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    Home » Recipes » Baked Goods

    Healthy Flapjacks

    By Dannii · Published 6th July 2021 · Updated 6th July 2021 · Leave a Comment · This post may contain affiliate links and generates income via ads · This site uses cookies · Post contains 1515 words. · About 8 minutes to read this article.

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    Fourteen healthy flapjacks with a text title overlay.

    Sweet and slightly chewy flapjacks are probably something you ate a lot of as a kid, I know I did. We have lightened them up by sweetening them with banana and honey for these Healthy Flapjacks. These refined sugar free flapjacks are perfect for lunch boxes and so easy that kids can get involved with making them. There are so many ways to adapt them with your favourite add-ins too!

    Fourteen flapjack bars on a sheet of baking paper.

    First up, I want to be honest with you. These are never going to taste exactly like traditional flapjacks, as they are a healthier version. They don't have that same crispiness and texture, because they don't have golden syrup and brown sugar in. You also don't get that teeth-covered-in-sugar feeling from eating them! If that is what you are looking for, then try our Chocolate Flapjacks recipe.

    However, these are still amazing! You still get that sweetness from the honey and banana and the chewiness from the oats. More like a sweet oat bar, than a traditional flapjack, kids will love these healthy flapjacks and will love mixing everything together and eating the mixture off the spoon.

    Jump to:
    • What you will need
    • How to make healthy flapjacks - Step by step
    • Why should you try it?
    • What are flapjacks
    • Variations
    • What to serve it with
    • Storage
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Extra tips
    • More snack recipes
    • Recipe

    What you will need

    • Oats - We used rolled oats in our flapjacks, as we find that it holds together a lot better. However, you can use whole oats, you will just get a more crumbly texture.
    • Bananas - This is what replaces the butter and adds sweetness. You want really ripe bananas, but not over ripe black bananas. Try to go with ones that have black spots on the peel.
    • Honey - We have given it a little sweet boost with some honey. Try to use the best quality honey you can. To make these healthy flapjacks vegan, swap the honey for maple syrup.
    • Chocolate chips - Whilst these aren't essential, we love them in flapjacks. We have used dark chocolate, as it has such a strong flavour so you don't have to use as much of it.
    • Vanilla - This adds a real depth of flavour to the flapjacks. Use vanilla extract, rather than essence, for a natural flavour.
    • Cinnamon - This adds some warmth to the flapjacks. You could swap it for ground ginger or nutmeg if you prefer.

    A full ingredients list with measurements is in the recipe card below.

    All the ingredients needed for this recipe with text overlay labels.

    How to make healthy flapjacks - Step by step

    One: Preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas 4. Place the bananas in a large bowl and mash until a smooth consistency.

    Two shot collage of bananas in a metal bowl, before and after being mashed.

    Two: Add the oats, chocolate chips, honey, vanilla and cinnamon. Mix well until combined.

    Two shot collage of oats, chocolate chips and honey added to the bowl, before and after mixing.

    Three: Line a 20x25cm (8x10 inch) baking tin and pour in the mixture. Press firmly down and into the corners. Cook for 18-20 minutes. Allow to cool and then cut into bars.

    Two shot collage of a slab of flapjack in a baking tray, before and after cooking.

    Why should you try it?

    • Healthy alternative - These are a lighter version of a traditional flapjack, with only 150 calories per flapjack, compared to over 300 for sugary buttery ones. These are almost fat free, as we haven't used any butter. We have also sweetened it with banana and a little honey.
    • Vegan option - Because these healthy flapjacks don't have any butter in them, they are easy to make vegan. Just swap the honey for maple syrup.
    • Easy - Just 6 ingredients go in to making these and it's as simple as mashing the bananas and then mixing everything together. Kids will love mashing the bananas up and as long as everything else is measured out, then can just dump it in the bowl and mix it up. They also bake in just 20 minutes.
    • Adaptable - Use this recipe as a base and then add in all your favourite flapjack additions. We have given you all our favourite options below.
    • Freezable - This recipe makes 14 flapjacks. If you don't think you will be able to eat them all before they spoil, then pop them in the freezer. This makes them ideal to get out for lunch boxes.

    What are flapjacks

    Just in case there is any confusion (depending on what part of the world you are living in), it's probably best to clear up exactly what flapjacks are. Here in the UK, a flapjack is an oat based bar. Usually rectangular and loaded with sugar, they were a popular bake when we were kids.

    However, in the US, a flapjack is what we would call a pancake. If you are in the US, then these are probably what you would call an oat bar, or maybe a granola bar. Hopefully that clears up any confusion, if you are the other side of the pond.

    Variations

    Flapjacks are so easy to adapt, which is one of the things we love about them. Use this as a base recipe and then feel free to add in all of your favourite ingredients. Although, maybe not all at the same time.

    Some of our favourite add-ins are:

    • Chocolate - we have used dark chocolate, but white or milk works well too. Why not go for a flavoured chocolate like chocolate orange? 
    • Fudge pieces
    • Dried fruit (raisins, cranberries or cherries are all great)
    • Grated apple
    • Nut butter (cashew is our favourite, but peanut and almond both taste good too)
    • Chopped nuts (walnuts and pecans are a favourite)
    • Desiccated coconut
    • Cocoa powder
    A chocolate chip flapjack on some baking paper.

    What to serve it with

    We think these are the perfect afternoon treat with a hot drink. Why not try one of the ones we have on the blog - here are some of our favourites:

    • Cinnamon Coffee
    • Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate
    • Pumpkin Spice Latte
    • Snowman Hot Chocolate
    • Cinnamon Mocha
    • Chai Tea Latte

    Storage

    Store: These flapjacks will keep in an air tight container in the fridge for around 4 days. After that they will start to dry out. You can warm them up in the microwave for 15 seconds if you prefer.

    Freeze: You can also freeze them, individually wrapped in cling film and then put in a ziplock freezer bag, and they will keep in the freezer for about a month.

    Defrost: You can defrost them individually in the fridge.

    A pair of hands breaking a flapjack in half.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Are these flapjacks healthy?

    Healthy is such a subjective word, but we have made a few changes to make these a healthier version of more traditional flapjacks. They don't have any butter or refined sugar, and instead we have used banana and honey. The oats make these a great snack that will help you to feel fuller for longer.
    Oats are super nutritious - they are full of antioxidants and keep your blood sugar steady, which means no sugar spikes and crashes. they are also full of heart-healthy fibre, with each flapjack containing 4 grams of fibre!

    Are these healthy flapjacks vegan?

    To make these vegan, simply swap the honey for a good quality pure maple syrup.

    Are these healthy flapjacks gluten free?

    If you use gluten free certified oats and make sure that there is no other cross contamination, then these flapjacks are a delicious gluten free snack.

    How do I know when the flapjacks are cooked? 

    The flapjacks will still feel soft to touch, as they will harden outside of the oven when they are cooling.

    Extra tips

    • Make sure to pack all the mixture down in to the pan. This will help to keep them together.
    • Leave them to cool completely before cutting. This allows them to firm up and keep their shape.
    • Remember, if you are serving these to children under 1, they can't have honey so you will need to use maple syrup.
    • If you want a chewier flapjack, then blend some of the oats

    More snack recipes

    • Porridge Fingers
    • No Bake Granola Bars
    • No-Bake Chocolate and Peanut Butter Oat Squares
    • Chocolate Flapjacks

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    If you’ve tried these healthy flapjacks, or any other recipe on the blog, then let us know how you got on in the comments below, we love hearing from you!
    Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - we love sharing photos when people make our recipes. You can use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.

    Don't forget to rate the recipe ↓

    Recipe

    Fourteen healthy flapjacks on a sheet of parchment paper.

    Healthy Flapjacks

    These refined sugar free healthy flapjacks are perfect for lunch boxes and so easy that kids can get involved with making them.
    the words low fat in a white circle.
    Low Fat
    An illustration of a v-shaped plant.
    Vegetarian
    4.5 from 8 votes
    Pin Print
    Course: Dessert, Snack
    Cuisine: British
    Prep Time: 2 minutes
    Cook Time: 18 minutes
    Cooling time: 30 minutes
    Total Time: 50 minutes
    Allergen:
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    Dairy
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    Gluten
    Servings: 14 servings
    Calories: 150kcal
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    Ingredients

    • 6 bananas
    • 375 g oats
    • 4 tablespoon honey
    • 75 g chocolate chips
    • 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 0.5 teaspoon cinnamon

    Instructions

    • Preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas 4.
    • Place the bananas in a large bowl and mash until a smooth consistency.
    • Add the oats, chocolate chips, honey, vanilla and cinnamon. Mix well until combined.
    • Line a 20x25cm (8x10 inch) baking tin and pour in the mixture. Press firmly down and into the corners. Cook for 18-20 minutes.
    • Allow to cool and then cut into bars.

    Notes

    • Make sure to pack all the mixture down in to the pan. This will help to keep them together.
    • Leave them to cool completely before cutting. This allows them to firm up and keep their shape.
    • Remember, if you are serving these to children under 1, they can't have honey so you will need to use maple syrup.
    • If you want a chewier flapjack, then blend some of the oats

    Nutritional Information

    Serving: 1flapjack | Calories: 150kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 2mg | Potassium: 282mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 33IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 1mg
    Have you tried this recipe?Mention @hungryhealthyhappy on Instagram and tag #hungryhealthyhappy!
    DisclaimerThe nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
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    Established in 2011, Hungry Healthy Happy has become one of the UK's most popular food and lifestyle blogs, with two successful recipe books published.

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