These Healthy Vegan Flapjacks are the ULTIMATE Breakfast on-the-go. Simply make them in advance (maybe on a Sunday afternoon?) and enjoy lovely, moist and nutritious vegan flapjacks all week!
British flapjacks are a type of sweet tray bake made from rolled oats, butter, and golden syrup, and they are often served as a snack or dessert. The origin of the term “flapjack” in the UK is a bit unclear, as the word has different meanings in different parts of the world.
In the US, “flapjack” is another term for a pancake, so it can be a bit confusing for Americans when they encounter British flapjacks (which are quite different). However, in the UK, the term “flapjack” has been used to describe a type of dense, chewy oatcake since at least the early 17th century.
One theory behind the name is that it comes from the old English word “flap” or “flip,” which was used to describe a type of flat cake that was flipped over during cooking. Over time, this term may have evolved into “flapjack” to describe a specific type of cake made from oats.
Another theory is that the name comes from the word “flap,” which was used to describe a type of pancake that was flipped over during cooking. Since British flapjacks are also cooked in a pan and flipped over to cook both sides, this could be another possible origin of the name.
The true origin of the term “flapjack” in the UK is uncertain, but it has been used to describe this type of oatcake literally for centuries!
Anyway, enough history. Let’s get to my Healthy Vegan Flapjacks!
Is Flapjack a UK Thing?
Yes, flapjack is definitely a UK thing (but it should be an everywhere thing).
For those of you who don’t know (which I still find crazy), flapjack is a popular sweet treat that is commonly enjoyed as a snack or dessert (or in this case, as a healthy vegan breakfast). Flapjack is a type of oat bar that is made by mixing rolled oats with butter, sugar, and syrup, and then baking it in the oven until it is golden brown. The result is a dense, chewy, and slightly crispy bar that is ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS.
Oh, and they’re usually made with additional ingredients such as nuts, seeds, and dried fruits to add even more texture and flavour.
Let Me Tell You About These Super Healthy Vegan Flapjacks
Made with ripe bananas, creamy nut butter, and a touch of cinnamon, my healthy vegan flapjacks recipe is a healthier twist on the classic. I’ve added in a variety of nutritious ingredients, including seeds, dried fruit, chia seeds, and ground flaxseed, to give this super healthy flapjack a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavour in EVERY SINGLE bite. I’ve also used coconut oil and maple syrup for natural sweetness and healthy fats.
These really are perfect for a quick breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even a pre-workout boost. These vegan flapjacks are the perfect treat for any time of day. And with no dairy, eggs, or refined sugars, they’re a tasty option for anyone following a plant-based diet!
What Kind of Oats Do You Use For Flapjacks?
To make these healthy vegan flapjacks, unless dietary restrictions stop you, you should use rolled oats (also known as ‘old-fashioned’ oats). Rolled oats are flat, flake-like grains that are made by steaming and rolling oat groats, which are hulled oat grains. Rolled oats are often used in baking and cooking because they cook faster than whole oat groats and have a softer texture.
You can use either regular rolled oats or quick-cooking rolled oats to make flapjacks, depending on your preference. Quick-cooking oats are more finely chopped than regular rolled oats, which means they cook faster and may result in a slightly different texture in your flapjacks. However, both types of oats will work well in flapjacks and will give you that classic chewy texture. It’s important not to use instant oats, as they have been processed further and will not hold their shape as well when baked.
How To Make Healthy Vegan Flapjacks
If you’re looking to make my healthy vegan flapjacks, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Bananas: Bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture to the flapjacks. They also contain potassium, dietary fiber, and various vitamins.
- Nut Butter (Peanut Butter): Nut butter adds creaminess, flavor, and healthy fats to the recipe. Peanut butter is a good source of protein and healthy monounsaturated fats.
- Coconut Oil: Coconut oil contributes healthy saturated fats and helps bind the ingredients together when melted. It also adds a hint of coconut flavor.
- Maple Syrup: Maple syrup is a natural sweetener that adds sweetness to the flapjacks. It’s a source of sugars and provides some minerals and antioxidants.
- Cinnamon: Cinnamon adds warmth and depth of flavor to the flapjacks. It also has potential health benefits, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the other ingredients.
- Rolled Oats: Rolled oats are a staple in flapjacks and provide a good source of complex
carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and some protein. They give the flapjacks their characteristic texture. - Dessicated Coconut: Desiccated coconut adds texture, flavor, and a touch of natural sweetness to the flapjacks.
- Seeds (Sunflower and Pumpkin Seeds): Seeds add crunch, healthy fats, and a dose of nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and various vitamins and minerals.
- Dried Fruit (Dried Cranberries): Dried fruit adds natural sweetness, chewiness, and a burst of flavor. Different dried fruits can provide various vitamins and minerals.
- Chia Seeds or Ground Flaxseed: Chia seeds or ground flaxseed serve as binding agents and also provide additional omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and some protein.
Healthy Vegan Flapjacks
Ingredients
- 2 small bananas
- 4 tbsp nut butter (I used peanut butter) Use tahini for nut-free option
- 65 grams coconut oil melted
- 80 ml maple syrup
- 1.5 tsp cinnamon
- 1 pinch salt
- 135 grams rolled oats
- 2 tbsp dessicated coconut
- 65 grams seeds of choice – I used sunflower and pumpkin seeds
- 65 grams dried fruit of choice – I used dried cranberries e.g. raisins, chopped dried apricots
- 2 tbsp chia seeds or ground flaxseed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180C and line an 8.8” square tin with baking paper. Mash the banana in a medium sized bowl. Mix in the nut butter/tahini, melted coconut oil and maple syrup.
- Stir in the cinnamon, pinch salt, oats, dried fruit, dessicated coconut, seeds and flax/chia and mix until well combined.
- Press this info your lined tin, flatten with the back of a spoon and and place in the oven to bake for 25-27 minutes.
- Remove and leave to cool for 10-20 minutes. Carefully remove from the tin (using the baking paper) and slice into squares or bars – whichever you prefer! Store in an airtight container.
What is Flapjack Called in America?
In America, flapjacks are typically referred to as pancakes. The term flapjack is more commonly used in the United Kingdom and other parts of the world to refer to a type of oat bar or dense, chewy cake made with rolled oats, butter, and sugar. In the US, flapjack can also refer to a type of flat cake made with cornmeal and served with molasses or syrup, but this is not as common as the use of the term pancake.
Why Do My Homemade Vegan Flapjacks Fall Apart?
There are several reasons why your homemade vegan flapjacks may be falling apart:
Lack of binding agents: Traditional flapjacks usually contain eggs and butter which help to bind the ingredients together. In vegan flapjacks, you need to use alternative binding agents such as mashed bananas, applesauce, nut butter, flax seed eggs, or chia seeds to hold the ingredients together.
Over-mixing: Over-mixing the ingredients can cause the flapjacks to become crumbly and fall apart. Mix the ingredients until they are just combined to avoid over-mixing.
Too little or too much liquid: The consistency of the batter is important for holding the flapjacks together. If the batter is too dry, it can crumble, and if it’s too wet, it won’t hold its shape. Make sure you measure the ingredients accurately and add enough liquid to create a moist but not too runny batter.
Baking time: Over-baking the flapjacks can cause them to become too dry and fall apart. Keep an eye on the flapjacks in the oven and remove them as soon as they are golden brown on top.
Cooling time: Let the flapjacks cool completely before cutting them into squares. This will allow them to set and hold their shape.
Are Flapjacks Healthy?
While traditional flapjacks can be a delicious and satisfying treat, they are most definitely not considered to be a ‘health food’. Flapjacks are usually made with a combination of rolled oats, butter, sugar, and syrup, which can make them high in calories, sugar, and fat.
That being said, these healthy vegan flapjacks are definitely on the healthier side (hence the name!). They are a great source of dietary fibre, protein, and complex carbohydrates, without all of the sugar!
Love Flapjacks? Want Something a Little Different?
IF you love my healthy vegan flapjacks, why not try my Vegan Chocolate Chip Flapjacks? or my Easy Vegan Flapjacks? or maybe my Millionaire’s Squares?
