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    Home ยป Recipes ยป Home Baking ยป Home Baking Cakes and Biscuits

    Easy Healthier Flapjacks

    Published: Feb 17, 2022 ยท Updated: Jan 20, 2025 by Neil 10 Comments

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    Jump to Recipe
    Overhead view of a plate of three easy to make healthier flapjacks. Pin title text overlay at top.
    A board of 9 healthier flapjacks. Pin title text overlay at top.

    These easy healthier flapjacks are made with less butter and honey instead of syrup. They're perfect for kids lunch boxes or enjoying with a cuppa!

    Easy healthier flapjacks recipe baked and cut into nine squares on a board. Jar of peanut butter and jar of honey in the background.

    These easy healthier flapjacks are made with honey and peanut butter.

    They're a twist on my delicious chocolate peanut butter raisin flapjacks.

    In that recipe chocolate helps to bind it together. But as we know, chocolate can contain lots of processed sugar.

    In this healthier flapjacks recipe, the binder is made by combining less butter than a traditional flapjacks recipe with honey and sugar-free peanut butter.

    So I've ommited the chocolate and the golden syrup. Making these refined sugar free flapjacks and a more healthy flapjack recipe with natural sugars.

    You'll definitely want to add this healthier version to your list of baking recipes.

    Oh and if you're looking for another easy flapjack recipe or healthier snack then why not try out my no bake cranberry flapjacks or cherry bakewell flapjacks?

    Three easy healthier flapjacks on a plate with the rest of the flapjacks cut on a board at the top with a bottle of vanilla extract in between.

    Flapjacks are an extremely popular traybake recipe.

    You'll only need 6 simple wholesome ingredients and a square pan to make this healthy flapjacks recipe. Less ingredients if you want to omit some (see below).

    Then just 10 minutes prep time and 30 minutes cooking. So total time 40 minutes overall to make.

    You could even add in some dried fruits and nuts if you wanted to in order to make this simple recipe more of a healthy snack option for young children!

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Step By Step Instructions
    • Substitutions
    • FAQ's
    • Equipment
    • ๐Ÿ“‹ Easy Healthier Flapjacks Recipe
    • Nutrition Label
    • Rate The Recipe

    Ingredients

    • Unsalted Butter
    • Smooth Sugar-Free Peanut Butter
    • Honey
    • Porridge Oats
    • Salt
    • Vanilla Extract

    See recipe card for quantities.

    Step By Step Instructions

    Butter, peanut but and honey placed in a large saucepan.
    • Preheat the oven to 180C. Grease and line the bottom and sides of an 8" / 20cm x 20cm square baking tin with greaseproof / parchment paper.
    • In a large saucepan over a low heat, place the unsalted butter, peanut butter, and honey.
    Butter, peanut butter and honey all melted together in a large saucepan.
    • Stirring constantly, allow these to melt and infuse together. Remove from the heat.
    Oats, salt and vanilla extract placed into pan.
    • Add oats, salt and vanilla extract into the pan.
    Oats, salt and vanilla stirred into the butter, peanut butter and honey mixture.
    • Stir the oats, salt and vanilla extract into the melted honey butter mixture ensuring the oats are well coated.
    Oats coated mixture pressed into square baking tin.
    • Scrape the contents of the saucepan into the prepared tin and press down all over with the back of a spoon ensuring an even covering.
    Easy healthier flapjack uncut slab fully baked in baking tin. Ready to remove and cut.
    • Bake for 20-25 minutes in preheated oven until golden brown.
    • Leave in the tin placed on a wire rack to cool completely. Or score 9 squares and place the square tin in the fridge to quicken the cooling process.
    • Once cooled carefully remove the oat slab from the baking tray, place on a wooden board and cut into 9 squares.

    Substitutions

    • Unsalted Butter - you could use baking margarine or vegan butter.
    • Smooth Sugar-Free Peanut Butter - make sure you use smooth peanut butter. If you can't get sugar free this will alter the calorie content.
    • Honey - a budget runny honey is fine. You could use maple syrup or agave syrup.
    • Porridge Oats - a budget bag of breakfast porridge oats is fine. Don't use quick cooking oats. It's rolled oats you want to use here.
    • Salt - you can omit this if you want to. I just use plain cooking salt.
    • Vanilla Extract - you can omit this if you want to, but it does help to add the sweet flavours in the absence of actual sugar.
    Birds eye view of three easy healthier flapjacks on a plate with the rest of the flapjacks on a chopping board with a knife at top.

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    FAQ's

    How long do flapjacks last?

    The flapjacks will keep in an airtight container for up to 10 days. They are best kept cool and can be stored in the fridge which will help them hold their shape.

    Why have my flapjacks fallen apart?

    Slicing them into squares whilst they're still warm can often cause them to fall apart. Instead, score the slab in the tin into 9 squares and then place the tin in the fridge. This will cool them quicker and help them hold their shape.

    Why are my flapjacks dry and crumbly?

    If the mixture continues to be crumbly then you may have to increase slightly the amount of honey in the mixture.

    Can I freeze flapjacks?

    You can freeze flapjacks. Wrap each square in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer. Ensure it's thoroughly defrosted before eating.

    Are flapjacks healthy for you?

    A traditional flapjack will usually contain high levels of sugar, syrup and butter. Whilst those amounts are reduced or removed in these are healthier flapjacks they should still be enjoyed as a tasty treat in moderation.

    Equipment

    The following links and any links in the recipe card below are affiliate links – which means that if you click on it and then buy that product I’ll get a small commission (at no extra cost to you of course).

    If you do click through then thanks for being a part of Neil’s Healthy Meals!

    I use this 8" (20cm x 20cm) square cake pan for this recipe.

    It's great value for money and a kitchen essential.

    Made with goldflon non stick coating it prevents food from sticking to the pan. 

    Easy healthier flapjacks recipe baked and cut into nine squares on a board. Jar of peanut butter and jar of honey in the background.
    Print Recipe Save Recipe Saved Recipe!
    4.93 from 13 votes

    📋 Easy Healthier Flapjacks Recipe

    These easy healthier flapjacks are made with less butter and honey instead of syrup. They're perfect for kids lunch boxes or enjoying with a cuppa!
    Prep Time10 minutes mins
    Cook Time30 minutes mins
    Course: Home Baking
    Cuisine: British
    Servings: 9 squares
    Calories: 224kcal
    Author: Neil

    The following links and any links in the recipe card below are affiliate links.

    This means that if you click on it and then buy that product I’ll get a small commission (at no extra cost to you of course).

    If you do click through then thanks for being a part of Neil’s Healthy Meals!

    Equipment

    • 20cm x 20cm square cake tin
    • Saucepans
    • Kitchen scale
    • Measuring spoons
    • Chopping board
    • Kitchen knives
    • Spatula
    • Wire baking rack

    Ingredients

    • 80 g unsalted butter
    • 150 g smooth sugar-free peanut butter
    • 200 g honey
    • 250 g ordinary porridge oats
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
    Metric - US Customary

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 180C. Grease and line the bottom and sides of an 8" / 20cm x 20cm square baking tin with greaseproof / parchment paper.
    • In a large saucepan over a low heat, place the unsalted butter, peanut butter, and honey. Stirring constantly, allow these to melt and infuse together. Remove from the heat.
    • Stir in the oats, salt and vanilla extract and mix well together.
    • Scrape the contents of the saucepan into the baking tin and press down all over with the back of a spoon ensuring an even covering.
    • Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
    • Once cooked remove from oven and leave in the tin placed on a wire rack to cool completely.
    • Once cooled carefully remove the oat slab from the tin, place on a wooden board and cut into 9 squares.
    • The flapjacks will keep in an airtight tin for up to 10 days.
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Nutrition

    Calories: 224kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 19mg | Sodium: 223mg | Potassium: 226mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 222IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 2mg

    Nutrition Label

    Nutritional information provided below is calculated using paid for online tools and the exact ingredients and quantities used above.

    Nutrition Facts
    📋 Easy Healthier Flapjacks
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 224 Calories from Fat 135
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 15g23%
    Saturated Fat 6g38%
    Trans Fat 1g
    Polyunsaturated Fat 2g
    Monounsaturated Fat 5g
    Cholesterol 19mg6%
    Sodium 223mg10%
    Potassium 226mg6%
    Carbohydrates 43g14%
    Fiber 4g17%
    Sugar 20g22%
    Protein 8g16%
    Vitamin A 222IU4%
    Vitamin C 1mg1%
    Calcium 24mg2%
    Iron 2mg11%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

    Rate The Recipe

    If you’ve made this healthier flapjacks recipe, or any other recipes on Neil's Healthy Meals, then please let me know.

    I’d love to hear what you think of my recipe in the comments below and please do rate my recipe 5* if you like it! 🙂

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. David @ Spiced

      February 17, 2022 at 1:11 pm

      5 stars
      Here in the States, flapjacks usually refer to pancakes...so I was expecting to see a big stack of pancakes when I opened up this post! I love this recipe, Neil - it sounds kinda like baked oatmeal bars. I could see this being a great mid-afternoon snack. In fact, I should make a batch and send them with Robbie for his kindergarten snacks next week. Thanks for the idea and recipe, my friend!

      Reply
      • Neil

        February 18, 2022 at 6:01 am

        Ha ha! Yeah I nearly ordered flapjacks when I was in the U.S. a few years ago for an afternoon snack, until I realised I'd be getting a huge pile of pancakes. Which I didn't want in the middle of the afternoon! Robbie would love these and I'm sure he would share them with his kindergarten friends.

        Reply
    2. Charlie DeSando

      February 17, 2022 at 9:36 pm

      5 stars
      Neil, those look fantastic. It may be on the menu here soon!

      Reply
      • Neil

        February 18, 2022 at 6:02 am

        Thanks Charles. Hope you get a chance to make and enjoy them. They're excellent!

        Reply
    3. EASYFOODSMITH

      March 21, 2022 at 10:17 am

      5 stars
      The healthier flapkack version sounds perfect for snacking. And I especially loved the addition of peanut butter.

      Reply
      • Neil

        March 21, 2022 at 1:20 pm

        Thanks. Yes adding the peanut butter adds a different touch to all the other flapjack recipes out there I think!

        Reply
    4. Ellys

      September 27, 2022 at 4:05 pm

      5 stars
      Absolutely LOVE these. The exact kind of thing I was looking for! These are so nicely sweet from the honey and PB but not too "sugary" sweet (naturally, with the lack of sugar) which is exactly what I was hoping for with a healthier recipe. So easy and cheap to make. I will definitely be swapping these out for my shop bought flapjacks. I also melted some dark chocolate on top as a wee addition!

      Reply
      • Neil

        September 27, 2022 at 4:35 pm

        Hi Ellys. Wow, what can I say that's amazing feedback! Thank you so much for taking the time to make and rate my recipe with such a nice comment. I'm glad it was exactly what you were looking for and that you added your own twist with a little melted dark chocolate on top too! Lovely!

        Reply
    5. Georgia

      February 20, 2025 at 9:53 am

      5 stars
      Tried these flapjacks yesterday and they were a huge hit! Thereโ€™s only a few squares left. Theyโ€™re just the right amount of sweet but the peanut butter adds a delicate saltiness which breaks through perfectly! Theyโ€™re the perfect little snack to have with a nice hot drink. Thank you for this recipe.

      Reply
      • Neil

        February 21, 2025 at 5:16 am

        Thanks Georgie thatโ€™s great to hear! ๐Ÿ˜Š Iโ€™m so glad the flapjacks were such a hit! The balance of sweetness and peanut butter saltiness is one of my favourite things about them too. Enjoy the last few squares (if they havenโ€™t disappeared already!), and thank you for your lovely feedback!

        Reply
    4.93 from 13 votes (8 ratings without comment)

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    Hello there! Iโ€™m Neil. Since 2014 Neil's Healthy Meals has been providing delicious quick healthy recipes and fabulous cheesecakes based on the 80/20 rule for eating. Helping you live a diet free lifestyle. One where you can still enjoy cake! Learn more here

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