Jessica Ransom
Apple flapjacks are sweet, chewy, and delicious. They are the perfect recipe for using up apples that are a little bruised or soft for normal eating.
This fruity twist on flapjacks is sure to be a hit with your friends and family. Our apple flapjacks are simple to make so whether you’re a novice baker or need an easy activity the kids can help with, they are a great option. Slice into portions and take them on picnics, to parties or pack into lunchboxes. For the most flavour it’s best to use apples which are in season at the time of baking. In this recipe, you can use cooking or eating apples and shop-bought, home-grown, or foraged apples are all ideal candidates!
Ingredients
- 1kg apples (peeled, cored and grated)
- 40g sugar
- 150g butter
- 70ml golden syrup
- 200g oats
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of ground ginger
WEIGHT CONVERTER
Method
- Heat the oven to 180C (160C fan, Gas 4). Put the apples in a saucepan with the sugar and simmer gently until the apple is soft. You can add a tablespoon of water to help the sugar dissolve.
- Add the butter and golden syrup and mix to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer. Make sure you don’t boil the mixture otherwise it will become thick and result in hard, chewy flapjacks once baked.
- Add the oats, salt and ginger to the pan and stir until coated.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased cake tin (we used a 20cm, 8in square tin).
- Bake in the oven for 30 minutes until lightly golden.
- Cool completely in the tin before turning out and slicing into portions.
Top tips for making apple flapjacks
Apple flapjacks can be eaten and made all year around but you will get even tastier results if made during the British apple season. We have suggestions below for how to make apple flapjacks without golden syrup as well as how to keep them moist.
How can I make moist apple flapjacks?
Using fresh apples will make these flapjacks a moist texture. You can cook them for five minutes less if you want a softer final texture. Also, make sure you do not boil the syrup and butter mixture as this will result in a drier final flapjack.
When are apples in season in the UK?
The British apple season is from late September to October. During these months British apples will taste the best and will be more affordable too. You may be able to forage for apples during these months. You should always forage responsibly and respectfully and only take what you need. You can use cooking or eating apples in this recipe.
How to make apple flapjacks without golden syrup
You can substitute golden syrup for maple syrup or honey if you prefer. It will result in a slightly different taste but will work in a similar way to help bind all the ingredients together. You could also use date syrup. Keep in mind the nutritional information will be different if you use a substitution.
This recipe requires mixing and stirring in several steps and a heat-proof spatula is the perfect tool for this job. Food writer Jessica Ransom says, ‘I love using heat resistant silicone spatulas when I’m cooking or baking as it protects your pans, is sturdy enough to mix, and helps scrape every last drop from the bowl!’
For a more indulgent treat try making our chocolate flapjacks. Alternatively, our healthy flapjack recipe is a great option for breakfast or for an energy boost pre or post-workout. These oatmeal bars are only 153 calories per portion and mummy blogger Anneliese Giggins says they are perfect for lunchboxes or breakfast.
