Classic British Flapjacks (2024)

Author:Erren Hart

This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy.

This easy recipe for Classic British Flapjacks makes a simple treat that can be made by anyone from amateur bakers to seasoned professionals.

Why This Recipe Works

  • Brown sugar adds richness and caramel undertones.
  • Vanilla adds warmth and depth of flavor.
  • Salted butter seasons the recipe and balances the sweetness.

What Is A Flapjack?

A flapjack is an oat bar popular in the UK. They’re typically made with butter, oats, and Golden Syrup (paid link). Although they’re often made at home, they are commonly found in British bakeries or ready-made in grocery stores and shops. They are sold plain or with additions such as peanut butter (like in my Peanut Butter Flapjacks) chocolate chips, raisins, or dried apricots (as pictured below).

Classic British Flapjacks (2)

Chewy vs. Crunchy

This is a timeless debate in Britain. Some think crispy and just as many will say chewy. It really comes down to personal preference and it can be easily adapted. You can make them thick and chewy by using a smaller pan, or if you prefer them crunchy, spread them thinner. In my opinion, it should be somewhere in between. I typically use an 8×8 inch (20 cm) pan.If you like a crispier flapjack, use a larger baking pan and bake them at a higher temperature.

Ingredient Notes

Classic British Flapjacks (3)

Oats: For this recipe, I used quick cook oats in the US, and in the UK both jumbo porridge oats and rolled oats work well. These products are very different, so if you live in the UK, please use the metric recipe which is measurements for UK ingredients, not a conversion.

Syrup: This recipe calls for Golden Syrup, which is commonly used in British baking (it can be found in the baking section of American grocery stores). If you can’t find it and you’re in the US, I recommend using dark corn syrup, maple syrup, or honey.

How to Make Classic British Flapjacks

Start with melting butter in a pan with syrup, brown sugar, mixing over medium-low heat until well combined and fluid. You want to mix well so that no separation of the butter is visible.

Classic British Flapjacks (4)

Add the oats to the pan with the syrup mixture. I’ve seen a lot of recipes add it to a bowl with the oats, and I’ve never understood why you’d want to dirty another bowl when you can do it all in one pot.

Classic British Flapjacks (5)

Coat the oats well with the syrup mixture. This would be a great time to add some chocolate chips or dried fruit if you like to customize your flapjacks.

Classic British Flapjacks (6)

Add the mixture into your prepared pan.

Spread the into the pan evenly with the back of a spoon or rubber spatula, making sure it’s nice and flat. Bake until set. If you don’t like a crisp edge, try using a damp cake wrap (paid link). This will cool down the sides and stop the edges from browning too quickly.

Baking time can be anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes, for a softer, chewier flapjack, bake until they are starting to firm (around 20 minutes). If you prefer them crisper, cook them longer, but keep in mind your flapjacks will firm up and crisp more as they cool.

Allow cooling for ten minutes before slicing into bars.

Classic British Flapjacks (8)

Serve and enjoy!

Classic British Flapjacks (9)

Erren’s Top Tips

  • I recommend using quick cook oats, but if old-fashioned is all you have,cut the measurement down to 2 cups and increase the golden syrup to 6 tablespoons.
  • Lining your pan with baking paperwill make removing the flapjacks from the pan easier.
  • Can’t find golden syrup?Use dark corn syrup in its place.
  • When melting the butter and sugar together, cook over low heat. Higher heat can end up hard and taffy-like.
  • To avoid a greasy flapjack, mix the butter and sugar mixture well until you see no sign of melted butter.
  • 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.
  • For a more cake-like, fluffy flapjack, skip the stovetop and instead add all the ingredients to a food processor, blitz it all together, and spread the mixture into the pan. Then bake as directed.
  • Try using a damp cake wrap if you don’t like a crisp edge(paid link). It will cool down the sides and stop the edges from browning too quickly.

Make ahead and Freezing Instructions

  • Flapjacks can be made aheadstored covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • To Freeze:Just cut, then freeze on a baking tray for individual bars. Then transfer to an airtight freezer-safe container and freezer for up to three months. Thaw overnight before serving.

Did you make this?

Click here to leave a star rating!

Stay Updated

Receive new recipes & dinner ideas straight to your inbox!

Classic British Flapjacks (10)

Let’s Make Classic British Flapjacks

Made with oats, butter, brown sugar, and golden syrup, these buttery, sweet treats can be whipped up in no time! They’re perfect for bake sales and after-school snacks.

4.96 from 47 votes

Prep10 minutes minutes

Cook20 minutes minutes

Total40 minutes minutes

Resting Time: 10 minutes minutes

Serves: 12 bars

Print

Rate

Ingredients

  • ½ cup salted butter (1 stick) cubed
  • ½ cup brown sugar packed
  • 5 tablespoons golden syrup or dark corn syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2⅓ cups quick-cooking oats See notes for using old fashion oats

US CustomaryMetric

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 325°F/163°C (with the fan or convection setting turned off)

  • Grease and line an 8-inch square baking pan.

  • Melt the butter in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the brown sugar, syrup, vanilla and cook until the sugar is dissolved and fluid. Remove from heat and whisk until there is no visible melted butter and the mixture resembles melted caramel.

  • Add the oats and mix until well coated.

  • Spread into the prepared pan and press evenly with the back of a spoon or spatula.

  • Bake until they start to firm. This will take 20–30 minutes, use the shorter cooking time for more chewy flapjacks and longer if you prefer them crisper. The flapjacks will firm and crisp more as they cool.

  • Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Tips + Notes

PLEASE NOTE: The Metric measurements are not a true conversion. These are the measurements needed to make this recipe work with British oats (I developed the recipe using jumbo porridge oats). You can find these measurements by clicking the metric button above the ingredients list).

The number of servings will vary depending on what size you cut the flapjacks into.

  • In the US, I recommend using quick cook oats, but if old fashion is all you have, cut the measurement down to 2 cups, and increase the golden syrup to 6 tablespoons.
  • Lining your pan with baking paperwill make it easier to remove the flapjacks from the pan.
  • Can’t find golden syrup?Use dark corn syrup in its place.
  • When melting the butter and sugar together, cook over low heat. Higher heat can end up hard and taffy-like.
  • To avoid a greasy flapjack, mix the butter and sugar mixture well until you see no sign of melted butter.
  • 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.
  • For a more cake-like, fluffy flapjack, skip the stovetop and instead, add all the ingredients to a food processor, blitz it all together, and spread the mixture into the pan. Then bake as directed.
  • If you don’t like a crisp edge, try using a dampcake wrap(paid link). This will cool down the sides and stop the edges from browning too quickly.

Update: When I first published this recipe, I had some users that thought they were too crisp, so I updated the recipe with instructions on how to make them to your liking instead of my preference.

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 204 (10%)| Carbohydrates: 26g (9%)| Protein: 1g (2%)| Fat: 10g (15%)| Saturated Fat: 6g (38%)| Cholesterol: 25mg (8%)| Sodium: 87mg (4%)| Potassium: 65mg (2%)| Fiber: 1g (4%)| Sugar: 17g (19%)| Vitamin A: 290IU (6%)| Calcium: 20mg (2%)| Iron: 0.7mg (4%)

Nutritional Data Disclaimer

Author:Erren Hart

Course:Dessert

Cuisine:British

Keyword:chewy flapjacks, easy flapjacks, flapjacks

Classic British Flapjacks (11)

Follow Me on SocialMention @ErrensKitchen or tag #ErrensKitchen on Instagram

This recipe was originally posted in Oct of 2019 but was republished in 2022 with new instructions, tips, and step-by-step instructions.

Mustard Chicken

Italian Sausage Meatballs

Reader Interactions

Leave a Review

  1. Rebekah F. says

    I remember eating a fabulous (semi-cakey) flapjack in Kensington Gardens during my travels to England and haven’t found a recipe that captures it quite the same. This recipe has been the best one so far!
    I mixed everything in the food processor like the notes said and loved the simplicity and texture that resulted. I think I may reduce the brown sugar next time just for my personal preference. I loved eating this flapjack with some fresh fruit and tea; this will also be a nice afternoon pick-me-up.
    Thank you Erren!

    Reply

    • Erren Hart says

      Thank you for trying the recipe; I’m glad it was a success! Having a recipe that brings back memories of travels and experiences is always great. Adjusting the sugar to your personal preference is a great idea, and I’m happy to hear that it went well with fresh fruit and tea. I hope you enjoy making it again in the future!

      Reply

Older Comments

Classic British Flapjacks (2024)

FAQs

What is a flapjack in the UK? ›

British flapjacks (also called cereal bars, oat bars, or oat slices) are golden oat-packed, hand-held triangles, often enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack. They're commonly regarded as the chewy-crunchy ancestor of granola bars.

What is the difference between British flapjacks and American flapjacks? ›

In the US, a flapjack is a less common way of saying "pancake"; in the UK, it's a chewy, sweet granola bar.

What is the English equivalent of flapjack? ›

In the United States and Canada, "flapjack" is a widely-known but lesser-used term for pancake.

Are British flapjacks healthy? ›

Flapjacks – which is what the Brits call oat bars – are one of the easiest things to make, they are very portable and full of fibre rich and satiating oats. They are often hailed as healthy, which in reality they are not.

What do British call pancakes? ›

In the UK, the word pancakes refers to the same thing, but the word flapjacks refers to something entirely different: a baked good made from oats, resembling what elsewhere may be called a granola bar or oat bar. The word flapjack is traced back to the late 1500s.

What is British golden syrup? ›

Golden syrup or light treacle is a thick, amber-coloured form of inverted sugar syrup made by the process of refining sugar cane or sugar beet juice into sugar. It is used in a variety of baking recipes and desserts.

What do British people call granola bars? ›

Originating from the United Kingdom, Flapjacks are well known as a delicious baked bar prepared with oats, butter and sugar or syrup. The term 'flapjack' was first used in the early 1600's in England.

What's the difference between a crumpet and a flapjack? ›

First and foremost, a traditional English crumpet is nothing like a flapjack. Imagine something the size of an English muffin with a bubbly outside and a chewy inside – now that's a crumpet. Crumpet batter is generally like thick pancake batter, but contains some raising agents too.

What are European pancakes called? ›

Palatschinke (or palaccinka, plural palatschinken) is a thin crêpe-like variety of pancake of Greco-Roman origin. The dessert is common in the Balkans, Central and Eastern Europe.

What is a flapjack in the US? ›

In North America, Flapjacks and Pancakes Mean the Same Thing

While the latter feels somehow less formal (probably because "pancake" functions more descriptively), there's nothing to really distinguish them.

Is golden syrup the same as corn syrup? ›

"The main difference between corn syrup and golden syrup is in the manufacturing," explains Zeratsky; corn syrup is made from corn starch, while golden syrup is made from sugar. In the U.S., golden syrup is usually sold under the name of light treacle, but it's not readily available in many grocery stores.

What's in a Dutch Bros flapjack? ›

The Flapjack Mocha gives all the “brekkie vibes” with a mix of salted caramel, white chocolate and vanilla. Also tastes delicious when made with white coffee!

What is a good substitute for golden syrup in flapjacks? ›

Golden syrup – This gives the lovely sticky texture. You can replace it with honey if you prefer but it can be more unpredictable as honey is a natural product where the consistency varies. The flavour can also be quite strong. Brown sugar – Soft light brown sugar gives a good flavour but caster sugar will work too.

Can diabetics eat flapjack? ›

Some people assume that products like flapjacks, cereal bars and wholemeal muffins are much healthier than they actually are. These products still contain high levels of sugar and fat – so check the labels before you buy.

Why do flapjacks fall apart? ›

Why do my homemade flapjacks fall apart? This can happen if you overcook or undercook your flapjacks. When you overcook a flapjack, the golden syrup dries out and it becomes crumbly. An undercooked flapjack will have a raw doughy texture that doesn't hold its shape.

What is flapjack slang for? ›

a pancake or griddlecake.

Is a flapjack a cake or a biscuit? ›

Flapjacks are thick biscuits made from oats, butter, and syrup. Flapjacks are thin, flat, circular pieces of cooked batter made of milk, flour, and eggs. Flapjacks are usually rolled up or folded and eaten hot with a sweet or savoury filling.

Is A flapjack A Bird? ›

Flapjack was a bird-shaped palisman, similar to a northern cardinal, with a scar where his left eye would be. He has red feathers with dark red wingtips, a dark red beak, dark brown feet, and a black face.

References

Top Articles
Blabbed To The Authorities Crossword Clue
Uplift Cannabis Dispensary in Mt Orab, OH
Jail Inquiry | Polk County Sheriff's Office
Skyward Houston County
Free Atm For Emerald Card Near Me
2024 Fantasy Baseball: Week 10 trade values chart and rest-of-season rankings for H2H and Rotisserie leagues
50 Meowbahh Fun Facts: Net Worth, Age, Birthday, Face Reveal, YouTube Earnings, Girlfriend, Doxxed, Discord, Fanart, TikTok, Instagram, Etc
San Diego Terminal 2 Parking Promo Code
270 West Michigan residents receive expert driver’s license restoration advice at last major Road to Restoration Clinic of the year
Inside California's brutal underground market for puppies: Neglected dogs, deceived owners, big profits
Dusk
Nj Scratch Off Remaining Prizes
The Murdoch succession drama kicks off this week. Here's everything you need to know
Price Of Gas At Sam's
Troy Bilt Mower Carburetor Diagram
Der Megatrend Urbanisierung
Grandview Outlet Westwood Ky
Hanger Clinic/Billpay
2021 Volleyball Roster
Uncovering The Mystery Behind Crazyjamjam Fanfix Leaked
Engineering Beauties Chapter 1
Rapv Springfield Ma
Ficoforum
Soul Eater Resonance Wavelength Tier List
Malluvilla In Malayalam Movies Download
Harbor Freight Tax Exempt Portal
Jamielizzz Leaked
The Monitor Recent Obituaries: All Of The Monitor's Recent Obituaries
3473372961
Myra's Floral Princeton Wv
Mkvcinemas Movies Free Download
Lowell Car Accident Lawyer Kiley Law Group
1400 Kg To Lb
How to Get Into UCLA: Admissions Stats + Tips
Teenage Jobs Hiring Immediately
Mississippi State baseball vs Virginia score, highlights: Bulldogs crumble in the ninth, season ends in NCAA regional
Hermann Memorial Urgent Care Near Me
Dynavax Technologies Corp (DVAX)
20 Best Things to Do in Thousand Oaks, CA - Travel Lens
Toth Boer Goats
2700 Yen To Usd
Rhode Island High School Sports News & Headlines| Providence Journal
'The Nun II' Ending Explained: Does the Immortal Valak Die This Time?
Accident On 40 East Today
Syrie Funeral Home Obituary
Hughie Francis Foley – Marinermath
Bismarck Mandan Mugshots
Cvs Minute Clinic Women's Services
Diamond Spikes Worth Aj
Urban Airship Acquires Accengage, Extending Its Worldwide Leadership With Unmatched Presence Across Europe
Turning Obsidian into My Perfect Writing App – The Sweet Setup
Bloons Tower Defense 1 Unblocked
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Neely Ledner

Last Updated:

Views: 6099

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (42 voted)

Reviews: 81% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Neely Ledner

Birthday: 1998-06-09

Address: 443 Barrows Terrace, New Jodyberg, CO 57462-5329

Phone: +2433516856029

Job: Central Legal Facilitator

Hobby: Backpacking, Jogging, Magic, Driving, Macrame, Embroidery, Foraging

Introduction: My name is Neely Ledner, I am a bright, determined, beautiful, adventurous, adventurous, spotless, calm person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.