Flapjack Recipe
Flapjacks, in some parts of the world, refer to pancakes, but in others, especially in the UK, flapjacks are a sweet, chewy oat bar made with butter, sugar, and syrup. Here’s a detailed recipe for making traditional British flapjacks:
Ingredients:
- 250g unsalted butter (about 1 cup)
- 100g light brown sugar (about 1/2 cup)
- 4 tbsp golden syrup (or honey if you prefer)
- 300g rolled oats (about 3 cups)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional for extra flavor)
- A pinch of salt (optional, depending on taste)
- A handful of dried fruit, nuts, or chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line an 8×8 inch square baking tin with parchment paper, ensuring it covers the sides so you can easily lift the flapjacks out later.
2. Melt Butter, Sugar, and Syrup:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the sugar and golden syrup. Stir the mixture constantly until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth. The syrup helps bind the ingredients together and gives the flapjacks their characteristic chewiness.
3. Add Oats:
Once the butter, sugar, and syrup mixture has fully melted and combined, remove it from the heat. Add the rolled oats and a pinch of salt (if desired). Stir the mixture well until all the oats are coated in the syrupy mixture.
4. Add Optional Ingredients:
If you want to add any extra ingredients like chocolate chips, dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, etc.), or chopped nuts (almonds, hazelnuts, etc.), fold them in at this stage. You can also add vanilla extract for a lovely, subtle flavor.
5. Press into the Tin:
Transfer the oat mixture into the prepared baking tin. Use the back of a spoon to press it down firmly so the mixture is even and compact. Pressing it down ensures the flapjacks hold together well once baked.
6. Bake:
Place the tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 20–25 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown and the flapjack appears set. It will still be soft when you remove it from the oven, but it will firm up as it cools.
7. Cool and Cut:
Allow the flapjacks to cool in the tin for 10-15 minutes. Once they’ve cooled slightly, you can cut them into squares or bars while they’re still warm, which makes cutting easier. Let them cool completely in the tin before removing and storing them.
8. Storage:
Store your flapjacks in an airtight container for up to a week. They’re perfect for a quick snack or a lunchbox treat.
Variations:
- Chocolate Flapjacks: Melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the top of the flapjacks before they cool completely.
- Nutty Flapjacks: Add crushed almonds, walnuts, or peanuts for a crunchy texture.
- Fruity Flapjacks: Fold in dried fruit like apricots, sultanas, or raisins for extra sweetness and flavor.
Enjoy your delicious homemade flapjacks! They are a perfect blend of sweet, chewy, and satisfying.”Bake your own flapjacks now and experience the simple, wholesome goodness of this classic recipe!”
