Banana flapjacks are a wonderfully simple and wholesome treat that combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the hearty texture of oats. Perfect for breakfast, snacking, or even as a light dessert, banana flapjacks are both nutritious and satisfying. Their chewy consistency and sweet, fruity flavor make them a favorite among kids and adults alike. They’re also a great way to use up overripe bananas and can be easily customized with your favorite add-ins like nuts, seeds, or chocolate chips. Whether you’re looking for a quick bake or a healthy snack to take on the go, banana flapjacks are a must-try recipe that’s as easy as it is delicious.
What Are Banana Flapjacks?
In the UK, the term ‘flapjack’ refers to a baked oat bar, often made with butter, golden syrup, and sugar. When bananas are added to the mix, you not only enhance the flavor and sweetness but also reduce the need for added sugar. Banana flapjacks are soft, chewy, and naturally sweet, with a rich banana flavor that pairs beautifully with oats and optional spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.
Why Make Banana Flapjacks?
- They’re easy to make with pantry staples.
- They’re ideal for breakfast, snacks, or lunchboxes.
- They’re naturally sweetened with ripe bananas.
- You can customize them with healthy ingredients.
- They freeze well and can be made in large batches.
Essential Ingredients
This basic banana flapjack recipe uses simple ingredients you likely already have at home. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 large ripe bananas (the riper, the better)
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (or coconut oil)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
These ingredients form the base of the banana flapjack, but the recipe is flexible. You can enhance it by adding extras such as chopped nuts, raisins, shredded coconut, or dark chocolate chips.
How to Make Banana Flapjacks
1. Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F) and lining a square baking dish (around 8×8 inches) with parchment paper. This will make it easy to remove the flapjacks once baked.
2. Mash the Bananas
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas using a fork or potato masher until smooth. The bananas should be soft and creamy, as they serve as the main sweetener and binder in the recipe.
3. Melt the Butter and Combine
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Pour the mixture over the mashed bananas and stir to combine.
4. Add the Oats
Stir in the rolled oats and a pinch of salt, mixing well until all the oats are evenly coated with the banana mixture. The mixture should be thick and sticky. If it feels too dry, you can add a splash of milk or an extra banana.
5. Add Optional Mix-Ins
This is the time to fold in any extras you like. Some popular additions include:
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or almonds
- 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds or flaxseeds
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
These add-ins provide flavor, texture, and added nutrition to your banana flapjacks.
6. Press into Pan and Bake
Spoon the mixture into your prepared baking dish and press it down firmly using the back of a spoon or spatula to create an even layer. This helps the flapjacks hold their shape when cut. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are slightly crispy.
7. Cool and Slice
Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the flapjacks to cool completely in the pan. This step is crucial, as they continue to firm up as they cool. Once set, lift out the parchment paper and slice the flapjacks into bars or squares.
Tips for Perfect Banana Flapjacks
- Use very ripe bananas the ones with lots of brown spots for the best natural sweetness and moisture.
- Don’t overbake. The flapjacks should still be slightly soft in the center when they come out of the oven.
- Let them cool completely before cutting to avoid crumbling.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the basic banana flapjack recipe, try experimenting with these variations:
Peanut Butter Banana Flapjacks
Stir in 1/4 cup of peanut butter with the mashed bananas for a protein boost and rich, nutty flavor. You can also use almond butter or sunflower seed butter as alternatives.
Banana Coconut Flapjacks
Add 1/4 cup of shredded coconut for a tropical twist. You can even use coconut oil instead of butter to enhance the coconut flavor.
Chocolate Banana Flapjacks
Mix in 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder and a handful of dark chocolate chunks for a chocolaty treat. Perfect for dessert or a sweet snack.
Vegan Banana Flapjacks
Replace the butter with coconut oil and use maple syrup instead of honey to make this recipe completely vegan. It still delivers great taste and texture with plant-based ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
Banana flapjacks are delicious on their own, but they can also be served in creative ways:
- With a dollop of Greek yogurt and fresh fruit for breakfast
- Drizzled with almond butter or honey for a quick snack
- Crumbled over ice cream or yogurt parfaits for added crunch
- Wrapped in parchment paper for a healthy on-the-go energy bar
Health Benefits of Banana Flapjacks
Banana flapjacks are not only tasty but also offer a range of health benefits. Bananas are high in potassium, vitamin B6, and dietary fiber, making them excellent for energy and digestion. Oats are a source of slow-releasing carbohydrates and are known to support heart health and blood sugar regulation. When sweetened naturally and made with healthy fats, banana flapjacks become a balanced and nourishing option for those seeking homemade snacks.
Making banana flapjacks at home is an easy and rewarding experience that yields delicious, wholesome results. With just a few basic ingredients and a simple baking method, you can create a snack or breakfast bar that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or explore creative variations, banana flapjacks are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. They’re perfect for busy mornings, school lunches, or simply when you want a sweet treat that you can feel good about eating.