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Easy British Flapjacks

Featured in Sweet Endings: Irresistible Desserts.

Soft, golden oat treats sweetened with golden syrup and brown sugar. Add any seeds or dried fruit mix you like for a yummy snack or lunchbox staple.

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Updated on Tue, 15 Apr 2025 20:53:53 GMT
Golden oat bars packed with seeds and dried fruit, resting on a baking sheet covered in parchment paper. Pin it
Golden oat bars packed with seeds and dried fruit, resting on a baking sheet covered in parchment paper. | linacooks.com

I whipped up these classic British flapjacks during a dreary day in London and they've become my go-to sweet snack with tea. Featuring buttery oats, golden syrup and any tasty additions you prefer, these sticky bars are comfort in every bite. My little ones get excited finding them packed in their lunch, and I'm always sharing the instructions when friends taste them at get-togethers.

What Makes These So Adored

These treats take just minutes to prepare but taste like they're from a fancy bakery. The deep buttery toffee flavor combined with those chewy oats really satisfies your sweet tooth. They're great alongside your breakfast coffee, afternoon cuppa, or stashed in your pocket for when sugar cravings strike.

What You'll Need

  • The Foundation: Quick-cooking rolled oats create that signature chewy texture.
  • Sweet Touch: Golden syrup delivers authentic taste, but honey can substitute if needed.
  • Creamy Element: Quality butter and brown sugar form that irresistible caramel base.
  • Fun Add-ins: Whatever seeds or dried fruits you enjoy—I usually go for cranberries and pumpkin seeds.

Baking Steps

Prep Work
Turn your oven to 350°F and put parchment in your baking pan with edges hanging out for grabbing later.
Combine Dry Stuff
Mix your oats, seeds, dried fruit and any spices together in a big bowl until everything's combined.
Create Your Binding Mix
Gently heat your butter, sugar and golden syrup in a saucepan just until everything melts together smoothly—don't let it bubble.
Finish The Mix
Dump that warm syrupy mixture onto your oat blend, stir thoroughly, push firmly into your pan, then bake until golden-edged for about 25 minutes.
A stack of golden oat squares filled with cranberries and green pumpkin seeds sitting on a pale blue dish next to a small container of dried red berries. Pin it
A stack of golden oat squares filled with cranberries and green pumpkin seeds sitting on a pale blue dish next to a small container of dried red berries. | linacooks.com

Smart Baking Tips

Watch that butter mixture carefully as it warms—you want it melted but not bubbling to keep your bars soft not brittle. Push that mixture into the pan really hard or they'll fall apart later. Don't rush the cooling step before cutting them—it's totally worth waiting for perfectly shaped squares.

Perfect Occasions

These treats work wonders with afternoon tea, coffee breaks or tucked inside lunch containers. Sometimes I add a thin layer of melted chocolate when I'm feeling fancy. They're awesome for outdoor meals, fundraiser sales, or just hanging around in your cookie jar for surprise cravings.

Storage Ideas

Store them in something airtight and they'll stay tasty for a whole week—if your family doesn't gobble them first. Planning ahead? Wrap them up tight and stick them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Some people actually prefer eating them frozen—it makes them extra chewy and interesting.

Tasty Variations

Swap golden syrup for honey to get a different sweet flavor profile. Change your mix-ins depending what's in your pantry—maybe walnuts, dried apricots or chocolate chunks. Adjust how sweet you make them based on your own taste buds. I sometimes throw in more seeds when I'm pretending they're healthy.

A detailed view of homemade oat bars with nuts and dried fruits arranged neatly inside a baking dish right after preparation. Pin it
A detailed view of homemade oat bars with nuts and dried fruits arranged neatly inside a baking dish right after preparation. | linacooks.com

Personal Touches

Try grating some orange peel for a citrus kick or adding a tiny bit of nutmeg for warmth. Feeling indulgent? Nobody ever complained about melted dark chocolate on top. I sometimes sprinkle sea salt over mine for that amazing sweet-salty combo. Your kitchen your way—that's the fun part of making stuff yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What sets British flapjacks apart from American ones?

British flapjacks are oat bars made with golden syrup. They're different from American flapjacks, which are actually pancakes.

→ Can I swap out golden syrup?

Golden syrup gives the best flavor, but you can use honey or maple syrup instead. It'll taste slightly different but still great!

→ Why aren't my flapjacks holding together?

Let the flapjacks cool off completely for at least 1-2 hours before cutting. Pressing the mix well into the pan also helps them stay firm.

→ Can these oat bars go in the freezer?

Sure! Wrap them up individually and freeze for up to three months. Just let them thaw at room temp when you want one.

→ Which seeds work best for this?

Seeds like pumpkin, sunflower, or sesame are great options. You can even mix in hemp seeds or crushed nuts for extra crunch.

British Flapjacks

Sweet and chewy oat bars bursting with seeds, dried fruits, and golden goodness. Super simple to prep whenever hunger strikes.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes
By: Paolina

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: British

Yield: 16 Servings (16 squares)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 250g of rolled oats that cook quickly.
02 Your pick of seeds, 75g.
03 75g of your favorite dried fruit.
04 1/2 teaspoon of coarse kosher salt.
05 Ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon.
06 113g of plain unsalted butter.
07 107g of light brown sugar.
08 112g of golden syrup.

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch dish with parchment paper, covering both the bottom and sides, and lightly grease everything to prevent sticking.

Step 02

Combine your oats, seeds, dried fruits, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl. Stir until evenly mixed.

Step 03

Place your butter, golden syrup, and brown sugar in a small pot. Heat on low until the butter melts. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture looks smooth and glossy.

Step 04

Pour the warm liquid mixture on top of the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly so that every bit gets coated.

Step 05

Spread everything evenly into the lined pan. Press down really well—use a spatula or the bottom of a glass for firm and even packing.

Step 06

Bake on the middle rack for around 25-30 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the sides become a rich golden brown and the middle looks slightly lighter.

Step 07

Let it sit and cool completely, giving it about 1-2 hours. Use the parchment paper to lift the slab out, and carefully slice into 9 or 16 squares using a bread knife.

Notes

  1. Store it in a sealed container at room temperature, and it will stay fresh for a week.
  2. Pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, or even hemp seeds all work here.
  3. Good dried fruit choices include raisins, cherries, cranberries, dates, or chopped apricots.

Tools You'll Need

  • An 8x8-inch baking dish.
  • Sheet of parchment paper.
  • Small saucepan.
  • Large mixing bowl.
  • A serrated knife designed for bread.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (butter).
  • May include nuts if added as optional extras.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 189
  • Total Fat: 8 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 28 g
  • Protein: 3 g