This flapjack recipe makes easy flapjacks that are chewy, delicious, packed with flavor and a classic British staple.
When I first moved to the UK, people kept offering me “flapjacks” and I was very confused as flapjack is another word for pancakes in the US, and it would be something like 3 in the afternoon.
As it turns out, flapjacks in the UK are these chewy oat bars, sort of like a granola bar, but specifically made for dessert in most cases because they’re packed with brown sugar and golden syrup and all things that are not good for you (in the best way possible).
In this flapjack recipe, which are Mary Berry’s original flapjacks, you’re going to learn how to put together just 4 ingredients to make these delicacies!
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History of Flapjacks
The first use of the word flapjack dates to about the 16th century, so when you eat a pan of these, you’re basically eating history in the best way possible.
However, it may not have referred to the exact kind of oat bar that we know them as today.
That appeared in the mid 1930s, and have been a staple in any Brits diet with a nice cup of tea ever since!
Must-Have Baking Tools (seriously)
- Silicone baking mats – I use this brand and my cookies slide right off without burning!
- a cookie scoop – get this one. It makes the perfect rounded cookies every time!
- silicone spatula – try this set. It’s the best way to get the most out of your dough and batters
- rolling pin guides – I use this one. Genius way to roll your dough out evenly!
What You’ll Need
You just need four ingredients for flapjacks, with exact amounts being shown in the recipe below.
They are: rolled oats, golden syrup, butter, and light brown sugar.
Now, if you’re in the US, golden syrup might not be something you can easily find on just any grocery store shelf, but you can order it from Amazon or find it in most Whole Foods or your international section of your grocery store.
Golden syrup isn’t another word for maple syrup, but we’ll talk about that more below.
How to Make Flapjacks
The thing I love about flapjacks is that you have to try really, really hard to mess them up.
There’s no messing around with 1/2 teaspoon of this and 1/2 teaspoon of that.
All you do is put a small pot on medium low heat on the stove, while melting the butter, light brown sugar, and golden syrup together.
Continuously stir until the butter is melted.
Then, pour in the oats, stir in until fully incorporated, and pour immediately into a buttered square shaped (or other shape, it’s not going to affect the taste!) pan.
For this recipe, I used an 8 inch square pan.
Put it into the oven for about 30 minutes, or until the top has gone a golden brown (but not burnt), and pull it out and let it cool completely.
Cut up your flapjacks into squares or slices, and there you go!
Extra Tips
Some people like to cut their flapjacks when completely cooled, while I like to cut mine when it’s still slightly warm as I find it easier to cut through, but either way is fine.
To get them out of the pan, I like to basically cut all of the slices into the pan, then go in with a spatula and pry one side out.
The rest will easily follow!
What Else Can I Add?
I love plain flapjacks, but you can add in any additives you can think of.
Some people like them with raisins, or you could do chocolate ones by adding chocolate chips or just melting chocolate into the mixture.
Really, your imagination is the limit.
Can You Freeze Flapjacks?
Yes!
Put flapjacks in the freezer for the future, up to about 3 months.
Individually wrap them for best results.
Can I Substitute Maple Syrup for Golden Syrup?
If you only have a maple syrup instead of golden syrup, you can substitute it if you want if you’re going to be happy with the final flavor.
It won’t taste like the British counterpart, but it will do the same thing in the recipe.
You also use golden syrup in Cornish fairings, so you can make that recipe as well if you manage to find some.
For another British recipe to complement these, check out this easy shortbread recipe!
British Flapjack Recipe
These British flapjacks are made with just four ingredients and are a super tasty dessert that anyone can make!
Ingredients
- 4 ounces butter (125 grams)
- 1/4 cup golden syrup (90 grams)
- 1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon light brown sugar, packed (90 grams)
- 2 and 1/2 cups + 4 tablespoons of oats (250 grams)
Instructions
- Grease your pan with butter, which can be any size you want depending on the thickness you want, but in general 8 inches is a good pan size.
- Put a pot on the stove on medium low heat and slowly melt the golden syrup, butter, and brown sugar together.
- When the butter is fully melted, stir in the oats while the mixture is still on the stove.
- As soon as the oats are fully mixed in, pour the mixture into your pan and even it out with a wooden spoon if need be.
- Bake the flapjacks for about 30 minutes at 375 F (180 C) or until lightly browned on top
- Let cool, and then cut into slices.
Notes
1. You can add in whatever mix-ins you want, including chocolate cups, raisins, or anything else you can think!
2. For really pretty edges, line the baking pan with parchment paper before baking so you can lift out the entire flapjack before cutting into slices.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
12Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 96Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 65mgCarbohydrates: 7gFiber: 0gSugar: 4gProtein: 0g
