Traditional British Chocolate Flapjacks

British traditional chocolate flapjacks are a family favourite quick and easy bake which uses everyday pantry vegan-friendly ingredients. These chocolate flapjacks are sweet, oaty, and chocolatey, with soft, chewy, crumbly moist insides and crispy edges. So delicious with a cup of tea, coffee or chilled plant-milk.

British flapjacks may be known as oat bars or granola bars over in the US however even though granola bars are pretty similar they usually contain nuts and seeds whereas flapjacks are just oats. British flapjacks are also similar to oat slices and muesli bars although flapjacks are generally softer and more moist on the inside compared to a drier muesli bar.

The origins of British Flapjacks

The term flapjacks has been around since at least 16th century Britain but was used to describe a kind of pancake or tart and not the British oat flapjack that is baked and sliced into bars.

The word "flapjack" was first used in print in 1530, and it is thought to have come from the Old English word "flæp", which means "to flap". This may be because the original flapjacks were made by flattening a dough of oats, butter, and sugar and then cooking it on a griddle.

Collinsdictionary.com has two definitions for flapjack, one outlining a flapjack as ''thick biscuits made from oats, butter and syrup'' and the second ''thin flat circular pieces of cooked batter made from milk, flour and eggs''. The second sounds very much like a Scotch pancake or an American style pancake. Also Shakespeare used the term flapjack in his play "Pericles, Prince of Tyre", but was referring to a kind of pancake, not the modern oat-based snack.

Are flapjacks a Scottish bake?

Many consider flapjacks a Scottish bake but they have been popular for centuries in other parts of Britain as well so it is difficult to claim oaty flapjacks as exclusively originating in Scotland even though oats have been a very important crop in Scotland for many centuries.

Scotland and oats

Historically, Scotland's cooler climate and more rugged terrain made it difficult to grow wheat, but oats were hardy enough to thrive in these conditions and as a result, oats became a crucial part of the Scottish diet.

In the past, oats were commonly used in Scotland to make porridge, bannocks (a type of flat round bread), and oatcakes. They were also used in skirlie and haggis, two traditional Scottish dishes, and in various forms of ale and beer.

While many other grains like wheat, corn, and rice dominate in other parts of the world, oats hold a special place in Scottish food history and culture due to their adaptability to the Scottish climate and terrain.

Some food historians muse that the flapjack evolved from an earlier form of Scottish flat oaten bread called oatcakes or perhaps bannocks, that were both baked on a griddle over an open fire, a cooking method which was popular in both Scotland as well as England.

Incidentally, England also has a type of traditional oatcake called a Staffordshire Oatcake or known as just an oatcake if your a local, but these are thin and can be folded over like a pancake, more similar to the historical pancake style flapjacks, and nothing like the crisp biscuit texture of a Scottish oatcake or British flapjack.

Modern British flapjacks

The modern British flapjack, made from oats, butter, and sugar or syrup, likely came into being sometime in the 19th or early 20th century with some older recipes calling for black treacle or molasses instead of the golden syrup commonly used today. But overall, the simple, rustic nature of the ingredients used in flapjacks lean more to their evolution in more of a rural, farmhouse or country cottage origin.

So whilst flapjacks are popular throughout the UK, and are available in many Scottish bakeries, tearooms, and cafes, they don't have a uniquely Scottish origin like certain other traditional Scottish bakes such as Shortbread, Border Tart, or Dundee cake.

Flapjacks in the US

In the United States, the term "flapjack" is commonly used as a synonym for a pancake. American pancakes, or flapjacks, are typically made from a batter that includes flour, eggs, and milk or buttermilk, which is then cooked on a hot surface such as a griddle or frying pan. The batter often includes a leavening agent like baking powder to make the pancakes fluffy.

American pancakes are usually served for breakfast, often in stacks, and are typically accompanied by a variety of toppings, including butter, maple syrup, fruit, and whipped cream. The term "flapjack" is less commonly used than "pancake," but in certain regions or contexts, it's the preferred term.

Incidentally, if you are looking for an easy vegan pancake recipe then do check out our Traditional Vegan Pancakes and our Vegan Chocolate Chip Pancakes which produce a nice pile of thick style Scotch pancakes or American style pancakes.

How to prepare British chocolate flapjacks

Chocolate flapjacks are a quick bake as its just a case of melting the margarine, sugar and syrup together, stirring through the vanilla, and then mixing it all through the oats and chocolate chips before baking for 20-25 minutes.

First, add the margarine, brown sugar and golden syrup to a saucepan.

Over a low heat melt and stir the ingredients into a smooth liquid.

Stir through the vanilla.

Add the rolled or porridge oats to a mixing bowl.

Pour and scrape the melted liquid into the oats and mix well.

Add the chocolate chips or drops and quickly stir through. If your kitchen is very warm the chocolate chips may melt into the oats but if it is quite cool they may stay firm.

[I baked the batch photoed above while it was 25 degrees Celsius outside and the chocolate drops melted almost as soon as they were opened! We have baked previous batches where the chocolate drops remain mostly solid even during baking!]

Bake for 20-25 minutes until firm and the sides look slightly crisp.

Check fan ovens at the 20 minute stage.

Slice into squares whilst still warm and leave in the baking pan until completely cool.

Recipe notes and FAQ's

Storage

Chocolate flapjacks will keep fresh for up to 4 days, if kept wrapped in parchment paper or kitchen foil and placed within a covered container. Store in a cool, dry place or if your kitchen is very warm store within the refrigerator.

How long can I store flapjacks for?

1. Cool the flapjacks completely before storing.
2. Store within an airtight container so that the flapjacks stay at their best for longer.
3. If you need to stack the flapjacks, place a layer of parchment or wax paper between each layer to prevent them from sticking together.
4. Store for 4-5 days in a cool, dry place, the pantry or a kitchen cupboard away from the stove or dishwasher is ideal.
5. If its during the warmer months consider storing the flapjacks, well wrapped, within the refrigerator as this will prevent any chocolate from melting or the flapjack texture becoming too soft.

Can I freeze flapjacks?

Yes, flapjacks cope well with being frozen and thawed to room temperature before eating. Wrap each flapjack individually in food wrap or place them in a freezer bag or container, separated by parchment paper and keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

More easy vegan teatime bakes:

One of my family's favourite pastimes is enjoying a home-baked vegan treat and a nice cup of tea or coffee! It's the simple but traditional bakes that are the best. We particularly like a slice of this Teatime Malt Loaf as its a deliciously old-fashioned bake that has similar notes to Soreen fruity malt loafs so is especially nice spread with some vegan butter, mashed banana, peanut butter, or fruit jam. Malt loaf is also an ideal breakfast time bake.

And one or two of these wee Granny Cakes are just utterly delicious and kind of like Old-Fashioned Queen Cakes. And another one of our favourites is a batch of these Scottish Shortbread Biscuits or Shortbread Rounds which are perfectly at home sitting in a biscuit or cookie tin and will delight your visitors with their crisp, buttery and vanilla flavours.

And, if your aiming to impress bake a batch of these rustic Vintage Scottish Treacle Scones which are amazing spread with vegan butter and a dollop of your favourite fruit jam.

For more tasty vegan bakes that are perfect for teatime, afternoon tea, high teas, breakfast time, or just for chilling out and snack time, check out our growing collection of traditional Vegan Baking Recipes.

***please note: for US measurements click the 'US customary button' within the recipe and the measurements will switch to tablespoons, cups, and ounces.***

📖 Recipe

Prepared our delicious Vegan Classic British Chocolate Flapjacks? Do let us know how you got on with the recipe as we love hearing from you. Thanks so much, Jacq x