Healthier flapjacks are great any time, and this soft flapjack recipe is totally dairy-free and super tasty. They make a great snack for children and adults pre- or post-workout, or to beat sugar cravings.
We actually do not feel the need to ever buy supermarket flapjacks; these are so satisfying, taste amazing, and are not overly sweet, packed with goodness. In fact, they're the perfect energy boosters, especially for kids who always walk out of school really hungry or us coming out of the gym feeling like we could eat a horse right there and then.
My daughter came back from school yesterday, and she said she really fancied one of my healthier flapjacks. She did not want to get one from school as they are way beyond her sweet taste threshold (good girl!) I was impressed and super proud.
She is 11 years old, and she's going through a growth spurt at the moment (another one) and constantly asking for food as soon as she gets home - all you hear is 'Oh, I need to eat something right now, or I'll die from starvation. Yes, right! Haha.
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How Are These Flapjacks Different?
This flapjack recipe contains some nice organic ingredients; it is refined sugar-free, and in fact, no sugar was added at all. I have added dry pomegranate seeds, turmeric, apples, and all the good stuff. I've added no sugar in this recipe at all, but used a little amount of some beautiful organic honey instead, which I have from my lovely dad.
If you like this recipe, you may also like Easy Protein Brownie Recipe, Baked Apples with Oatmeal, or this delicious Apple, Blueberries And Pomegranate Cake.
Healthy Flapjacks
I know that healthier flapjacks may sound a little unreal, but I will tell you what a healthier flapjack is.
Supermarket ones in general (with some exceptions maybe) contain tonnes of butter, loads of added sugar, and ingredients that aren't always the best for us, especially when you want to stay away from refined sugars and fats.
Homemade flapjacks are usually healthier, firstly because we know what we put in them.
How To Make Easy Flapjacks
Step 1: Place all the dry/solid ingredients in a food processor. Give it a few pulses until well mixed.
Step 2: Lightly grease an oven-proof dish and spoon in the flapjack mixture.
Step 3: Place in the oven and bake until golden brown. When ready, take it out of the oven and allow it to cool completely before serving.
See the recipe card below for all the details.
Variations and Substitutions
- There are plenty of variations you could play with when it comes to flapjacks, you can use syrup and sugar (for a really sweet tooth), raisins, lemon or orange rind (or both), you can use muesli instead of oats, dried cherries, or even glace cherries (if you like them).
- Go totally nuts or coconuts with an abundance of chopped walnuts, almonds, macadamia, cashews, hazelnuts, coconut flakes, or desiccated coconut.
- Add any seeds or even ground flaxseed, which has to be one of my favorites. There is no right or wrong when it comes to flapjacks, agree? It really depends on individual taste and individual thresholds.
- Why not add some sultanas and chocolate drops or chips to make yummy chocolate flapjacks or even covered in chocolate if you like (mmm yummy)?
- Add dates for date flapjacks, fruits like apricots, cherries, peaches, apples, and raspberries;
- Add dry fruits (dried apricots, raisins, dates, figs, cherries, gooseberries, or any homemade jam like these amazing quince jam or elderberry jam.
- Make these flapjacks gluten-free - by substituting the rye flakes with gluten-free, wheat-free, and rye-free alternatives. The best substitutes to maintain the texture and structure of a flapjack are certified gluten-free oats, buckwheat flakes, rice flakes, or quinoa flakes, which are my favorite.
- Make them vegan - substitute the honey with maple or agave syrup, or add date sugar.
Recipe FAQs
They are even better the next day and thereafter for as long as a couple of weeks if kept in an airtight container in the fridge.
Well, I stumbled across them some time ago in my online grocery store, where I buy all my beautiful and, as some of my friends would say, weird ingredients, haha, well, this is one of those 'weird' ones? - they might think so, but…. the benefits from some of these weird ingredients are simply remarkable.
No, rye is not gluten-free, as it contains a type of gluten protein called secalin, which triggers immune responses in people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. If you are gluten intolerant or on a strict gluten-free diet, avoid rye, rye bread, and rye flour.
Yes, you can freeze flapjacks. Simply cut them into squares or desired shapes and place them in an air-tight container or a freezer bag. Remember to line each layer with parchment paper to avoid the flapjacks sticking together. To defrost these, simply take them out of the freezer and leave them to thaw in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.
To make the flapjacks gooey, you will need to add quite a bit of syrup, in which case they will be less healthy, but if you have a really sweet tooth and want them gooey, add 200 ml syrup for 200g porridge, about 200g butter, and brown sugar, approximately 100g.
Tips
* Careful when mixing/pulsing the ingredients so that they do not lose their texture.
* When it comes to honey, of course, it is your call depending on how sweet you would like your flapjacks to be. I have mentioned the quantity in grams. Remember, honey weighs a lot more since it is a lot denser, so I would say 180g of honey would be approximately 125ml or 4fl oz or 6 oz.
* My oven dish was exactly 27x27 cm, and the bars came out to be around 1cm thick, which is about the right thickness so that they do not crumble and fall apart.
* The pomegranate seeds, if you find them too hard, give them a good blend prior to almost powdering them, as they can be a little tricky and hard for teeth.
Other recipes you may like
Let's just get the action started on flapjack making. Yey!
Healthier Flapjacks With Honey And Pomegranate Seeds
Equipment
- oven tray
- spatula
- knife
Ingredients
- 220 g rolled oats I used jumbo rolled oats - organic
- 170 g rye flakes organic
- 180 g honey
- 100 g apple finely chopped
- 50 g desiccated coconut organic
- 45 g dried cranberries chopped
- 50 g pecans or walnuts - chopped and toasted
- 70 g coconut oil plus extra to grease the oven dish
- 40 g sunflower seeds
- 100 g pomegranate seeds
- ½ teaspoon sea salt flakes
- 1 teaspoon turmeric optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven at 180C/350F fan assisted or 200C/400F/Gas mark 4.
- Place all the dry/solid ingredients (jumbo rolled oats, rye flakes, desiccated coconut, dry cranberries, toasted nuts, coconut oil (if solid), sunflower seeds salt, and turmeric powder if you chose to add it) in a food processor. Give it a few pulses until well mixed.
- Add the honey, and coconut oil (if liquid) and pulse a few more times until it has reached the desired texture/grain size.* I personally like the grains to be slightly bigger for extra chewiness.
- Lightly grease an approximately 27x27cm (11x11") * oven-proof dish and spoon in the flapjack mixture. With the back of a strong spoon, press and flatten the mixture uniformly. Use something more squarish like a knife for the corners to press the mixture down nicely.
- At his point you may also want to score it into 16, 20, or 25 squares or rectangles, however big or whatever shape you may like your flapjacks to be/look like.
- Place in the oven and bake for approximately 15-17 min until golden brown. Edges will get browner quick so lower the temperature if this happens too quickly - the whole idea is to dry this slightly not to brown it. When ready, take it out of the oven and allow it to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- use maple syrup or agave syrup to make these a vegan version
Audrey says
I love this recipe! It's so creative. I love how healthy it is, and the fact I could package this up and eat it on the go. Thanks for sharing!
Allyssa says
This is my new favorite recipe! Turned out really delicious and super tasty! Perfect for any gatherings! Will surely have this again! Thanks a bunch for sharing!
Mikayla says
I am fortunate to have ready access to pomegranate seeds each year from my moms tree, making this recipe an easy go to for me for ingredients and for flavor!
My kiddo loved them!
Ramona says
Thank you so much dear Mikayla xx
Heather says
This is such a keeper!! I have made this for my fussy kids and they loved it. The only thing I did not have was the pomegranate seeds but will look for these and add them next time as I feel like I am missing out if I don't, texture-wise but nutrition too. WOW!
Ramona says
Thank you so much dear Heather, thanks so much for your feedback. The seeds would be a great addition if you can find them, if not, do not worry! Add some chia or linseeds.
silvia says
Ramona I love pomegranates and I want to make these so badly. Can I use frozen pomegranate seeds or they need to be fresh?
Ramona says
Hi Silvia, and thank you very much for stopping by.
I’ve never frozen pomegranate seeds but that’s such a great idea. I am pretty sure they work very well in this recipe, I don’t see why not.
Tyanne says
I love the seed idea, I never thought of that before!
Andrea says
these flapjacks are the absolute best! so delicious!
Jan says
Gosh, I couldn't get enough of these. They are so tasty, thanks for a great recipe Ramona
Megan Ellam says
These look so good and I am a huge fan of pomegranate so I will give them a whirl. Thanks for sharing.
nancy says
these granola bars are super tasty! I love the pomegranate seeds - it gives it that lovely tart finish!
Brianna says
We call these granola bars in the US. These look easy to make and very tasty!
Katie Crenshaw says
I love the flavors in these. I can eat them with little guilt! It is a great healthy option for a snack or a light breakfast for when I am on the go.
Hayley Dhanecha says
These flapjacks remind me of my school days, mum used to pack one for me for my break. Would love to have one with dried pomegranate seeds, I bet it tastes so delicious!
Loreto and Nicoletta says
These flapjacks are just what you need to sustain you on a long hard dayscwork. Love all the goodness and health in these. I was feeling so much healthier just looking at the puctures and reading all the good facts. Good on your daughter for picking a healthier choice! Thanks for sharing. Well done!😁😋👌👍❤
Marisa says
Granola bars are my very favorite snack and these flapjacks look just like the bars I make. I don't usually have pancakes in the morning because of the calories and fat. Well, I've printed out the recipe and I'm making them for breakfast tomorrow. I Know I'll love them.
Carmy says
I love all the wholesome ingredients added to your flapjacks! I've never tried they with pomegranate seeds before!
Linda says
I've never tried adding pomegranate seeds into these oatmeal bars and have to say...these bars make a great little snack! Even better because they're also healthy
Natalia says
Thank you so much for this delicious recipe! It's very filling and nutritious and super easy to make too! My kind of breakfast. Highly recommend it! Will surely make these flapjacks with honey again!
veenaazmanov says
Nutty and all the healthy combination to making this amazing snack or tiffin box option ready. I love your recipe. Thanks.
Elizabeth says
Such a perfect breakfast! The whole family devoured these. Will definitely make again!
Jeannie says
Yes, they are healthy! It really seems similar to granola but I love having them before and after my run for a quick bite.
Melinda says
Love, love everything that includes superfoods! My family is going to enjoy every bite and these are a much healthier version of the “pancakes” we normally eat. Thanks for sharing!!
Amanda says
These are such a great little snack. Super easy to make and kept me satisfied.
Alexandra says
What a delicious recipe - these flapjacks are absolutely fantastic. They make such a great, healthy snack and are perfect for those busy mornings when you need to grab something to eat on the run! Love the flavours.
Addison says
I love the combination of flavors here!
Sara says
What a yummy alternative snack! I love it!
Raquel says
Love that these have no refined sugar! A great healthy breakfast.
Julia says
Wow, what interesting ingredients for flapjacks!
Ramona says
Thanks Julia, I hope you’ll try them 😋
Marina says
Absolutely love this recipe, what a healthy snack
Ramona says
Thank you Marina 💞
Jen | Jen's Food Lab says
This looks like a great snack! I had no idea that you could combine all those healthy ingredients together to make something unique. Great to bring on hikes too!
Kushigalu says
What a creative recipe for flapjacks using honey and pomogrenate seeds. This would be a great snack recipe. I will soon try this out. Thanks.
Lathiya says
These looks amazing to have for a breakfast. I just loved how you used the pomegranate seeds in the recipe.
sapana says
They definitley look like a healthy and delicious flapjacks. I am quite intrigued by the use of pomegranate seeds in them.
Beth says
These flapjacks look so wholesome and filling, and I appreciate the suggestion to pulse the pomegranate seeds so that they are not so hard to chew.
Gail Montero says
Hubby is English so he loves flapjacks but not all of them are wholesome so we are glad to find these tasty and healthier version!
Sarah James says
What a great idea to make flapjacks with honey, I like how you use coconut oil instead of butter too. Definitely a healthier version, I can't wait to try your recipe.
Back to the Book Nutrition says
These are amazing and such a hearty breakfast option for weekend mornings. Thank you for the recipe!
Marta says
I'm trying to be better about adding fiber to my diet, so I made these flapjacks this morning. They were a GREAT replacement for the granola bars I was eating, and even my family ate them. I really loved the addition of pomegranate seeds.
Julie@ Running in a Skirt says
What a wonderful recipe! I was looking for some flapjacks with honey and these came out perfect. My twins loved them.
Ramona says
Thanks Julie,
I’m so happy you and your lovely cute twins loved this flapjacks. I have to say they’re the best 😋🙏🏼
Stine Mari says
Those look so healthy and filling while still being super tasty. Never used pomegranates seeds in anything, but they sound like their perfect in these healthier flapjacks!
Maria says
Such a delicious recipe with some great tips for making them!
Ramona says
Thank you, you are so kind!
Maria says
These flapjacks look like such a delicious snack! I love the flavors you have added and it looks like the perfect combination of texture. I'm very impressed that your daughter has the will power with sweets. I hope at that my kids will too 🙂
Ramona says
Thank you so much dear Maria 😉
Taleen | Just As Tasty says
This looks so delicious and healthy! I love pomegranate so I already know I am going to love this. Thanks for the recipe!
Leslie says
Your flap jacks look wonderful. You have added some great nutrition in these! I love this healthy recipe you have created!
Chris says
It was really amazing. This snack is Something else. Really, really good! What a great addition the pomegranate seeds - I did not even know they existed to buy as a separate thing, let alone the benefits. Thanks for sharing. Really nice and healthy way to snack, Ramona!
Albert Venible says
I love your writing style really loving this web site.
Ramona says
Thank you 😉
geetha priyanka says
This organic flapjacks is a great for kids and elders alike as it has honey and pomegranate seeds which is relatively low carbs and a healthier alternative to regular ones.
Ramona says
Thank you Geetha, it is indeed - my kids love it and are kind of ... addicted to those - I am glad since they are so much healthier than the market ones 😉 hope you will make it and greatly enjoy it too.
Julie @ Running in a Skirt says
How yummy is this! I love the oats in it! It sounds like your daughter has a good head on her shoulders! These sound amazing.
Ramona says
Thanks Julie, I know, I am so glad she really has a good head on her shoulders - it really makes me super happy and feel like I have not wasted all these years lol
Nikole says
What a delicious and healthy snack! I think my daughter will love this as an afternoon snack-can't wait to try them out!
Ramona says
Thank you soo much Nikole, I do hope you will enjoy them as much as we do 😉
Beth says
So many great flavors going on in these yummy snacks! We call them granola bars in the US! They are my kids' favorite snack! I love the addition of the rye flakes and the pomegranate seeds.
Ramona says
Thanks my lovely Beth, those are soo good, chewy and healthy, you should defo try those - my kids were not in-love with them to start with because you know.... the sugar levels were not as high as those you can buy on the market but now... they crave those and find the others way too sweet.
Amanda says
In the US, flapjacks is another word for pancakes! These look like granola bars to me. Sound delicious and I learned something new!
Ramona says
Hi Amanda, lol - it is a little different - here we call those cereal/granola bars flapjacks but also cereal bars - it is funny how names differ in different corners of the world - I actually did not realise pancakes are flapjacks in the US, I have learned something new too 😉 Thanks lovely!xox