules.
- Customizable: You can add your favorite seeds, nuts, or dried fruits to suit your taste.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals for a nutritious snack.
- Versatile: Great as a snack, breakfast, or even a dessert.
Conclusion Indulge in the classic flavors of these British Flapjacks, a perfect blend of oats, seeds, and dried fruit held together by a rich, buttery syrup. They are simple to prepare and make a versatile snack that you can enjoy any time. Share them with loved ones or keep them all to yourself – either way, they are sure to be a hit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use regular rolled oats instead of quick-cook oats?
- Yes, but the texture may be slightly chewier with regular rolled oats.
- What can I substitute for golden syrup?
- You can use honey, maple syrup, or corn syrup as a substitute, though the flavor will vary slightly.
- Can I make these flapjacks gluten-free?
- Yes, use gluten-free oats and ensure other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- How do I prevent the flapjacks from becoming too hard?
- Don’t overbake them and ensure the sugar mixture is well combined with the oats.
- Can I add chocolate chips to the recipe?
- Yes, you can add chocolate chips or chunks to the mixture for a sweet twist.
- Are these flapjacks suitable for children?
- Yes, they make a great snack for kids, and you can adjust the ingredients to suit their taste.
- How do I make the flapjacks less sweet?
- Reduce the amount of brown sugar or golden syrup, or add more seeds and nuts.
- Can I use a different size pan?
- Yes, but you may need to adjust the baking time accordingly.
- What’s the best way to cut flapjacks without them crumbling?
- Let them cool completely before slicing with a serrated knife for clean cuts.
- Can I make these flapjacks ahead of time?
- Yes, they store well and can be made a few days in advance.
Enjoy making and eating these classic British Flapjacks!