If you’re looking for a treat that perfectly balances chewy oats, tropical coconut, and bursts of sweet cherry, then you’re going to fall head over heels for this Cherry and Coconut Flapjacks – Sweet Oat Bars Recipe. These flapjacks are comfort food at its finest, delivering warmth and a fantastic texture with every bite. Whether you need a crowd-pleasing snack or a homemade energy boost, these oat bars blend simple pantry staples into something truly memorable and utterly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic in this recipe lies within its straightforward ingredients. Every component plays a vital role: the porridge oats create that hearty chew, desiccated coconut adds a lovely texture and a hint of tropical sunshine, and the golden syrup and brown sugar come together to give natural sweetness and that classic flapjack chewiness.
- Porridge Oats: The chewy base that holds everything together and lends a wholesome texture.
- Desiccated Coconut: Adds subtle coconut flavor and an appealing, slightly crunchy texture.
- Unsalted Butter: Gives richness and moisture, helping bind the bars perfectly.
- Golden Syrup: A natural sweetener that contributes to that classic sticky flapjack consistency.
- Light Brown Soft Sugar: Provides deep molasses notes, rounding out the sweetness beautifully.
- Glacé Cherries: Bursts of fruity sweetness that contrast wonderfully with the oats and coconut.
How to Make Cherry and Coconut Flapjacks – Sweet Oat Bars Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 160°C (320°F) so it’s ready when you are. This gentle heat will help the flapjacks cook evenly, forming a perfect golden crust without drying them out.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix the porridge oats with 120 grams of desiccated coconut. This blend creates the hearty texture and introduces the lovely coconut flavor into every bite — don’t skip this step, it’s essential for the perfect flapjack crumb.
Step 3: Add the Cherries
Chop the glacé cherries into small pieces and fold them into the oat and coconut mixture. Breaking up any clumps ensures the cherries spread evenly, so every bar will have delightful pops of fruity sweetness scattered throughout.
Step 4: Melt the Wet Ingredients
In a small saucepan, gently melt together the unsalted butter, golden syrup, and light brown soft sugar. Low heat is key here — you want the ingredients fully combined and smooth without burning, which would ruin the delicate flavors.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the melted mixture over the oat, coconut, and cherry bowl, then mix everything thoroughly. This step is crucial for binding all your ingredients together, so take your time to ensure the wet ingredients coat the dry ones evenly.
Step 6: Press into the Tin
Line a 23cm baking tin and press the flapjack mixture firmly inside. A good, even press helps the bars hold their shape after baking and creates a nice dense texture.
Step 7: Sprinkle Coconut Topping
Scatter the remaining desiccated coconut over the pressed mixture for a beautiful finishing touch that adds a golden, toasted layer when baked.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake your flapjack slab for 30 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is a gorgeous golden brown. This slow baking helps the bars set without becoming hard or crumbly.
Step 9: Cool and Slice
Once out of the oven, allow the flapjacks to cool completely in the tin. They will be soft initially, but cooling lets them firm up nicely. When cool, lift out the slab and slice into your favorite bar size.
How to Serve Cherry and Coconut Flapjacks – Sweet Oat Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Try dusting the top of your bars with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate to add a touch of elegance and extra sweetness. Toasted coconut flakes on top can also enhance the texture and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
These oat bars pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon snack. For a heartier option, serve alongside some fresh fruit or yogurt, turning them into a delicious breakfast treat or a wholesome dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the flapjacks into bite-sized squares and serve them on a pretty platter for parties or packed lunchboxes. You can also sandwich a bit of cream cheese or nut butter between two bars for an indulgent yet simple dessert sandwich.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These flapjacks keep wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. The flavors actually develop more as they sit, making each bite more delicious than the last.
Freezing
If you want to keep them longer, wrap individual bars tightly in cling film and freeze in a sealed container for up to three months. They thaw quickly and maintain their chewy texture perfectly.
Reheating
For a warm treat, pop a flapjack in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm gently in a low oven. It revives that soft, gooey texture and makes them feel freshly baked again.
FAQs
Can I substitute the glacé cherries with fresh or dried fruit?
Absolutely! Dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots work beautifully here. Fresh cherries might add too much moisture, so if using fresh, reduce the syrup slightly to balance.
Is it possible to make these flapjacks gluten-free?
Yes! Just make sure to use certified gluten-free oats to avoid any gluten contamination. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I use a different type of sugar?
Light brown soft sugar is ideal for its moisture and flavor, but you can experiment with muscovado or even coconut sugar for a different taste profile. Just remember it might affect the texture slightly.
What’s the best way to cut the flapjacks without them crumbling?
Make sure the flapjacks have cooled completely before slicing. Use a sharp knife and press firmly; if crumbly, chilling the slab for a bit longer can help.
How do I make these flapjacks more nutritious?
Try adding a handful of nuts or seeds like almonds, chia, or flax seeds to boost the nutrition and add even more texture to your bars.
Final Thoughts
This Cherry and Coconut Flapjacks – Sweet Oat Bars Recipe is an absolute delight to make and share. Its blend of familiar comfort with fruity brightness is nothing short of addictive. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to these wonderfully chewy, sweet oat bars that will brighten any day.
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Cherry and Coconut Flapjacks – Sweet Oat Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cherry and Coconut Flapjacks are sweet, chewy oat bars infused with the tropical flavor of desiccated coconut and studded with juicy glacé cherries. Perfect as a snack or dessert, these flapjacks combine wholesome porridge oats with buttery golden syrup sweetness, baked to a golden brown perfection.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 330 g Porridge Oats
- 160 g Desiccated Coconut (divided: 120 g for mixing, 40 g for topping)
- 200 g Unsalted Butter
- 170 g Golden Syrup
- 200 g Light Brown Soft Sugar
- 150 g Glace Cherries, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 160°C (320°F) to prepare for baking the flapjacks.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 330 g porridge oats with 120 g of desiccated coconut, mixing thoroughly to evenly distribute the coconut.
- Prepare the cherries: Chop 150 g of glacé cherries into small pieces, then add them to the oat and coconut mixture, breaking up any clumps for even fruit distribution.
- Melt wet ingredients: In a small saucepan, gently melt together 200 g unsalted butter, 170 g golden syrup, and 200 g light brown soft sugar over low heat until smooth and fully combined.
- Combine wet and dry: Pour the melted buttery syrup mixture into the bowl with the oat, coconut, and cherry mix, stirring well until all ingredients are evenly coated and combined.
- Press into baking tin: Line a 23cm baking tin with parchment paper, then press the flapjack mixture firmly and evenly into the tin to ensure a compact slab.
- Add topping: Sprinkle the remaining 40 g desiccated coconut evenly over the top of the pressed mixture to add texture and flavor.
- Bake: Place the tin in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is a golden brown color, indicating the flapjacks are cooked through.
- Cool in tin: Remove the flapjacks from the oven and allow the slab to cool completely in the baking tin; it will be soft when hot but will firm up as it cools.
- Slice and serve: Once firm and cooled, carefully lift the flapjack slab from the tin, slice into 20 portions, and serve or store as desired.
Notes
- Ensure the flapjacks cool completely before slicing to avoid crumbling or breaking apart.
- Store flapjacks in an airtight container to maintain freshness and chewiness.
- Glacé cherries can be substituted with dried cranberries or raisins if preferred.
- Pressing the mixture firmly into the tin helps maintain the bars’ shape after baking.
- If you prefer a crunchier texture, bake towards the longer end of the 30-40 minute range.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
