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    Home » Recipes » Baking

    Easy Apple Flapjacks Recipe

    Published: Sep 27, 2021 · Modified: Aug 1, 2023 by Beth Sachs · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases · 6 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Apple flapjacks pin image.

    How does sweet syrupy flapjacks with a layer of tart Bramley apples sound? These easy apple flapjacks are simply irresistable and perfect for snacks, lunch boxes, or even served as a simple dessert with custard!

    It's also a great recipe for using up a glut of cooking apples from your apple tree! You might also like my Bramley apple muffins recipe!

    A stack of apple flapjacks with a glass of milk.

    Want to know the best thing about these moist Bramley apple flapjacks? They taste exactly like apple crumble, just in bar form!

    An added bonus of these apple bars is their superb on-the-go convenience. I often make a batch to take on autumn picnics, with any spare going into the kid's school lunchboxes for a sweet treat.

    👩‍🍳 Love flapjacks? Try these golden, buttery biscoff flapjacks too!

    Jump to:
    • ✔️ Why you'll love this recipe!
    • 🛒 Ingredients
    • 🔪 Instructions
    • 💭 Top tips
    • 🍴 Serving suggestions
    • 📖 Variations
    • 🥡 Storage
    • ❓ FAQs
    • 😋Related recipes
    • More apple recipes
    • Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    ✔️ Why you'll love this recipe!

    • Apple flapjack is simple and straightforward to prepare, requiring only a few basic ingredients and a minimal amount of time. Perfect for beginner bakers and kids.
    • Whether you're looking for a healthy breakfast option, a mid-day energy boost, or a sweet treat after dinner, apple flapjacks are versatile and can cater to all these needs.
    • Making apple flapjacks is an excellent opportunity to utilise seasonal Bramley apples. These British classics are renowned for their superb cooking qualities, creating a tart, fluffy texture when baked that perfectly complements the sweetness of the flapjacks.
    • Apple flapjacks can easily be customised too. Add in different spices for a warming note, a handful of nuts for crunch, or some dried cranberries for a burst of tartness - the options are endless!

    🛒 Ingredients

    Ingredients for apple crumble flapjacks.
    • Rolled Oats - rolled oats or porridge oats are best for this recipe (jumbo oats are not suitable)
    • Sugar - use a mixture of light brown sugar and demerara for the best taste and texture. You will also need 2 tablespoons of caster sugar to sweeten the apples.
    • Butter - unsalted is best.
    • Golden Syrup - or use honey instead.
    • Cinnamon - a spice that goes really well with apples. You can also swap for mixed spice or ginger.
    • Apples - Bramley apples provide a lovely tartness against the sweet flapjack bars. If you prefer to use eating apples, the flapjacks will be much sweeter in taste.

    🔪 Instructions

    The recipe card with ingredient quantities and detailed instructions can be found at the bottom of the post

    One: Place the chopped Bramley apples into a saucepan with 2 tablespoons of caster sugar and 1 teaspoon of water. Cook on a low heat for 4-5 minutes, stirring often. Set aside.

    Two: In another saucepan, melt the butter, sugars, and syrup on a low heat for a few minutes until combined.

    Three: Take the melted butter mixture off the heat and stir in the oats and cinnamon.

    Four: Press half the mixture into a lined baking tin and press down firmly with the back of a spoon.

    Five: Spread over the apples pressing down lightly with a spoon.

    Six: Top with the other half of the flapjack mixture and firmly press down with a spoon. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes.

    Step by step photo instructions for making apple flapjacks.

    💭 Top tips

    • Always line the tin to prevent the flapjacks from sticking.
    • Firmly pack down the flapjack mixture into the baking tin, to ensure they stick together and don't crumble when cut.
    • Make sure not to overcook your flapjacks. They should be golden brown and still slightly soft in the middle as they will firm up while cooling.
    • Allow the flapjacks to cool completely before cutting them into squares. To speed up the process you can place the baking tin in the fridge for 1 hour.

    🍴 Serving suggestions

    These easy apple flapjacks are perfect for snacks, picnics, and lunchboxes. They also make a delicious dessert with creamy custard or vanilla ice cream.

    📖 Variations

    • Add 75g of dried fruit to the oat mixture. Raisins or chopped apricots would work well.
    • Swap the golden syrup for honey.
    • Love cinnamon. Double the amount!
    • Swap the apples for pears and some chopped stem ginger for delicious pear and ginger flapjacks.
    Apple flapjacks on a wooden board.

    🥡 Storage

    Store your apple flapjacks in an airtight container to keep them fresh and moist. They can be stored at room temperature for a few days, or in the fridge for a week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

    If you prefer your flapjacks warm, just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds before serving. Enjoy them on their own, or with a dollop of Greek yoghurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

    ❓ FAQs

    Why do my flapjacks fall apart?

    Slicing them into bars while still warm can often cause them to fall apart. Instead, if you partially score them and then pop them in the fridge, this will speed up the cooling process and result in solid flapjack bars. Packing the oat mixture down firmly with the back of a spoon in the baking tin before baking, also helps.

    Why do my flapjacks go too hard?

    Over-boiling the sugar, butter and syrup, is one reason for flapjacks being so hard. Simmering the butter-sugar-syrup mixture on a low heat is better. Baking them for too long in the oven can also cause hard flapjacks.

    What type of apples should I use for apple flapjacks?

    Bramley apples are an excellent choice due to their tartness and cooking properties. However, other apple varieties can also be used depending on your taste preference.

    Can I use stewed apples instead of fresh apples?

    Yes, you can. However, it may change the texture of your flapjacks, and you may need to adjust the amount of added sugar, as stewed apples can be quite sweet.

    😋Related recipes

    More delicious flapjack recipes to try!

    • Chocolate Chip Flapjacks
    • Easy Flapjack Recipe
    • Maple Syrup Flapjacks
    • Sticky Date Flapjacks
    • Peanut Butter Flapjacks
    • Biscoff Flapjacks
    • Plum Flapjacks

    More apple recipes

    • Baked Apples with Mincemeat
    • Air Fryer Apple Crumble
    • Sticky Toffee Apple Pudding
    • Eve's Pudding
    • Caramel Apple Pie Bars

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    Recipe

    A stack of apple flapjacks.
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    5 from 5 votes

    Easy Apple Flapjacks

    Sweet syrupy cinnamon flapjacks with a layer of tart Bramley apples! These easy apple flapjacks are just perfect for snacks, lunchboxes, or even served as a simple dessert with custard!
    Course Bars
    Cuisine British
    Keyword apple flapjacks, easy apple flapjacks, moist apple flapjacks
    Prep Time 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 25 minutes minutes
    Total Time 35 minutes minutes
    Servings 16
    Calories 238kcal
    Author Beth Sachs
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • Kitchen Scales
    • Chopping Board
    • Vegetable Peeler
    • Knife
    • Saucepan
    • 20 cm (8'') Square Baking Tin
    • Baking Paper

    Ingredients

    Metric - US Customary
    • 2 Bramley Apples peeled and chopped into small pieces.
    • 2 tablespoon Caster Sugar
    • 1 teaspoon Water
    • 200 g Butter unsalted
    • 5 tablespoon Golden Syrup
    • 50 g Light Brown Sugar
    • 75 g Demerara Sugar
    • 400 g Oats
    • 1 teaspoon Cinnamon

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 180°c (160 fan/ Gas 4/ 350F) and line a 20cm square baking tin with baking paper.
    • Place the chopped Bramley apples into a saucepan with 2 tablespoons of caster sugar and 1 teaspoon of water. Cook on a low heat for 4-5 minutes, stirring often, until the apple starts to soften. Set aside.
      2 Bramley Apples, 2 tablespoon Caster Sugar, 1 teaspoon Water
    • In another saucepan, melt the butter, sugars and syrup on a low heat for a few minutes.
      200 g Butter, 5 tablespoon Golden Syrup, 50 g Light Brown Sugar, 75 g Demerara Sugar
    • Stir in the oats and cinnamon.
      400 g Oats, 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
    • Press half the mixture into a lined baking tin and press down firmly with the back of a spoon.
    • Spread over the apples, pressing them down lightly with your hand or a spoon.
    • Top the apples with the other half of the flapjack mixture, firmly press it down with the back of spoon and bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes.
    • Score into bars lightly then allow to cool completely in the tin. I often place the tin in the fridge for an hour to help the flapjack set.

    Notes

    Top Tips:
    • Always line the tin to prevent the flapjacks from sticking.
    • Firmly pack down the flapjack mixture into the baking tin, to ensure they stick together and don't crumble when cut.
    • Make sure not to overcook your flapjacks. They should be golden brown and still slightly soft in the middle as they will firm up while cooling.
    • Allow the flapjacks to cool completely before cutting them into squares. To speed up the process you can place the baking tin in the fridge for 1 hour.
     
    Variations:
    • Add 75g of dried fruit to the oat mixture. Raisins or chopped apricots would work well.
    • Swap the golden syrup for honey.
    • Love cinnamon. Double the amount!
    • Swap the apples for pears and chopped stem ginger for delicious pear and ginger flapjacks.
     
    Storage:
    The flapjacks will keep for up to 5 days in an airtight container. Alternatively, they can be frozen for up to 3 months.
     
    Nutrition:
    The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
     
    Nutrition Facts
    Easy Apple Flapjacks
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    238
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    8
    g
    12
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    1
    g
    6
    %
    Polyunsaturated Fat
     
    1
    g
    Monounsaturated Fat
     
    1
    g
    Sodium
     
    3
    mg
    0
    %
    Potassium
     
    130
    mg
    4
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    38
    g
    13
    %
    Fiber
     
    3
    g
    13
    %
    Sugar
     
    17
    g
    19
    %
    Protein
     
    6
    g
    12
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    19
    IU
    0
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    1
    mg
    1
    %
    Calcium
     
    34
    mg
    3
    %
    Iron
     
    2
    mg
    11
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Tried this recipe?Snap a pic and tag @effortlessf00d on Instagram or Twitter

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      Easy Golden Syrup Cake Recipe
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      Biscoff Apple Crumble Bars

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Tara Teaspoon

      September 27, 2021 at 1:57 pm

      5 stars
      These are great for kids, but also those of us on the go in the mornings. So taTasty and easy to make. The apple adds wonderful flavor.

      Reply
    2. Michelle

      September 27, 2021 at 2:36 pm

      5 stars
      Loved the flavour from these apple flapjacks -- we've got lots of apples to use, so making this recipe again soon!

      Reply
    3. Toni

      September 27, 2021 at 2:38 pm

      5 stars
      These are amazing! My kids really loved it!

      Reply
    4. Tavo

      September 27, 2021 at 2:39 pm

      5 stars
      It was delicious! I am an apple pie fan, and this recipe truly delivered! So yummy!

      Reply
    5. Emily

      September 27, 2021 at 3:16 pm

      5 stars
      I’m so happy it’s apple season and these apple bars really hit the spot! So flavorful and my kids loved them!

      Reply
    6. Liz

      October 11, 2022 at 3:53 pm

      I took these to an even easier level ( with tiny bit less sugar) I just sliced the Bradley’s ( raw) within the layers of flapjack mix and then put some more sliced on top. They still cooked through and tasted good

      Reply

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    Beth Sachs

    Hi, I’m Beth, a Mum of three (and one crazy dog), living in Cornwall, UK. I love creating easy, delicious and fuss-free recipes, perfect for busy families, just like my own.

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