An epicurean adventure to: The United Kingdom
In the UK, flapjacks come in various forms, catering to a wide range of tastes - from dense and crumbly to dry or moist. Regardless of the form, flapjacks are a firm favourite throughout the isles.
This recipe, however, focuses on creating chewy, moist, fruit flapjacks with beautifully crispy edges. Fresh out of the oven, they exhibit a soft, gooey texture that gradually firms up as they set, resulting in a moist, sticky treat.
Bursting with natural flavours from oats and dried fruit, this recipe requires only a handful of ingredients and a mere 10 minutes of prep time before it's ready for the oven. Don't forget copious amounts of golden syrup - an essential component of any good flapjack!
Whether tucked into lunch boxes or enjoyed as a quick on-the-go energy pick-me-up, these chewy, fruity flapjacks provide a burst of natural energy and flavour just when you need it.
Jump to:
Fast facts - The United Kingdom
Location | The United Kingdom (UK) is located in North-western Europe, comprising four countries: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. |
Capital | London. |
Language | In addition to English and Welsh, the United Kingdom is home to a rich linguistic diversity with twelve other indigenous languages used including Gaelic, Cornish, Manx, Scots and three sign languages. English stands as the most widely spoken language, while Cornish is among the least commonly used. |
Population | Circa 66.8 million people. |
Trivia | Certain British food items display a royal seal, indicating that the Royal Family has been purchasing the product for a minimum of five years. |
What's to love about this recipe
- This fruity flapjack recipe is quick and easy using simple ingredients.
- Perfect blend of chewiness and crispiness.
- Wholesome oats and dried fruits for natural flavours.
- Abundant golden syrup not only sweetens but also adds a caramelised richness.
- Whether stashed in lunch boxes or for a quick energy boost or sweet treat, these flapjacks offer a versatile and tasty snacking solution.
Key ingredient notes and substitutions
**Please see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full list of ingredients.
Oats
Stick to regular porridge oats, like rolled oats or jumbo oats. Quick-cook oats are too fine. You want some bite and texture.
Unsalted butter
Feel free to use salted butter. Just skip the added salt in the recipe.
Light brown sugar
Light brown sugar provides the ideal level of caramelisation, enhancing the flavour without overpowering it.
White sugar contributes minimal flavour, while dark brown sugar can sometimes add a little too much richness.
Golden syrup
Opt for Lyle's Golden Syrup or a store-brand alternative.
In chilly UK winters, golden syrup can be stubborn in a squeezy bottle. Pop it in the microwave for 10 seconds to loosen it up.
Dried fruits
In our recipe, we choose the sweetness of raisins or sultanas, paired with the subtle tang of dried apricots and dried cranberries.
Feel free to personalise by adding any dried fruit of your preference, totalling approximately 150g.
Consider options like chopped prunes, dates, dried apple, dried papaya chunks, dried pineapple or dried mango.
Mixed spice (optional)
The blend of dried fruit and oats in our recipe pairs well with a hint of warmth from mixed spice. While optional, you can also choose spices like cinnamon or ginger, but keep it subtle.
A half teaspoon of mixed spice adds a gentle touch without overwhelming the flavours unless you intentionally aim for a festive flair.
What baking tin do I need for flapjacks?
This recipe fits perfectly in a 20cm x 20cm/8" x 8" square cake tin. If you use a slightly larger tin, like a shallow baking tray, keep in mind that the flapjacks will be thinner.
Adjust the baking time accordingly because you may need to bake them for a little less time. Keep a close eye on them in the oven.
Step-by-step guide:
- Preheat the oven to 160C/320F/gas mark 3.
- Line a 20cm x 20cm (8" x 8") square tin with parchment paper.
- Combine the unsalted butter, light brown sugar, golden syrup, salt and mixed spice in a saucepan or large pan.
- Gently melt all the ingredients together over medium-low heat. There's no need to simmer, just ensure they are fully melted, which takes approximately 3 minutes. Remove from the heat.
- Cut the apricots into small pieces.
- Add the sultanas, chopped apricots and dried cranberries to the oats in a large bowl and combine well.
- Combine the dry ingredients (the oat mixture) with the melted ingredients in the saucepan.
- Stir the ingredients together until everything is fully coated in the melted syrup mixture.
- Spoon the flapjack mixture into the prepared tin, then use the back of a spoon or a spatula to press it into all the corners and level the top.
- Optionally, you can place a few extra pieces of dried fruit on the top if desired.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the edges begin to turn a light golden brown. Initially, the top may appear quite buttery, but it will sink into the flapjacks as they cool.
- For best results, allow the tray to sit on a wire rack until the flapjacks have fully cooled. For a quicker cooling process, you can also place the tin in the fridge.
- Then, lift them out using the parchment paper onto a cutting board. Slice into your preferred shape and size using a large, sharp knife.
Enjoy your oaty flapjacks with a cup of tea or coffee.
Variations
- Add a handful of chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts or pecans.
- Mix in chocolate chips or chunks.
- Introduce shredded coconut to the mixture for a tropical flair.
- Include a mix of seeds such as chia seeds, flaxseeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. Trail mix with a combination of mixed seeds and nuts works great too!
- Experiment with different spices like cinnamon, ginger or nutmeg.
- Grate some citrus zest (lemon, orange, or lime) into the mixture.
- Cut into bar shapes for a granola bar appearance, wrap it in brown paper and tie a string around it. A quick, thoughtful gift.
Storage and freezing
Storage:
Once the fruity flapjacks have completely cooled, store them in an airtight container, like a plastic container with a tight sealing lid, at room temperature.
Placing a sheet of parchment paper between layers helps prevent them from sticking together. Stored properly, flapjacks can remain fresh for up to a week.
Freezing:
To freeze flapjacks, first, ensure they are fully cooled. Cut them into individual servings or your preferred size, and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil.
Place the wrapped flapjacks in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Frozen flapjacks can last for up to three months.
When ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature or gently warm in the oven for a few minutes.
FAQ
There is a notable difference between American and British flapjacks.
In the United States, flapjacks typically refer to thick pancakes made with a batter of flour, milk, eggs and leavening agents, often served with syrup or toppings.
In the United Kingdom, however, flapjacks are a type of oat bar or slice made from rolled oats, butter, sugar and golden syrup. They are baked until golden and cut into squares or rectangles.
British flapjacks are more akin to a sweet and chewy oat bar, quite distinct from the pancake-style American flapjacks.
In the United States, what the British refer to as "flapjacks" are often called "granola bars" or "oat bars."
More sweet treats from the United Kingdom
Recipe
Fruity Flapjacks Recipe
Equipment
- 1 square 20cm x 20cm (8" x 8") baking tin
Ingredients
- 250 grams unsalted butter - sliced into large chunks
- 200 grams light brown sugar
- 200 grams golden syrup - like Lyle's golden syrup
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon mixed spice (optional) - or spices of choice
- 400 grams rolled oats - not quick-cook oats
- 50 grams sultanas/raisins
- 70 grams dried apricots, chopped
- 30 grams dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 160C/320F/gas mark 3.
- Line a 20cm x 20cm (8" x 8") baking tray with parchment paper.
- Combine the unsalted butter, light brown sugar, golden syrup, salt and mixed spice in a saucepan.250 grams unsalted butter, 200 grams light brown sugar, 200 grams golden syrup, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon mixed spice (optional)
- Gently melt all the ingredients together over medium-low heat. There's no need to simmer, just ensure they are fully melted, which takes approximately 3 minutes. Remove from the heat.
- Cut the apricots into small pieces.
- Add the sultanas, chopped apricots and dried cranberries to the oats in a bowl and combine well.400 grams rolled oats, 50 grams sultanas/raisins, 70 grams dried apricots, chopped, 30 grams dried cranberries
- Combine the oats and dried fruit mixture with the melted ingredients in the saucepan. Stir the ingredients together until everything is fully coated in the melted mixture.
- Spoon the flapjack mixture into the lined baking tin, then use the back of a spoon or a spatula to press it into all the corners and level the top.Optionally, you can place a few extra pieces of dried fruit on the top if desired.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the edges begin to turn a light golden brown. Initially, the top may appear quite buttery, but it will sink into the flapjacks as they cool.
- Allow the tray to sit on a wire rack until the flapjacks have fully cooled. For a quicker cooling process, you can also place the tin in the fridge.
- Then, lift them out using the parchment paper onto a cutting board. Slice into your preferred shape and size using a large, sharp knife.
**Nutritional data disclaimer**
Please keep in mind that the nutritional information provided below is calculated by a third party and we cannot guarantee the accuracy. We try our best to give you the most accurate information, but we do not take responsibility for errors that may be present. Also, the nutritional value of the recipe may change depending on the exact brands and products used. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalised advice on your dietary needs.
Nutrition
For food safety advice, including guidance on food allergies
Leave a Reply