Healthy Flapjack Recipe: UK's Best!

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Craving a delicious yet guilt-free treat? Look no further! This healthy flapjack recipe is a UK favourite, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without derailing your healthy eating plan. Packed with wholesome ingredients and easy to make, these flapjacks are ideal for breakfast, snacks, or even a post-workout energy boost. Let’s dive into the goodness!

What Makes This Flapjack Recipe Healthy?

Traditional flapjacks can be loaded with sugar and butter. This recipe swaps out some of the less healthy elements for better-for-you alternatives, without compromising on taste.

  • Reduced Sugar: We use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup sparingly.
  • Healthy Fats: Instead of solely relying on butter, we incorporate coconut oil or a nut butter to boost the nutritional profile.
  • Whole Grains: Rolled oats form the base, providing fibre and sustained energy.
  • Optional Add-ins: Seeds, nuts, and dried fruit add extra nutrients and flavour.

Ingredients You'll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these healthy flapjacks:

  • 250g Rolled Oats (use gluten-free if needed)
  • 75g Coconut Oil (or unsalted butter), melted
  • 4 tbsp Honey or Maple Syrup (adjust to your sweetness preference)
  • 2 tbsp Nut Butter (peanut, almond, or cashew butter work well)
  • 50g Mixed Seeds (sunflower, pumpkin, flax)
  • 50g Dried Fruit (raisins, cranberries, chopped apricots)
  • Pinch of Salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for flapjack perfection:

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 160°C (140°C fan/ Gas Mark 3). Grease and line a square baking tin (approximately 20cm x 20cm) with baking parchment.
  2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted coconut oil (or butter), honey or maple syrup, and nut butter. Mix well until everything is smoothly combined.
  3. Add Dry Ingredients: Add the rolled oats, mixed seeds, dried fruit, and a pinch of salt to the bowl. Stir until all the dry ingredients are evenly coated with the wet mixture.
  4. Press into Tin: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking tin. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the tin. A compact layer will help the flapjacks hold together well.
  5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
  6. Cool and Cut: Remove the tin from the oven and let the flapjacks cool completely in the tin before cutting them into squares or bars. This is crucial, as they will be too crumbly while still warm.

Tips for the Perfect Healthy Flapjacks

  • Don't Overbake: Overbaking will result in dry, hard flapjacks. Aim for a golden-brown colour.
  • Customize Your Mix: Feel free to experiment with different nuts, seeds, and dried fruits to create your own unique flavour combinations. Chocolate chips (dark chocolate for a healthier option!) also work great.
  • Storage: Store the cooled flapjacks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Variations to Try

  • Chocolate Chip Flapjacks: Add 50g of dark chocolate chips to the mixture.
  • Apple and Cinnamon Flapjacks: Add a grated apple and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to the mixture.
  • Peanut Butter Flapjacks: Increase the amount of peanut butter to 4 tablespoons for a more intense peanut butter flavour.

Enjoy Your Guilt-Free Treat!

These healthy flapjacks are a fantastic way to enjoy a sweet treat without the guilt. Packed with wholesome ingredients and incredibly easy to make, they’re a perfect addition to your healthy eating routine. So, go ahead, bake a batch and enjoy the goodness!

Call to Action: Tried this recipe? Share your creations with us on social media using #HealthyFlapjacksUK! We’d love to see your variations and hear your feedback.