Homemade Golden Flapjacks Recipe: Chewy Oat Bars Everyone Loves

Crafting delectable flapjacks brings pure morning joy to your breakfast table.

Sweet oats mingle with golden syrup, creating a nostalgic treat.

Childhood memories flood back with each buttery bite.

Simple ingredients dance together in a harmonious blend.

Crumbly yet soft, these treats promise comfort and warmth.

Maple drizzles can elevate this classic British delight.

Warm up your skillet and let the magic begin.

Why Delia Smith Flapjacks Are A Go-To Snack

• Craft Quickly: Simple recipe with minimal ingredients and straightforward steps that anyone can master, even kitchen beginners.
• Bake with Minimal Effort: Requires only basic kitchen tools like a saucepan and square tin, making preparation super smooth and uncomplicated.
• Perfect Family Treat: Delightful snack that appeals to both kids and adults, great for packed lunches, afternoon tea, or casual gatherings with soft, chewy texture.
• Customize Creatively: Offers versatile option to enhance with melted chocolate coating, allowing personal touch and fun variation to suit different taste preferences.

Ingredients List For Delia Smith Flapjacks

• Butter: A rich, creamy ingredient that helps bind the flapjacks and adds a delicious flavor.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a caramelized texture.
• Golden Syrup: Adds moisture and a distinctive golden color to the flapjacks.
• Rolled Oats: The primary ingredient that gives flapjacks their classic chewy texture and hearty base.

• Dark or Milk Chocolate: Offers a delightful coating that enhances the sweetness of the flapjacks.

• Parchment Paper: Ensures easy removal of flapjacks from the baking tin and prevents sticking.

Instructions To Make Delia Smith Flapjacks At Home

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 300°F (150°C) and grab a 20cm square baking pan. Protect the pan with parchment paper, making sure it covers the bottom and sides completely.

Step 2: Create the Sweet Caramel Base

• Butter
• Brown sugar
• Golden syrup

Stir gently until everything melts into a smooth, glossy mixture.

Step 3: Fold in the Oaty Goodness

Pull the saucepan off the heat and introduce rolled oats to the melted mixture. Stir enthusiastically until every single oat is coated and combined.

Step 4: Pack the Pan

Transfer the oat mixture into the lined baking pan. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to press the mixture down firmly and create an even, compact layer.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges turn a beautiful golden brown color.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Let the flapjacks rest in the pan for 10 minutes after removing from the oven. Then carefully slice into rectangular bars while still warm.

Step 7: Final Cooling

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This helps them set and become deliciously crisp.

Step 8: Optional Chocolate Dip

For extra indulgence, melt chocolate and dip the bottom of each flapjack bar. Let them set on parchment paper until chocolate hardens.

Tips For Perfecting Delia Smith Flapjacks

• Adjust Oven Temperature: Check your oven's accuracy with a separate thermometer to ensure perfect golden-brown flapjacks without burning.
• Control Syrup Consistency: Use golden syrup for traditional flavor, but honey works as a natural alternative for a slightly different taste profile.
• Press Mixture Evenly: Use the back of a clean spoon or spatula to create a smooth, compact layer that bakes uniformly and prevents crumbly edges.
• Prevent Sticking: Line the tin with parchment paper that overhangs the sides for easy removal and clean cutting of flapjack bars.
• Chocolate Dipping Tricks: Let melted chocolate cool slightly before dipping to achieve a smooth, even coating that sets quickly and looks professional.

Variations To Try With Delia Smith Flapjacks

• Gluten-Free Flapjacks: Replace traditional oats with certified gluten-free oats for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
• Nutty Crunch Flapjacks: Add chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts to the mixture for extra texture and protein boost.
• Fruit-Infused Flapjacks: Mix in dried cranberries, chopped apricots, or raisins for natural sweetness and fruity flavor.
• Vegan Friendly Version: Swap butter with coconut oil and use maple syrup instead of traditional golden syrup to create a plant-based alternative.

Pairing Tips For Delia Smith Flapjacks

• Pair Creamy Chai Latte: Warm, spiced chai tea complements the sweet, buttery flapjacks with its aromatic cardamom and cinnamon notes.
• Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Cool, creamy vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast to the chewy, warm oat bars, balancing their rich sweetness.
• Match with Salted Caramel Sauce: Drizzle rich, slightly salty caramel over flapjacks to enhance their butterscotch-like flavor and add luxurious depth.
• Enjoy with Dark Roast Coffee: Strong, bold coffee cuts through the sweetness, providing a robust counterpoint to the sugary oat treat.

How To Keep Delia Smith Flapjacks Fresh

• Store flapjacks in an airtight container lined with parchment paper for up to 5 days. Keep in the coolest part of the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
• Wrap individual flapjacks tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months without losing texture or flavor.
• Keep in a sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat. Consume within 3-4 days for best taste and texture.
• Warm gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to restore softness.

FAQs About Delia Smith Flapjacks

• What are flapjacks in British cuisine?

In the United Kingdom, flapjacks are sweet oat bars made with butter, sugar, and golden syrup, baked until golden and cut into rectangular pieces – quite different from American pancakes.

• Are oats the main ingredient in flapjacks?

Yes, rolled oats are the primary ingredient that gives flapjacks their distinctive chewy texture and hearty flavor, binding together with melted butter and syrup.

• Can I make flapjacks gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply use certified gluten-free rolled oats to create a gluten-free version of this classic British treat that everyone can enjoy.

• How do I know when flapjacks are perfectly baked?

Look for golden brown edges and a slightly firm center – they’ll continue to set as they cool, creating that signature chewy consistency.

Flapjacks Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty Scottish Flapjacks deliver golden oat bars brimming with buttery sweetness and comforting charm. Rich caramelized edges and chewy centers make these treats perfect for afternoon tea or quick energy boosts you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 350 grams (12.35 ounces) porridge oats
• 225 grams to 275 grams (7.94 to 9.7 ounces) unsalted butter
• 150 grams (5.29 ounces) soft brown sugar

Sweeteners and Binding Agents:

• 1 rounded tablespoon golden syrup

Optional Topping:

• 110 grams (3.88 ounces) melted chocolate for dipping

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 20cm square baking tin by lining with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage of the base and sides.
2. Gently melt butter, sugar, and golden syrup in a large saucepan over low heat, stirring continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and well-integrated.
3. Remove the saucepan from heat and incorporate rolled oats, mixing thoroughly to ensure every oat is coated with the sweet, buttery mixture.
4. Transfer the oat mixture into the prepared tin, using a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread evenly and create a uniform layer with consistent thickness.
5. Place the tin in a preheated oven at 150°C (gas mark 2) and bake for 40-45 minutes, watching for a golden-brown color developing around the edges.
6. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, which helps the flapjacks set and become more stable.
7. While still slightly warm, cut the flapjacks into bars or squares using a sharp knife, creating clean, precise edges.
8. Allow the flapjacks to cool completely in the tin, which helps them firm up and become easier to handle.
9. Optionally, melt chocolate and carefully dip or drizzle over the cooled flapjacks, then let the chocolate set before serving.

Notes

• Customize sweetness by adjusting golden syrup or honey amounts for personal taste preference.
• Swap traditional oats with gluten-free rolled oats to create a celiac-friendly version of the classic treat.
• Add chopped nuts or dried fruits like almonds or cranberries for extra texture and flavor complexity.
• Ensure even baking by spreading the mixture uniformly and using a spatula to press down firmly in the tin.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 245
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 25 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 3.5 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg