Jamie Oliver Flapjack Recipe [GUIDE]

Jamie Oliver’s Flapjack is a British-style oat bar that is both sweet and chewy. Unlike the traditional crisp, biscuit-like flapjacks, Jamie’s recipe delivers a rich, buttery texture with a satisfying crunch from the oats. It’s not a cake, not quite a cookie but somewhere in between, making it the perfect treat to snack on or pack into lunchboxes.

The recipe reflects Jamie’s love for simple, hearty food, using easy-to-find ingredients that result in a comforting, nostalgic bite. His flapjack has the ideal balance between sweetness and saltiness, with golden syrup and brown sugar providing that indulgent sweetness while the butter and oats bring depth and substance to each piece.

Jamie Oliver Flapjack Recipe

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up Jamie Oliver’s flapjack:

1. Butter (200g): The rich base of the flapjack, providing moisture and that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
2. Golden Syrup (5 tbsp): Adds sweetness and a lovely caramel-like flavor.
3. Brown Sugar (150g): Complements the syrup, making the flapjack soft and chewy.
4. Rolled Oats (300g): The heart of the flapjack, giving it structure and a satisfying bite.
5. Baking Powder (½ tsp): Helps lighten the texture just enough, preventing the flapjack from being too dense.
6. Pinch of Sea Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
7. Vanilla Extract (optional): A subtle hint of vanilla can bring out the richness of the other ingredients.

You can easily switch up the ingredients by adding dried fruits, chocolate chips or even nuts for extra texture and flavor.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need much to make these flapjacks which is part of their charm. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. A 20cm square baking tin: This is where you’ll bake the flapjacks, so make sure it’s the right size for the recipe.
2. A saucepan: To melt the butter, golden syrup and sugar together.
3. A spatula or wooden spoon: For stirring and ensuring everything’s well mixed.
4. A knife (optional): If you want to score the flapjack before cutting it into pieces after it’s baked.
5. Baking parchment: To line your tin and ensure easy removal of the flapjack after baking.

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Flapjack

1. Prep the Baking Tin: Start by lining your 20cm square tin with baking parchment. This will prevent the flapjack from sticking to the tin once it’s baked.
2. Melt the Wet Ingredients: In a saucepan, melt the butter, golden syrup and brown sugar over low heat. Stir frequently until everything is dissolved and combined. Be patient and avoid cranking up the heat. you want everything to melt slowly and evenly. Once it’s all melted, take it off the heat.
3. Add the Dry Ingredients: Stir in the oats, baking powder and a pinch of sea salt. If you’re using vanilla extract, now’s the time to add it. Mix everything together, making sure the oats are well-coated with the buttery syrup mixture.
4. Bake the Flapjack: Pour the oat mixture into your prepared tin, pressing it down firmly with the back of your spoon or spatula to ensure it’s even and compact. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown around the edges. Don’t worry if it looks a bit soft in the middle. that’s totally normal. It’ll firm up as it cools.
5. Let It Cool: Once out of the oven, leave it in the tin for about 10 minutes before slicing into squares or rectangles. If you want cleaner edges, let it cool completely before cutting.

What I Learnt

Making Jamie Oliver’s flapjack was a breeze but there are a few things I learned along the way:

1. The Power of Patience: Melting the butter, sugar and syrup together slowly really makes a difference. You want that silky smooth consistency, so don’t rush it. High heat might burn the syrup and we definitely don’t want that.
2. Don’t Overmix the Oats: Stirring the oats into the wet mixture just enough to coat them is all you need. Overmixing might break them down and change the texture.
3. Resting Is Important: The flapjack firms up as it cools, so don’t be tempted to slice it right out of the oven. The few minutes of waiting allow it to hold together better when you cut it.
4. It’s All About the Salt: Just a pinch of sea salt really elevates the flavor and makes the sweetness pop without being overpowering. It’s a small touch but it makes a world of difference.

Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s Flapjack

If you’re looking to give Jamie Oliver’s classic flapjack a bit of your own twist, there’s plenty you can play with. The beauty of flapjacks is their versatility-soft, chewy or crunchy, you can mold them to your tastes.

• Sweetness: One of the easiest adjustments is the sugar content. If you’re aiming for something a little less sweet, you can reduce the brown sugar. You could also swap in maple syrup or honey for a different kind of sweetness which brings out a richer, slightly floral flavor.
• Add-Ins: You can take a cue from the granola bars and throw in whatever you’re feeling. Chopped nuts like almonds or hazelnuts add crunch and depth while dried fruits like cranberries or apricots bring a burst of tanginess. Throw in some seeds-pumpkin or chia seeds. and they’ll add a nice texture contrast and make your flapjacks more filling.
• Chocolate Lovers: If you’re someone who can’t resist chocolate, consider folding in chocolate chips or chunks right before baking. For a more indulgent treat, drizzle melted chocolate over the top once they’ve cooled. This brings a decadent richness without overwhelming the natural flavors of the oats and butter.
• Spices and Flavors: A pinch of cinnamon or a dash of vanilla can elevate the flapjack’s flavor profile, especially if you’re using less sweet ingredients like unsweetened dried fruit or nuts. For a more exotic flavor, you could even experiment with a hint of ginger or cardamom.
• Vegan Twist: If you’re looking to make a plant-based version, you can substitute the butter with coconut oil or any plant-based butter. For the golden syrup, swap in agave or maple syrup and you’re good to go!

Storage Tips For Leftovers

Flapjacks are a treat that seems to get better over time and if you happen to have leftovers (lucky you!), it’s all about proper storage to keep them fresh.

• Airtight Container: The key to keeping flapjacks soft and chewy is sealing them in an airtight container. Store them at room temperature for up to a week. This helps maintain their moisture and prevents them from getting stale.
• For Extra Crispness: If you like your flapjacks a little on the crunchier side, you can store them in a container with a paper towel on the bottom. This absorbs any moisture and keeps them from becoming too soggy. Alternatively, wrapping them individually in parchment paper can help maintain their shape and texture.
• Freezing: Got more flapjacks than you can handle? No problem. You can freeze them! Just wrap each flapjack in plastic wrap or parchment paper, then store them in a freezer bag. When you want to eat one, take it out, let it defrost at room temperature or pop it in the microwave for a few seconds to warm it up.

What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s Flapjack?

Flapjacks, on their own, are already satisfying but they’re pretty versatile when it comes to pairing up with other foods.

• A Cup of Tea or Coffee: A warm, strong cup of tea (Earl Grey or English Breakfast works great) or coffee goes hand-in-hand with a flapjack. The sweetness of the flapjack balances out the bitterness of the tea or coffee.
• Fresh Fruit: If you want to cut through the richness of the flapjack with something refreshing, a side of fresh fruit is the perfect complement. Think berries, sliced apples or even a banana on the side. You can even top the flapjack with some yogurt and fruit for a breakfast-style treat.
• Nut Butters: A spread of peanut butter or almond butter on a warm flapjack can take it to a whole new level. The creamy texture pairs nicely with the oatiness and the salty/sweet balance is unbeatable.
• Ice Cream: Want to make it an indulgent treat? A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream on the side turns your flapjack into a dessert fit for any occasion. It’s also a great option if you’ve got kids in the house.
• Greek Yogurt & Honey: For a lighter, healthier option, add a dollop of Greek yogurt on top of a warm flapjack with a drizzle of honey. It’s a sweet-and-tangy combo that’s perfect for breakfast or a snack.

FAQs

What Ingredients Do I Need For Jamie Oliver’s Flapjack?

You’ll need butter, golden syrup, oats, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Optional additions include dried fruit, nuts, or seeds.

Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Flapjack Without Golden Syrup?

Yes, you can substitute with honey, maple syrup, or even a little bit of molasses for a different flavor.

How Long Do Jamie Oliver’s Flapjacks Take To Bake?

They usually bake in about 20-25 minutes at 180°C (350°F). Just keep an eye on them until they’re golden brown!