Protein flapjacks
Discover the joy of a tasty, homemade snack with our protein flapjack recipe. These bars blend the smooth taste of almond butter with the fullness of rolled oats, naturally sweetened with agave syrup. Vanilla and a touch of cardamom add depth, while dried cranberries and freeze-dried strawberries offer a fruity kick. Follow our easy steps to make a batch of these tempting treats that balance indulgence with every bite.
Ingredients
Almond butter
|
180 ml |
---|---|
Agave syrup
|
50 ml |
Vanilla powder
|
1 tsp |
Salt
|
1 pinch |
Ground cardamom
|
½ tsp |
Coarsely rolled oats
|
140 g |
Pumpkin seeds
|
20 g |
Chia seeds
|
10 g |
Cranberries, dried
|
15 g |
Strawberries, freeze-dried
|
10 g |
Instructions
Questions about protein flapjacks
These flapjacks are not only a great source of protein; they're also incredibly easy to grab on the go. New to flapjacks? Not to worry – we've got you covered, from what a flapjack is to how to prepare them and their myriad of uses (apart from being a delicious treat on their own).
What is a flapjack?
What's the ideal way to store flapjacks to keep them fresh?
What is the best way to remove flapjacks from the tin?
What else can I use protein flapjacks for?
Achieving the ideal consistency
Achieving the ideal consistency for your protein flapjacks is crucial for creating bars that hold together well and offer a satisfying texture. Start by thoroughly mixing the almond butter, agave syrup, salt, vanilla powder, and ground cardamom to create a smooth, cohesive base. Gradually incorporate the rolled oats, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, and dried cranberries to ensure even distribution and binding of ingredients.
If the mixture is dry or crumbly, add a small amount of warm water to improve binding and moisture content. Start with a teaspoon of water and gradually add more until you have reached the perfect consistency.
Pressing techniques for even protein flapjacks
When pressing the flapjack mixture into the mould, use a spatula or the back of a spoon to distribute it evenly. Apply firm and even pressure to ensure the mixture is compact, which helps to achieve uniform thickness and texture.
For a more polished finish, you can use a piece of parchment paper to press down the mixture, preventing it from sticking to your hands or utensils. This step is crucial for creating flapjacks that hold their shape and are easy to cut.
Chill your dough for firmness
Chilling the flapjack mixture is essential for achieving the right firmness. After pressing the mixture into the mould, place it in the fridge for at least three hours. This allows the ingredients to set and bind together, making the flapjacks easier to cut and handle. For best results, ensure the mould is covered with plastic wrap or foil to prevent the dough from drying out or absorbing other odours from the refrigerator.
If you're in a hurry, you can place it in the freezer for about 30-45 minutes to speed up the chilling process, but be sure not to freeze the bars completely.
Make your own almond butter for an extra homemade feel
For an extra homemade touch, consider making your own almond butter to use in this protein flapjack recipe. This quick and easy almond butter not only works perfectly for this recipe, but it also adds a personal touch and lets you control the quality and flavour of your ingredients. Plus, it’s a fun and rewarding kitchen project that will elevate your flapjacks to the next level!
Make different shapes for a fun twist
Adding a fun twist to your protein flapjacks is easy by creating different shapes. Instead of the traditional bar shape, use cookie cutters to make fun shapes like hearts, stars, or circles. You can also make mini flapjack bites by pressing the mixture into a mini muffin tin for convenient, bite-sized snacks.
If you prefer a more casual approach, roll the mixture into balls for easy grab-and-go treats. These shape variations not only make your flapjacks visually appealing but also offer versatile options for different occasions, whether it’s a snack for yourself, a treat for kids, or a unique gift for friends and family.
Expert tricks for flapjack perfection
To achieve flapjack perfection in this no-bake recipe, follow these expert tricks to get the best results.
- Mix thoroughly: don’t hesitate to use your hands, making sure that the dry and wet ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Use some of the chia seeds and dried cranberries as a topping: instead of mixing everything into the batter, use a small amount as topping for extra texture and flavour
- Cut with precision: use a sharp knife or pizza cutter, applying a gentle sawing motion. If needed, lightly coat the knife with oil. For even cuts, mark with a ruler before slicing and let the flapjacks warm slightly if too hard.
Chop the ingredients for a smoother texture
Chopping the ingredients finely can significantly improve the texture of your protein flapjacks. Coarsely chop the dried cranberries and pumpkin seeds before mixing them in. For an even finer texture, you can also pulse the dried fruit and seeds briefly in a food processor or blender to achieve finer pieces. You can also do this with the oats, keeping it to a very short blitz for a lighter consistency while still maintaining their hearty texture.