Homemade flapjacks are a deliciously simple treat that can be made in minutes, and they’re a lovely one to bake with the kids. Vanessa Greenwood, founder of CookingClassOnline.com, shares her family’s favourite baking recipe for homemade flapjacks so you can indulge too!
This was the first recipe I taught my children to bake, because it’s so simple — all you need is a large mixing bowl and a spatula.
Once they started school and their friends came around for playdates, we would mix these flapjacks in a bowl, bake them in the oven, then eat them as an after-school treat. We would often make two trays so their friends could bring some home to show their mum and dad what they’d made in our mini home cooking school.
I think lots of mums and dads love homemade flapjacks, as they remind them of their own childhood — it’s definitely one of the most popular recipes in our home baking cooking class!
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Watch How to Make It
Follow along step by step with our short video, and see just how easy these flapjacks are to put together with the kids.
Homemade Flapjacks Recipe
There are lots of things you can add to this recipe, such as chopped hazelnuts or chocolate chips — but my favourite twist is to replace the vanilla essence with one teaspoon of almond essence, which makes them really unique!
Ingredients:
- 250g porridge oats
- 150g plain flour
- 200g butter
- 150g caster sugar
- 3 tbsp golden syrup
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Method:
1. Preheat oven to 180°C fan.
2. Place the porridge oats and flour in a large wide mixing bowl. Stir to combine.
3. Heat the butter and sugar in a small saucepan over a medium heat. Stir without allowing the mixture to boil. Once the sugar is fully dissolved and blended with the butter to give a smooth consistency, stir in the golden syrup and vanilla extract.
4. In two batches, pour the hot liquid over the dry mixture, stirring well until the dry ingredients are moistened.
5. Transfer the mixture into a square baking tin (approx. 20cm x 20cm) and bake on the middle shelf of the preheated oven for 20 minutes, by which time the edges should be starting to turn golden. Continue to bake at this temperature for a further 5 minutes, or until the centre top turns golden (keep an eye on the edges, and if they start to darken too much, reduce the oven temperature straight away). Once golden, reduce the oven temperature to 160°C fan and bake for another 5 minutes.
6. Once baked, remove from the oven and set aside for 10 minutes. Use a serrated knife to mark out nine squares, then gently slice through the markings and leave the flapjacks in the tin to cool completely until firm.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I store homemade flapjacks?
Once fully cooled, store flapjacks in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll keep well for several days, and the texture often firms up nicely by the second day.
Can I freeze flapjacks?
Yes — flapjacks freeze well. Wrap individual squares or layer them with baking paper in a freezer-safe container, then thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them.
Can kids help make this recipe?
Absolutely — this is a great first baking recipe for children. The dry ingredients can be measured and mixed by little hands, and older kids can help stir the syrup mixture (with adult supervision around the hot pan and oven).
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More Family Baking Ideas
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