The two things J asks me to make him most days are my chocolate cake and Grandma’s flapjack. Now I love Grandma’s flapjack but it tastes so good and gooey because it is dripping in sugar and golden syrup. It’s not an everday kind of treat and any time I have tried out heathly flapjack alternatives, J has seen straight through them.
Until now!
I am very happy to report that this date flapjack has been a huge hit in our house and J says it is the ‘best flapjack ever’! The dates give the flapjack a lovely caramel taste and texture and it’s perfect for an after school snack or a lunchbox treat. In fact, we’ve eaten it for breakfast too!
I say healthier rather than healthy as this date flapjack still contains dairy free spread and sugar – although less than a third of a regular flapjack – and I have added a tablespoon of golden syrup to try and replicate some of the traditional taste. You could use agave syrup or honey if you wanted it to remain refined sugar free though. I have seen other similar recipes using banana but I have never been able to hide banana in anything for J without him tasting it! Hovever, he has never questioned the dates and they also add to the golden colouring. These really are a great treat for children and adults alike – I’ve had to stop myself eating the whole container while J is at school!
- 150g dates
- 2tbsp maple syrup
- 2tbsp water
- 100g dairy free spread
- 1tbsp golden syrup
- 150g oats
- Blend dates, maple syrup and water together. (Fresh dates work best but if you are using dried, soak them first or add a bit more water.)
- Add to a saucepan with dairy free spread and golden syrup. and melt gently. Mix in oats until fully coated.
- Press into greased tin and bake at 180C for 10-15mins.
This sounds really yummy and fairly simple to put together too!
I can’t stand flapjacks (too sweet, too sticky), but yours look absolutely delicious! I’ll definitely be trying your recipe soon. In fact, I’ve just printed it so I don’t forget (I never do that! That’s how much Im excited about your recipe!). I’ll let you know how I get on. x
I find commercial flapjacks to be way too sweet, but usually the ones I make at home are very different…. probably because of the fruity additions. I love that you have subbed at least some of the usual sugar with natural date sweetening. They still look incredibly gooey and sticky (which is as a good flapjack should be). x
Ooo yummy! I bet these go down well with your readers! My banana and date flapjacks are my most popular recipe and my healthy chocolate ones are pretty close too. People go mad for flapjacks I’ve found!
These sound really yummy, I love the fact there have a low sugar content. My kids would love them:)