Make soft and chewy flapjacks with simple pantry ingredients like oats, golden syrup, and brown sugar. This easy recipe is perfect for homemade snack bars, lunchboxes, or a quick bake that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

These soft and chewy flapjacks are simple to make with just a few ingredients. Packed with oats and sweetened with golden syrup and brown sugar, they’re perfect for a quick snack or lunchbox treat.

Ingredients

200 g (2 sticks) unsalted butter
160 g (¾ packed cup) light brown sugar
160 ml (½ cup) golden syrup
400 g (4 cups) porridge oats or rolled oats (avoid jumbo or steel-cut oats)
¼ tsp salt

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F) fan.
Line a 20cm x 20cm (9×9 inch), 5cm (2 inch) deep baking tin with baking parchment. Leave a 1–2 cm overhang on the sides to make it easier to lift the flapjacks out later.
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
Once melted, remove from the heat and stir in the brown sugar, golden syrup, oats, and salt. Mix until fully combined.
Transfer the mixture into the prepared tin and press it down evenly using the back of a spoon to compact it firmly.
Bake for 23–25 minutes, or until golden around the edges.
Remove from the oven and let the flapjacks cool completely in the tin—this takes at least 4 hours at room temperature.
Once cooled, lift the flapjacks out using the baking parchment, peel it off, and cut into squares. Serve or store.

Tips

Firm press = better texture: Press the mixture firmly into the tin to prevent crumbling.
Cool fully before slicing: Warm flapjacks will fall apart—wait until they’re completely cool.
For even baking: Spread the mixture out evenly in the pan, especially into the corners.

Variations and Substitutions

Add-ins: Mix in chocolate chips, dried fruit, seeds, or chopped nuts for extra texture.
Golden syrup alternative: Use light corn syrup or honey, though the flavor may vary.
Make it vegan: Swap butter for a plant-based alternative.
For firmer flapjacks: Bake an extra 3–5 minutes for a more crisp edge and chewy center.

FAQs

What oats should I use?
Porridge oats or rolled oats work best. Avoid jumbo or steel-cut oats, which don’t bind as well.

How long do flapjacks last?
Stored in an airtight container, they keep for up to a week at room temperature.

Can I freeze flapjacks?
Yes, they freeze well. Wrap individually and store for up to 3 months.

Serving Suggestions

Perfect with a cup of tea or coffee.
Add to lunchboxes for a homemade sweet snack.
Serve as an energy-boosting treat after school or a workout.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy: No mixer or fancy equipment needed.
Soft and chewy texture: Perfectly sweet with a golden edge.
Customizable: Great base for adding your favorite ingredients.
Kid-friendly: A great homemade snack the whole family will love.