I've been making some snacks to take with us for our camping trip, and I wanted something reasonably healthy that could also be considered a treat. Because, you know kids, and it's the summer holidays and treats seem to be constant at the moment. So I made some flapjacks, and I packed them with nuts and seeds. Because that makes them a little more substantial as far as I'm concerned. I also think flapjacks are a really good idea for camping. I mean they are practically survival food, so just in case we get caught in a brutal storm or the cooler packs, up they are coming with us.
I've made these flapjacks a lot in the last few weeks, I've been trying to make the perfect flapjack. The kind that doesn't break your teeth or crumble into granola when you take it out of the tin. All of these things have happened in my efforts to make the perfect flapjacks. I also wanted to make a slightly healthier flapjack, so I tried various recipes without golden syrup. None of them came close to the flapjack made with golden syrup, so I went with the syrup. I feel like I have succeeded a bit though, by adding all the nuts, seeds and a little dried fruit. Apart from the golden syrup these are almost breakfast bars, well nearly, at a stretch, maybe.
You could go with your favourite nuts or seeds for these flapjacks, I used a mix of walnuts, hazelnuts, brazil nuts and almonds. For the seeds I used sunflower and pumpkin. I also soak the sultanas in freshly squeezed orange juice for a little more sweetness and a little hint of cinnamon makes these flapjacks a little more special. The best tip I can give you about these is to make sure you leave them to cool completely before you cut them. Scoring them with a sharp knife before you bake them may also help with cutting. These flapjacks are great for camping trip snacks or after school treats. They will keep in an airtight container for up to a week, see, perfect for camping! Oh and any crumbly bits hanging around the tin, they are really good in some natural yogurt.
Flapjacks
Ingredients
- 200 g porridge oats
- 100 g butter I used salted butter
- 80 g sultanas
- ½ a large orange, juiced
- 2 heaped tbs pumpkin seeds
- 1 heaped tbs sunflower seeds
- 80 g mixed nuts roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 4 generous tbs golden syrup
Instructions
- Pre heat the oven to 180 degrees C / 356 F. I use an electric fan oven, please adjust according to your own oven.Line a square cake tin with parchment paper.
- Add the sultanas to a small bowl then cover with the orange juice, leave for as long as you can so the sultanas soak up the juice and get nice and plump.
- Melt the butter and golden syrup in a medium pan over a low to medium heat. As soon as the butter melts turn off the heat.
- In a large bowl mix together the oats, nuts, cinnamon, seeds and sultanas. Pour the melted butter and syrup over the oat mix then stir well. Making sure everything is coated in the butter and syrup.
- Tip the oat mix into the prepared cake tin, then push it down with the back of a large spoon. Score the flapjack mixture with a sharp knife into 8 or 16 portions.
- Place the tin on the middle shelf of the over and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, turning halfway through baking. The flapjacks should be golden brown. Leave to cool slightly in the tin. Lift the paper containing the flapjacks and transfer to a cooling rack, leave to cool completely before cutting.
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Notes
Nutrition
*Calories are approximate and are per small portion.
Tammy
When you say, turn them around, do you mean to flip them over?
Michelle Alston
Hi Tammy, you need to turn the tray around in the oven so the flapjacks cook evenly 😉
Edyta at Innocent Delight
I have never had flapjacks but I love all the flavors in yours. I will have to make them soon 🙂
Michelle Alston
Thank you Edyta, I hope you enjoy them if you get a chance to make them x
Suzy
This is my kinda snack!
Michelle Alston
Mine too 😉
Emma @ Supper in the Suburbs
I love flapjacks! Can't say I've tried them with seeds before but will give it a go!
Michelle Alston
I hope you enjoy them Emma 🙂
Gina Marie
I didn't know they called them flapjacks over there that's kind of cool I love these bars after a post workout ...these look really yummy!
Michelle Alston
Thanks Gina x I know, we have a lot in common food wise I think, we just use different names sometimes 😉
Dannii
I like the idea of adding seeds to flapjacks. Flapjacks always remind me of being a kid in school.
Michelle Alston
Thanks Dannii 🙂
Ashley @ Big Flavors from a Tiny Kitchen
I've only heard of pancakes referred to as flapjacks, but these look fantastic! Love the combination of ingredients - would be perfect for a road trip or camping 🙂
Michelle Alston
Thanks Ashley, they are also known as cereal bars in the US 😉
Mark, CompassandFork
These flapjacks are a great idea for camping or any outdoor activity. We are keen hikers and we enjoy little treats like this to give you a pick me up.
Michelle Alston
Thanks Mark, I think they will be perfect for a pick me up 😉
Megan Davis
Woooww! I really love flapjacks, these are my childhood snacks, thanks for the recipe. 🙂
Michelle Alston
You're very welcome Megan x I hope you enjoy them 🙂