Flapjacks. Stateside, you’re likely to think of a stack of pancakes. But our Irish and UK friends will likely think of these buttery, sweet oat bars. I first learned of Irish Flapjacks on a trip to Ireland. I spent three mornings eating these delicious and filling treats for breakfast with a side of tea. Upon returning home, my first trip to the grocery store included scouring the shelves for Irish Flapjacks. Alas, I’ve never been able to find them.
And, now, over a decade later, I’ve decided to recreate them at home. Fortunately, there are only four ingredients required. Unfortunately, one of these ingredients is golden syrup. Golden syrup is ubiquitous in Ireland and the UK. But it’s nearly unheard of here in the States. I’ve heard it compared to corn syrup, but honestly, they are not the same. Golden syrup comes from cane sugar or beet sugar. But its viscosity is thicker than simple syrup, which is equal parts sugar and water. Honey is another suggested substitute. But here, again, I feel it’s not quite right as golden syrup has a distinct nutty buttery flavor.
I suppose I could make my own golden syrup. This recipe looks promising. But who has the time? So, instead, I’m using maple syrup. Yes, I know maple syrup is not as viscous as golden syrup. And I’m aware the flavors are very different. But I can accept that my homemade Irish flapjacks will not be authentic. So, I’m opting for maple syrup. Why? Because I love the flavor combination of oats with maple syrup.
Ingredients
- 175 g (¾ cup) butter
- 125 g (½ cup + 1 tbsp) light brown sugar
- 100 ml (6 tbsp) maple syrup*
- 300 g (3.5 cups) oats (rolled or steel-cut)
Method
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and line an 8” square or round baking tin with parchment paper*.
Melt together the butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup. You can do this in a saucepan over low heat or in a microwave-safe bowl*.
Once the butter melts and the sugar dissolves, add in the oats. Mix until well combined. Pour mixture into prepared pan. Spread evenly and press down well.
Bake in the oven on the middle rack until golden brown – about 20 minutes. Remove from oven, place on a wire rack, and allow to cool completely.
Once firm and cool to the touch, use a knife to loosen the edges before removing it from the pan. Place the flapjack on a cutting board and slice it into ten even-sized pieces.
Irish Flapjacks
INGREDIENTS
- 175 g butter - ¾ cup (1½ sticks)
- 125 g light brown sugar - ½ cup + 1 tbsp
- 100 ml maple syrup - 6 tbsp
- 300 grams oats (rolled or steelcut) - 3½ cups
METHOD
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and line an 8” square or round baking tin with parchment paper.
- Melt together the butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup. You can do this in a saucepan over low heat or in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Once the butter melts and the sugar dissolves, add in the oats. Mix until well combined. Pour mixture into prepared pan. Spread evenly and press down well.
- Bake in the oven on the middle rack until golden brown - about 20 minutes. Remove from oven, place on a wire rack, and allow to cool completely.
- Once firm and cool to the touch, use a knife to loosen the edges before removing it from the pan. Place the flapjack on a cutting board and slice it into ten even-sized pieces.
