British Flapjack Recipe

Traditional British Flapjacks are delicious bars of oats and golden syrup, baked until they’re lightly brown. Flapjacks are similar to granola bars and are made with simple, wholesome ingredients you probably already have on hand.

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British Flapjack Recipe

These flapjacks are oat bars just like the ones found in the UK! While flapjack typically means pancake in the U.S., this authentic British recipe uses oats, butter, golden syrup and sugar. They're so tasty with just a slight crunch to them!

Prep Time10

Cook Time30

Total Time40

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: British

Keyword: Flapjack

Servings: Bars

Calories: 273kcal

Author: Cindy

Equipment

Ingredients

4 cups quick oats see note
4 tablespoons butter
3/4 cup demerara sugar or turbinado sugar or raw sugar
1/2 cup golden syrup see note
1/4 teaspoon salt optional, only if using unsalted butter

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 325°F, placing the oven rack in the middle position. Line a small rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
Place a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the butter, sugar, golden syrup and salt (if butter is unsalted). Once the butter is melted and sugar partially dissolved, pour over the oats. Stir with a wooden spoon until coated completely.
Place the oats in large mixing bowl and set aside. Turn the oat mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Shape into a rectangle of about ¾-inch thickness. Pack down with a pie server or rigid spatula.
Bake until golden brown on top, about for 25 to 35 minutes. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes for softer flapjacks, and for 30 to 35 minutes for crisper flapjacks.
Remove from the oven and cool in the pan just long enough to firm up somewhat, about 5 minutes.
Using a pastry scraper or sharp chef's knife, cut the flapjack into 10 to 12 rectangles (or triangles if you prefer). Using a rigid spatula, carefully lift each one to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Quick Oats: These are plain, unflavored oats that cook in about one minute. Old fashioned or steel-cut oats will be too tough, while instant oats won't hold together properly.
Demerara Sugar: This is a coarse-grained raw sugar available at specialty grocers or online, and it gives a slight crunch to the flapjack. The closest substitute is turbinado sugar.
Golden Syrup: You can find this in specialty grocers or online with Lyle’s being a common brand. Make your own by bringing 1 1/3 cups cold water and 4 cups granulated sugar to a boil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of lemon juice and reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered without stirring until it starts turning a golden color, about 45 to 60 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes before slowly pouring into a glass jar. Never touch the syrup while hot as it can cause burns.
Storage: A flapjack will last up to 3 days at room temperature or up to 3 months in the freezer when stored in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.

Nutrition