These Golden Syrup Flapjacks use only four ingredients and come together in just minutes. They are baked until chewy and make a great sweet treat.
Originally published on September 24th, 2017. Updated on June 27th, 2023 to include new photos, updated recipe instructions, frequently asked questions and more relevant information.
What are Flapjacks
A Flapjack is a British baked cookie bar. It’s made from rolled oats, brown sugar, butter and golden syrup. It’s very similar to North American granola bars.
What are These Flapjacks Like
- Difficulty – These are put together in just minutes with no mixer required. They bake in about 30 minutes but do need to cooled before cutting. Please make sure to measure ingredients and don’t overbake!
- Taste – These flapjacks are buttery and chewy. They are dense and the edges are crisp. Overall amazing flavour.
- Serving – This recipe makes 16 square that are about the same size as brownies. They are incredibly rich and satisfying. One cookie bar is pretty substantial. You can easily adjust the serving size in the recipe card at the end of the post.
Ingredients
- Butter – This recipe uses unsalted butter.
- Brown sugar – I used packed brown sugar for these flapjacks.
- Golden syrup – This is a light treacle syrup and you can easily use honey or corn syrup.
- Oats – I used quick cooking oats.
NOTE, The full recipe and instructions can be found at the end of the post in the recipe card.
Instructions
- Preheat oven – Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and grease and line with parchment paper an 8 inch baking tin. Set aside.
- Combine butter, sugar and syrup – In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, add the butter, brown sugar and golden syrup. Stir until melted and remove from heat. About 2-3 minutes.
- Make flapjack mixture – Add the oats to the mixture and stir until combined. Pour mixture into prepared pan, evenly spread out and press firmly down until even and tightly packed.
- Bake – Bake between 25 – 30 minutes, until golden at the edges and still not quite set in the centre. Remove from oven and lay on a wire rack to cook completely.
- Cool, cut and serve – Cut into 16 squares. Can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days. Will freeze well.
Recipe Notes
- Measure ingredients correctly – I’ve tested this recipe with different measurements of butter, sugar, oats and golden syrup. These measurements yield the best flapjacks. I don’t recommend changing any of the ingredients otherwise the results will vary.
- Press into the pan firmly – When pressing them into the pan, make sure you do a real good job. Firmly press the mixture in or it will crumble when cooked.
- Do not overbake – They are not too forgiving if left in the oven too long. You will end up with something that you could break apart like a cracker. So, keep an eye on them. They will be quite soft when you remove them from the oven. They will set as they cool.
- Allow to cool completely – You need to let them cool completely. If you try to cut them out when they are warm, they will fall apart.
Substitutions and Flavour Changes
- Golden syrup – If you cannot find golden syrup, you can substitute honey or corn syrup for these flapjacks.
- Flavour changes – You can add chocolate chips, any kind of nuts like almonds, pistachios, cashews, macadamia, pecans or walnuts. You can also add dried fruit like cranberries or raisins.
- Change the pan size – I baked these in an 8 x 8 inch square pan. Yes, you can bake them in a larger pan. Just keep in mind they will bake quicker and be flatter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the US vs UK Flapjack?
In the US, a flapjack in a pancake. In the UK, a flapjack is a chewy granola bar style bar cookie.
What is golden syrup?
Golden syrup is a thick sugar syrup. It’s commonly used in the UK in baking and desserts.
Are flapjacks and cereal bars the same thing?
Flapjacks are very similar to homemade baked granola bars. Traditionally, flapjacks don’t have any nuts or dried fruits, but you can add them.
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Pecan Oatmeal Cookies
These Pecan Oatmeal Cookies and chewy, nutty and they go great with a cup of coffee. Cosy up this weekend and get your baking on!
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Golden Syrup Flapjacks
There are some ingredients you just cannot substitute with satisfaction. Golden Syrup has to be one of those ingredients. These Golden Syrup Flapjacks have the right amount of chewiness and rich syrupy flavour that will have you going back for more.
Servings: 16 flapjacks
Calories: 226kcal
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and grease and line with parchment paper an 8 inch baking tin. Set aside.
- In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, add the butter, brown sugar and golden syrup. Stir until melted and remove from heat. About 2-3 minutes.
- Add the oats to the mixture and stir until combined. Pour mixture into prepared pan, evenly spread out and press firmly down until even and tightly packed.
- Bake between 25 – 30 minutes, until golden at the edges and still not quite set in the centre. Remove from oven and lay on a wire rack to cook completely.
- Cut into 16 squares. Can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days. Will freeze well.
*A note on times provided: appliances vary, any prep and/or cook times provided are estimates only.
Notes
- Measure ingredients correctly – I’ve tested this recipe with different measurements of butter, sugar, oats and golden syrup. These measurements yield the best flapjacks. I don’t recommend changing any of the ingredients otherwise the results will vary.
- Press into the pan firmly – When pressing them into the pan, make sure you do a real good job. Firmly press the mixture in or it will crumble when cooked.
- Do not overbake – They are not too forgiving if left in the oven too long. You will end up with something that you could break apart like a cracker. So, keep an eye on them. They will be quite soft when you remove them from the oven. They will set as they cool.
- Allow to cool completely – You need to let them cool completely. If you try to cut them out when they are warm, they will fall apart.
Nutrition Facts
Golden Syrup Flapjacks
Amount Per Serving (1 flapjack)
Calories 226
Calories from Fat 117
% Daily Value*
Fat 13g20%
Saturated Fat 7g44%
Cholesterol 31mg10%
Sodium 104mg5%
Potassium 74mg2%
Carbohydrates 27g9%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 15g17%
Protein 2g4%
Vitamin A 355IU7%
Calcium 18mg2%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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