Baked, No-bake, and Instant Pot!
No, they are not pancakes but rather a British specialty called flapjacks. It is a little like a granola bar, but flapjacks are a British ‘biscuit’ made with oats and golden syrup light, chewy, and a fantastic source of fiber. Flapjacks can be made in various ways, including the standard oven approach, the Instant Pot method, or even the no-bake method. We hope you like this British flapjack recipe no matter which side of the pond you are on!
The English language fascinates me. Since the 1980s, I have been visiting the United Kingdom, making lifelong acquaintances, and being mentored by a Bath native. I feel right at home in that place. More often than not, it is the case. But I will save that for another time. On vacation to Chichester, West Sussex, I boarded the train from London and discovered Flapjacks there. Driving in the UK is not one of my activities, even though I have spent many years visiting the country. The real reason is not that they drive on the wrong side of the road (queue the moans and eye rolls from my British pals), but rather that I was born without the ability to learn about geography. There is a parking lot that I can not get out of. If you do not live in a castle town, you can always take a train to view the countryside. Regardless of how often you do this, you always wish you did.
An aisle food cart containing beverages, sandwiches, and sweets was wheeled along the aisle by the steward. The individual in front of me ordered a Flapjack from the menu. While ordering pancakes seemed weird, I was surprised to receive a cellophane-wrapped snack that looked like a trail mix. The bar was comprised of oats, melted butter, and Golden Syrup. Of course, I had to find out what it was. I had never heard of Golden Syrup before, but I was persuaded to try it. Well! I could not stop thinking about it. One of the men sitting next to me suggested, “You should try one of these handmade ones.” What I ate was inferior to what his wife could provide.
So when I got back to London, I went to ask my best friend Jane for the recipe for her favorite British breakfast treat, the Flapjack. It was like asking an American whether they had ever heard of Apple Pie when I asked her if she knew what a Flapjack was. I can not get enough of Jane’s culinary skills. After she gave me her recipe, which you can see here, I started preparing it regularly myself. Many people wonder if honey may be used in place of the Golden Syrup. You could, but Golden Syrup has its distinct flavor. This item adds to the authentic British flavor of the dish.
Food blogging has allowed me to share dishes that have had a lasting impact on me. Of them, a Flapjack is one that most of my American acquaintances have never heard of. In addition, I am always on the lookout for new festive dishes. ( Another American-style dish that is delicious, especially if drizzled with Golden Syrup: Spoon-Bread Corn Pudding That is a Dream Come True
There are no coincidences in life, but it turns out that the photographer I work with is British, and she is one of the greatest cooks and bakers in town. The curator of The Salted Mint, Deborah Rainford Thompson, shares her recipe for no-bake Flapjacks, as well as her thoughts on this fantastic treat:
Flapjacks are a popular British leisure meal.
Oatmeal cookies are comfort food in the same way as in the United States. The texture is soft, chewy, and a little sweet.
This is warm and comforting, even on the gloomiest of days, the perfect snack. For grown-ups, a cup of tea is a common add-on.
Because of their simplicity, they are a joy to look at. The basic ingredients are oatmeal, butter, sugar, syrup, and oats. Every British home has these basic grocery goods. Even the most inexperienced cooks can make flapjacks.
I always add a pinch of sea salt to my recipe. There is never enough to count on. Just a tad bit here or there. It helps bring out the maltiness of the golden syrup by balancing out the sweetness.
A high-pitched sweetness is what you would get if you used honey instead of maple syrup in this recipe. Think of sugar as a chorus. Honey has a high soprano, but dark brown sugar has a deep baritone. Somewhere in the center is where golden syrup is found. If you cannot get your hands on golden syrup, dark corn syrup will provide you with the same depth of flavor. Even though it has received a poor nutritional review, I still think these flapjacks are best eaten in little portions rather than in whole trays!
This dish is delicious if you follow the directions exactly; however, it also works well as a no-bake dessert. Bake according to the guidelines, then put in the fridge for at least two hours before serving.
You will need an IP and an oven for the IP version, but it is far more hands-off than the oven-based one. Kitchen-phobic newbie cooks will love this!
Debs, Jane, and I send our best wishes to all of you, wherever you may be in the world.