Jessica Ransom
Our cinnamon flapjacks also contain fresh apples for a satisfying flavour combination that will remind you of a fresh apple crumble.
A flapjack recipe will generally be free from any spices. However, these cinnamon flapjacks are the perfect example of how a dash of spice can massively improve the flavour without increasing the calorie or fat count. For some people, the combination of oats, cinnamon, and apple is nostalgic and will remind them of warm, bubbling apple crumbles. These flapjacks can satisfy those cravings when you’re on the go but could also be served warm as a dessert with cream or ice cream.
Ingredients
- 115g butter or polyunsaturated spread
- 75g demerara sugar
- 3 rounded tbsp golden syrup
- 250g rolled oats (porridge oats)
- 1tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 dessert apples, washed
- 2tbsp sunflower seeds
To decorate:
- 1 dessert apple
- 3tbsp golden syrup
WEIGHT CONVERTER
Method
- Heat the oven to 180C (160C fan, Gas 4). Grease and line a shallow 20cm square tin with parchment or greaseproof paper.
- Put the butter or spread, sugar and golden syrup into a medium pan, heat gently until melted. Remove from the heat. Stir in the oats and cinnamon. Grate the apples, (with skin on) into the mixture.
- Add the sunflower seeds and stir together. Spoon into the tin, level and press the mixture evenly and firmly with the back of a spoon. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden.
- Remove from the oven and cool for 10 minutes then cut into 12-16 pieces whilst still warm.
- To make the decoration, quarter the apple, remove the core and slice thinly. Put the golden syrup into a small frying pan, add the apple slices and poach in the syrup over a medium heat for 3-4 minutes. Cool the flapjack completely before turning out onto a board and cutting again with a sharp knife. Decorate the pieces with syrup soaked apple slices.
Top tips for making cinnamon flapjacks:
Aside from the fact they taste delicious, once you read about the health benefits of cinnamon you’ll want to get baking right away. We also have tips on choosing the best apples and suggestions for if you want to try and blend your own spices.
What are the best apples for baking?
Cooking apples such as Bramley are a popular choice for bakes like pies or crumbles because they hold their shape nicely when cooked and don’t become too mushy. In this recipe you grate the apple so you can use any variety of apple you like, eating or cooking. The flavour and sweetness of apples varies depending on the variety so keep this in mind. If on one occasion you use jazz apples to make the recipe, keep in mind that next time if you use pink lady, the finished flapjacks may taste differently.
Can you grind your own cinnamon?
The simple answer is yes but a couple of pieces of kitchen equipment will make the task easier to complete. If you have a spice grinder you can lightly toast the whole cinnamon sticks in a dry frying pan to increase the intensity of their flavour. Then break them into pieces and insert them in your grinder. You can also use a pestle and mortar to ground down the cinnamon sticks but it will take a lot of time and arm power!
The quickest and easiest way to grind your own cinnamon is to use an electric blender such as a Vitamix. The food processor needs to be very powerful in order to achieve a fine powder. For small quantities, you can use a microplane grater.
What are the health benefits of cinnamon?
Cinnamon is a popular health food which is known to help reduce inflammation and regulate blood sugar levels. Studies have shown that cinnamon can help lower cholesterol levels and support good gut health.
To serve these flapjacks as a dessert, bake them in an attractive oven-to-table dish. Food writer Jessica Ransom likes this one from Le Creuset as it can also be used for other recipes like tray bakes or even serving your roast potatoes in for a Sunday lunch.
Our chocolate flapjacks are a delicious bake if you’re searching for something more indulgent. Nut-lovers should try our peanut butter flapjacks or if you want something a little more traditional, bake our oatmeal bars instead.
