This classic British flapjack recipe is soft, chewy, and packed with a rich buttery caramel flavor. Made with just a handful of ingredients, it’s the perfect homemade snack for lunchboxes, tea time, or a quick energy boost.

Cuisine: British, Scottish
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 12
Why You’ll Love Making It
- Soft, Chewy, and Buttery – The perfect balance of crisp edges and a soft center.
- Beginner-Friendly – No complicated techniques, just mix, bake, and enjoy!
- Minimal Ingredients – Made with pantry staples for a quick and fuss-free treat.
- Customizable – Add chocolate chips, dried fruit, nuts, or even drizzle with melted chocolate.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – Stays fresh for a week, making it great for grab-and-go snacks.
Ingredients
- 250g Butter or Margarine – Butter gives a richer flavor, but margarine works well for a dairy-free option.
- 180g Golden Syrup – The key ingredient for a soft, chewy texture. If unavailable, substitute with honey or light corn syrup.
- 200g Soft Light Brown Sugar – Adds a deep caramel sweetness and enhances the chewiness.
- 400g Porridge Oats – Use rolled oats for the best texture. Avoid instant oats, which make the flapjack too dense.
- ¼ tsp Ground Cinnamon – A subtle spice that complements the caramelized sweetness.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Tin
Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan-assisted, Gas Mark 4). Lightly grease an 11×7-inch tray bake tin with butter or margarine, then line it with greaseproof paper. Leave some overhang to make it easier to lift the flapjack out later.
Step 2: Melt the Butter, Syrup, and Sugar
In a large saucepan, add the butter, golden syrup, and brown sugar. Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until everything melts into a smooth, golden mixture. Avoid boiling, as this can cause the sugar to crystallize and make the flapjack hard. (If using a microwave, heat in 30-second bursts, stirring each time until fully melted.)
Step 3: Mix the Oats and Cinnamon
In a large mixing bowl, combine the porridge oats and cinnamon. Pour the warm syrup mixture over the oats and stir well, ensuring every oat is evenly coated. The mixture should be sticky but not overly wet.
Step 4: Transfer to Tin and Smooth the Surface
Spoon the oat mixture into your prepared tin and press it down firmly into the corners. Use the back of a spoon or a spatula to smooth the surface. Pressing it down well helps create a dense, chewy texture.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges turn light golden brown. The middle will still be soft and slightly wobbly, but don’t worry—it will firm up as it cools.
Step 6: Press the Edges and Cool Completely
Once out of the oven, you may notice the edges have risen slightly. For an even surface, gently press them down with a cold metal spoon while the flapjack is still warm.
Leave the flapjack to cool completely in the tin for at least 1 hour. This step is crucial for it to set properly.
Step 7: Cut and Serve
Once fully cool, lift the flapjack out using the greaseproof paper. Peel back the paper and place it on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut into bars or squares, depending on your preference. If the flapjack sticks slightly, use a small spatula to lift the pieces without breaking them.
FAQs
Why did my flapjack turn out too hard?
Overbaking is the most common reason. The flapjack should still be slightly wobbly in the center when taken out of the oven, as it will firm up as it cools. Also, make sure you’re not using too much sugar or syrup, which can make it brittle.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Simply use dairy-free margarine instead of butter to make these flapjacks 100% vegan. Golden syrup is already plant-based.