Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Chocolate & Banana Seed Flapjacks?
They are a soft, chewy British-style treat made with oats, ripe bananas, dark chocolate, and a variety of seeds.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 12 servings.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What type of oats are best for this recipe?
The recipe calls specifically for 3 1/4 cups of quick-cooking oats.
Can I use honey instead of golden syrup?
Yes, you can use either 1/2 cup of golden syrup or a mild honey as the liquid sweetener.
What kind of seeds should I use?
A 1/2 cup of mixed seeds such as pumpkin, hemp, or sunflower seeds works perfectly.
Do the bananas need to be ripe?
Yes, using 1/3 cup of mashed ripe banana provides the best flavor and texture.
How do I prepare the baking tin?
Line an 8-inch square brownie tin with baking paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
What is the first step in the cooking process?
Melt the unsalted butter and golden syrup (or honey) together in a large pot over low heat.
How do I prevent the butter mixture from burning?
Stir the butter and sweetener frequently while melting them over low heat.
When do I add the chocolate chips?
Sprinkle the dark chocolate chips evenly on top of the mixture once it is pressed into the tin, before baking.
How long do the flapjacks need to bake?
Bake them for approximately 20-25 minutes.
How do I know when the flapjacks are finished baking?
They are done when they appear golden brown around the edges.
How long should they cool in the tin?
Allow the flapjacks to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes before lifting them out.
How should the flapjacks be stored?
Once completely cool, store the sliced bars in an airtight container.
Are these flapjacks suitable for a post-workout snack?
Yes, they are packed with energy and seeds, making them a great post-workout boost.
Can I make these vegan?
You can likely adapt this recipe by using a vegan butter substitute and golden syrup or agave instead of honey.
How many ingredients are required?
There are 8 main ingredients: butter, syrup/honey, banana, brown sugar, salt, oats, seeds, and chocolate chips.
What size tin is recommended?
An 8-inch square brownie tin is recommended for this recipe.
Do I need to press the mixture down?
Yes, press the mixture down firmly into the prepared tin to create an even layer.
What kind of chocolate chips are used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips.
Can I use salted butter?
The recipe specifies unsalted butter, but if you use salted, you may want to reduce the additional 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
How many bars should I cut?
You should slice the cooled square into 9 to 12 individual bars.
Is there any sugar besides the syrup?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/4 cup of packed light brown sugar.
What is the texture of these flapjacks?
They are described as soft and chewy with a crunch from the seeds.
Should the butter be melted before adding other ingredients?
Yes, melt the butter with the syrup first, then remove from heat to stir in the other components.
Can I use steel-cut oats instead?
The recipe specifically requires quick-cooking oats; steel-cut oats would be too hard and wouldn't cook properly in this time frame.
Is this a good recipe for kids?
Yes, it is a homemade snack that is generally a hit with both family and friends.
What if I don't have baking paper?
It is highly recommended to use baking paper to ensure you can easily lift the flapjacks out of the tin without them breaking.
Can I add more seeds?
While the recipe calls for 1/2 cup, you can experiment with the ratio as long as the oats are still well-coated by the butter and syrup.