flapjacks

Flapjack is a term with regional variation in its food meaning. In the United Kingdom and Ireland, flapjacks are baked oat bars made from rolled oats, butter or margarine, sugar, and syrup or golden syrup. In North America, flapjack is another name for a pancake, a soft cake cooked on a griddle.

The UK-style flapjack is typically prepared by melting butter with sugar and syrup, then mixing in rolled oats and optional ingredients such as dried fruit, seeds, or chocolate. The mixture is pressed into a shallow tin and baked until set and golden. After cooling, it is cut into rectangles or squares.

Texture and sweetness vary with the recipe. Oat flapjacks can be chewy or crisp, depending on bake time and the ratio of binder to oats. They remain energy-dense and are often eaten as a snack or portable breakfast.

Pancake flapjacks (the North American usage) are a different dish: a batter of flour, eggs, milk, and a leavening agent cooked on a hot griddle and served with toppings such as syrup, butter, or fruit.

Variations on oat flapjacks include vegan versions using oil instead of butter, gluten-free versions using certified gluten-free oats, and add-ins like nuts, seeds, dried fruit, or chocolate. Proper storage in an airtight container preserves quality for several days; they can also be frozen for longer storage.