These Flapjack Bars are easy to make and brilliant for filling lunch boxes and cake tins. I pack mine full of dried fruit and nuts but one of the best things about this recipe is that it is endlessly adaptable to the ingredients you have in your larder.
These Flapjack Bars are ideal to add to a lunch box or take on a long walk or picnic as they are packed full of energy. Children love the natural sweetness of the ingredients and can also help to make this easy recipe.
What ingredients do I need to make Flapjack Bars?
The main ingredients in the Flapjack Bars are rolled oats, bananas, and peanut butter. You will also need dried fruit such as cranberries or raisins and nuts like pistachios, and almonds. However, you can use any dried fruit and nuts and you can also include seeds.
What kind of oatmeal do I need for flapjacks?
I use rolled oats for the Flapjack Bars. Rolled oats are suitable for making Scottish Porridge (oatmeal), and perfect for making flapjacks. They have recognisable pieces of flattened oatmeal, the very fine powdered oatmeal used for microwave porridge is not suitable for this recipe.
Oats are one of the healthiest grains. They’re naturally gluten-free, a whole grain, and a great source of important vitamins, minerals, fibre, and antioxidants. Oats and oatmeal have many health benefits including lower blood sugar levels and a reduced risk of heart disease.
Why include bananas in flapjack bars?
Bananas add natural sweetness and moistness to these flapjacks. They are a great source of potassium, vitamin B6, fibre and carbohydrate, and some vitamin C. These fruity flapjacks are also a great alternative to Banana Bread as a way to use overripe bananas.
What kind of Peanut Butter should I use?
I use crunchy peanut butter because I like the texture of the crunchy nuts in the butter. However, you can use smooth peanut butter its all a matter of personal taste.
What kind of dried fruit should I use?
I use dried cranberries in this recipe because I like the slight sharpness that they bring to this sweet bake. Use whatever dried fruit you have in your larder. I also make Flapjack Bars with raisins and sultanas and chopped dates.
What kind of nuts can I add to the Fruity Nutty Flapjacks?
I use pistachios and blanced almonds, chopped into small pieces. Hazelnuts would also be a good choice, use walnuts only if you and your family like the taste as not everyone does.
What kind of seeds can I use in the Flapjack Bars?
Seeds are a great addition to oaty flapjacks. I like to use sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds and linseeds. Seeds are great sources of fibre. They contain monounsaturated fats, polyunsaturated fats and many important vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
What can I substitute for Agave Syrup?
I use agave syrup in this recipe, however, you can sweeten the recipe with honey, maple syrup, or golden syrup. If you are interested in finding out more you can read about Agave syrup in this BBC Good Food article.
Can I make the Flapjack Bars dairy-free?
Yes, you can make the Flapjack Bars dairy-free by replacing the butter with coconut oil. Like butter, coconut oil is firm at room temperature so your Flapjack Bars will hold together. Coconut Oil also gives a nice taste of coconut to the bars.
These Flapjack Bars are not a low-calorie option, but they do contain natural ingredients. If you read the ingredients on most commercial flapjacks you will be horrified to see just how processed they actually are. At least if you make them yourself you will know exactly what you are eating. If you are concerned about the calories, cut the bars into smaller pieces.
More Flapjack Bar Recipes
More Oat Recipes
Flapjack Bars with Fruit & Nuts
Ingredients
- 125 grams (4.5 oz) of butter or coconut butter
- 150 grams (5 oz) dark brown muscovado sugar
- 125 grams (4.5 oz) crunchy peanut butter
- 2 (2) ripe bananas
- zest of an orange
- zest of a lemon
- 75 grams (3 oz) Agave syrup
- 250 grams (3 cups) rolled oats
- 150 grams (1 cups) dried cranberries or other dried fruits
- 100 grams (3.5 oz) pistachio nuts roughly chopped
- 50 grams (2 oz) almonds roughly chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 160C
- Line a 30cm x 20cm (11″ x 7″) baking tray
- Put butter or coconut butter, peanut butter, sugar, agave syrup and citrus fruit zests in a pan and heat gently until the sugar has dissolved.
- Mash the bananas and add to the mixture.
- Put all the dry ingredients in a large bowl, add the wet ingredients and stir until thoroughly mixed.
- Press the mixture into the tin.
- Bake for 30 minutes until golden brown.
Camilla says
These flapjacks look totally lush Janice, thanks for linking them up to #CreditCrunchMunch;-)
Janice Pattie says
That was quick, Camilla! Always a pleasure to join CCM.
Kellie@foodtoglow says
Oh Janice,these look scrummy! Love the addition of crunchy peanut butter.
Janice Pattie says
Thanks Kellie, I’ll need to start making my own peanut butter like Camilla!
Helen @ Fuss Free Flavours says
Flapjacks are just the perfect easy thing to make. All those lovely oats and so adaptable too. thanks for sharing with #CreditCrunchMunch
Choclette says
Haha, snap Janice. I made peanut butter flapjacks a couple of days ago – not in my Thermocook though. I’ve never used peanut butter in flapjacks before and now I’m wondering why ever not – they are delicious. Yours look perfect.
Janice Pattie says
Thanks Choclette, I think the peanut butter creates a great texture, not too chewy as some can be.
Karen says
I do love a good flapjack and this batch looks very tasty and just the job to accompany a culpa.
Janice Pattie says
Thanks Karen, indeed they are excellent with a cup of tea or coffee.
Lucy @ BakingQueen74 says
These flapjacks look amazing! As we may have a peanut allergy in our youngest, I will try them with almond butter instead. Love flapjacks and using the Thermocook to make them sounds so convenient!
Janice Pattie says
Thanks Lucy, I’m sure any kind of nut butter would work equally well.
Kate | The Veg Space says
These look so lovely Janice! Haven’t tried flapjacks in my ThermoCook but what an excellent idea, will definitely be giving this a try.
Janice Pattie says
Thanks Kate, so many uses for the ThermoCook!
Manjiri Chitnis says
I love carrying some home made flapjacks when we go on our long weekend strolls, these look so yummy and the gizmo seems to make a quick job of it , such a cool piece of equipment!
Janice Pattie says
Thanks Manjiri, these are ideal to keep you going on a walk or day out and really easy to make.
janie says
Yum! I reeeeeeeally need to go and eat breakfast now – my tummy is growling at me 😀
Janie x
amy says
These look absolutely delicious! What a great breakfast!
Janice Pattie says
Thanks, they are very moreish.