Flapjacks are a classic snack that appeals to all ages. And with only 4 ingredients in a traditional flapjack recipe, they’re not that hard to make either!
A flapjack makes the perfect lunchbox treat, as well as a great afternoon energy booster. The porridge oats are full of slow-releasing energy, making you feel satisfied for longer.
How To Make Flapjacks At Home
This is a classic recipe that involves minimal preparation. With only 4 ingredients, it’s hard to go far wrong (but of course possible, so do read my tips and tricks later on to avoid them!)
You might also like: Air Fryer Flapjacks
Flapjack Ingredients
- 250g (8oz) butter or margarine
- 250g (8oz) soft brown sugar
- 450g (16oz) porridge oats
- 4tbsp golden syrup
These measurements make about 15 decently sized flapjacks; they can be cut in half again to make smaller bite-sized flapjacks.
If you don’t want to make so many flapjacks, simply half all the amounts above. As there are 5 of us (and usually extras for tea!) I usually make bigger portions – I figure if I’m going to the effort of making them I may as well make enough to last the week!
I prefer to use butter rather than margarine, especially for flapjacks – it gives them that lovely buttery taste that feels so comforting. You can however use margarine if that is what you usually have.
I find that using that amount of golden syrup is the perfect ratio for moist and gooey flapjacks – if you prefer a crunchier and drier texture reduce the amount down to 2 to 3 tbsp.
Aside from weighing the ingredients, the only thing you need to do is melt the butter/margarine in a saucepan on a low heat. At the same time, stir in the sugar and mix it together.
Then switch off the heat and stir in the golden syrup and porridge oats. Give the porridge oats a really good stir and make sure they are adequately coated in the butter and sugar mixture.
When you transfer the flapjack mixture to your greased baking tin you can use the back of a spoon or a palette knife to press it down and make sure it gets right up to the edges and into the corners.
Cook for about 20 to 25 minutes in a preheated oven. I like to check on them at 20 minutes to make sure they aren’t hardening up too much. This is really key when cooking flapjacks to prevent them from getting too crunchy (unless that is your aim of course!)
When they start to go golden and slightly hard at the edges, they are usually ready to come out. The flapjacks will feel soft to the touch, don’t worry, they will harden up as they cool down.
Would you like to save this recipe?
I like to cut them up when they are still warm and in the tin. As the flapjacks start to cool down they will harden up, making them more tricky to cut up.
Leave the flapjacks to cool before taking them out of the baking tin – if you try and take them out too early they might crumble. If they start to fall apart when you remove them from the baking tin leave them to cool down for a little longer.
Flapjack Variations
You can use this recipe as a base and add in extra ingredients to vary it up a bit. Suggestions include;
- Dates, chopped
- Dried or glace cherries, chopped
- Raisins or sultanas
- Nuts and/or seeds
- Chocolate – you can drizzle some melted chocolate over the cooked flapjacks and then allow to set.
If you are storing them they can be kept in an airtight container for up to a week.
Flapjack Questions
I get asked quite a few questions about making flapjacks, below are some of the most frequently asked ones. If you have one that I’ve not yet answered, please feel free to pop it in the comments and I’ll do my best to reply to you.
1. Should Flapjacks Be Soft When Cooked?
Yes, they will be soft when you first take them out of the oven – don’t worry, they are not undercooked! They will harden up a little bit as you leave them to cool – enough so that they are the perfect chewy texture without crumbling or falling apart.
2. Why Is My Flapjack Falling Apart?
Assuming you have cooked it for long enough and allowed it to cool for at least 5 minutes, your flapjack shouldn’t be falling apart. If it is, it could be down to either the type of porridge oats that you used. I tend to use regular/standard porridge oats as opposed to ‘large’ oats. Neither are right or wrong but each oat type will produce a different texture. The larger type of porridge oats might result in a flapjack that is harder to bind together with the other ingredients – to fix this I would add a little more melted butter/golden syrup.
3. Why Are My Flapjacks Hard?
You may have left them in to cook for a little too long. Once the flapjacks start to harden up slightly around the edges it is definitely time to take them out. Also, try not to allow the butter and sugar to boil during the melting stage.
Other Baking Recipes You Might Like
Shortbread
Banana Bread
Cupcakes
How To Make Flapjacks - An EASY Flapjack Recipe
This flapjack recipe is a classic snack that is perfect for all ages. The slow releasing energy from the porridge oats make flapjacks a satisfying lunchbox or afternoon treat.
Ingredients
- 250g (8oz) butter
- 250g (8oz) soft brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons golden syrup
- 450g (16oz) porridge oats
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180C (350F), Gas Mark 4.
- Place the butter and sugar in a saucepan. Over a gentle heat melt stir the sugar into the butter as it melts.
- Turn the heat off and stir in the golden syrup and porridge oats. Ensure all the oats are coated with the wet mixture.
- Lightly grease a 20cm square tin (8 inch).
- Transfer flapjack mixture to the greased baking tin. Using the back of a spoon, or a palette knife, smooth out the flapjack mixture to all corners of the tin as well as smoothing down the top.
- Place in the centre of the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the edges start to turn brown. The mixture will still feel very soft to the touch - don't worry, they will harden up more when they cool down.
- Cut them into slices whilst they are still warm, but leave them in the tin to cool down.
- Once they have cooled down, remove them from the tin. If they are not being served straightaway they can be stored in an airtight container.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 15 Serving Size: 15Amount Per Serving: Calories: 227Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 38mgSodium: 131mgCarbohydrates: 24gFiber: 0gSugar: 18gProtein: 2g
Sakinah
Friday 12th of April 2024
Hi. Are these flapjacks to be baked in a regular oven or in the air fryer?
Liana Green
Thursday 2nd of May 2024
Hi Sakinah - they can be made in either, here is my recipe for cooking them in an air fryer: https://lianaskitchen.co.uk/air-fryer-flapjacks/
Bella
Tuesday 25th of April 2023
This recipe made a really lovely batch of flapjack for me. I did run out of soft brown sugar once I got to about 190g so I just used dark soft brown sugar to make up the rest. Turned out lovely and chewy and crisp just how I like. Super easy to make too.
Emma
Tuesday 14th of September 2021
Great recipe, mixture looked dry going into the baking tin so I compressed the mixture with the back of a spoon before putting in the oven, and they came out perfect! Took 20 mins to cool fully and tasted fab! Thank you
Chrissie
Monday 1st of March 2021
Thanks for this recipe. It's now my 'go-to' flapjack recipe to keep the kids (and husband) happy!
Liana Green
Tuesday 2nd of March 2021
Thanks for your comment Chrissie! I'm so happy to hear the family enjoy them :)
Anna
Sunday 10th of January 2021
Hi, I have made this recipe and passed it on to so many others, we love it. I wondered though whether it’s possible to reduce the sugar to make them healthier in times of need? X
Liana Green
Tuesday 12th of January 2021
Hi Anna - thanks for your kind words and sharing the recipe :)
Yes, I was thinking along the same lines as you when I made it again recently (especially after a December of sugar!) I am going to experiment with reducing the sugar as I'm sure it can be done. I did try making it with bananas for the sweetness, my first attempt didn't turn out too well so I need to try it again before sharing, haha!