When you think about snacks that strike a balance between indulgence and simplicity, coffee and walnut flapjacks often come to mind. These treats, with their chewy oats and nutty crunch, are more than just a quick pick-me-up; they're steeped in a rich baking tradition. You might wonder how such a straightforward recipe can yield such a satisfying result, or what variations could elevate the classic version. Exploring these aspects could change how you approach your next baking session. What hidden gems might you uncover?
Key Takeaways
- Coffee and walnut flapjacks are a traditional British treat, combining oats, coffee, and walnuts for a chewy snack or dessert.
- The recipe features simple ingredients like butter, sugar, syrup, oats, flour, and walnuts, making it easy to prepare.
- Bake the flapjacks at 190°C (375°F) for about 25 minutes, achieving a golden brown finish.
- Enhance flavor by using freshly brewed coffee in both the flapjacks and the icing.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to one week to maintain freshness.
History
Although coffee and walnut flapjacks may seem like a modern treat, they actually have deep roots in traditional British baking. Originating from simple oat-based recipes in the 19th century, these flapjacks reflect the evolving coffee culture in England during the 18th century, linked to the rise of coffee houses.
You'll find that flapjacks were initially created to use leftover ingredients, with coffee and walnuts enhancing both flavor and texture. As convenience foods grew popular in the 20th century, the recipe gained traction, highlighting oats' health benefits.
Today, you enjoy coffee and walnut flapjacks as a wholesome snack or dessert, showcasing a delightful blend of traditional and contemporary British baking culture.
Recipe
Coffee and Walnut Flapjacks Recipe
Indulging in a sweet treat doesn't have to compromise your love for coffee. These Coffee and Walnut Flapjacks combine the rich flavors of coffee and crunchy walnuts with chewy oats, creating a delightful snack that's perfect for any time of the day.
Whether you need a quick breakfast on the go, a mid-afternoon boost, or a sweet ending to your meal, these flapjacks are sure to satisfy your cravings while providing a burst of energy.
Preparing these flapjacks is a simple and rewarding process. With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up a batch that will impress friends and family alike.
The combination of melted butter, sweet syrup, and robust coffee creates a rich base, while the oats and walnuts add texture and heartiness. Once baked and topped with a luscious coffee icing, these flapjacks become a decadent treat that can be enjoyed throughout the week.
Ingredients:
- 100g butter
- 100g sugar
- 2 tablespoons syrup
- 2 tablespoons coffee (instant or brewed)
- 200g porridge oats
- 50g flour
- 100g walnuts (chopped)
- 50g icing sugar (for icing)
- 1 tablespoon coffee (for icing)
- Walnut halves (for decoration)
Cooking Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) and line a cake tin with parchment paper.
In a saucepan, melt the butter, sugar, syrup, and coffee together over low heat until fully combined.
In a separate bowl, mix the porridge oats, flour, and chopped walnuts.
Pour the melted mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until well combined.
Transfer the mixture into the lined cake tin, pressing it down evenly.
Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
Once baked, allow it to cool before preparing the icing by melting butter with coffee and mixing it with icing sugar.
Spread the icing over the cooled flapjacks and top with walnut halves for decoration.
Extra Tips:
To achieve the best flavor, consider using freshly brewed coffee for the flapjack mixture and icing. The rich, aromatic notes of freshly brewed coffee can elevate your flapjacks to a new level of indulgence. For an exciting twist, try pairing them with a coffee ice cream terrine recipe, which harmonizes perfectly with the warm, buttery pancakes. This delightful combination will not only please your taste buds but also make for a stunning dessert presentation at your next gathering.
Additionally, feel free to adjust the amount of walnuts according to your preference or substitute them with other nuts if desired.
For a more indulgent treat, you can drizzle melted dark chocolate over the flapjacks after icing.
Lastly, remember to let the flapjacks cool completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts and maintain their chewy texture.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to one week. Enjoy your baking!
Cooking Steps
To get started on your coffee and walnut flapjacks, you'll want to preheat your oven to 190°C.
Once that's done, mix your dry ingredients thoroughly before gradually adding the wet ingredients.
This will create a smooth mixture ready for baking!
Step 1. Preheat Oven to 180°C
Preheat your oven to 180°C (or 160°C for a fan oven) before diving into the flapjack preparation. This step is crucial for achieving even baking and helps your flapjacks rise perfectly.
It usually takes about 10-15 minutes for the oven to reach the desired temperature of 190°C. To ensure accuracy, consider using an oven thermometer, as some ovens may not display the correct heat level.
Once the oven's preheated, you'll be ready to pop in your flapjacks, allowing them to develop that lovely golden-brown color. Skipping this step could lead to uneven baking, so don't rush it.
Give your oven the time it needs to get hot, and you'll be rewarded with deliciously baked flapjacks!
Step 2. Mix Dry Ingredients Thoroughly
Before you mix the wet ingredients, focus on getting the dry ones just right. In a large mixing bowl, accurately measure your porridge oats and flour, then add a pinch of salt.
Use a whisk or spoon to thoroughly mix the dry ingredients, breaking up any lumps in the flour for a smooth batter. This step is crucial for ensuring that the flavors, especially from the finely chopped walnuts, are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Once combined, your dry mixture should look uniform and consistent in color, indicating it's well-mixed and ready for the next steps. This attention to detail helps create delicious flapjacks that you'll love to enjoy, especially when you stir into the icing later!
Step 3. Add Wet Ingredients Gradually
With your dry ingredients perfectly mixed, it's time to introduce the wet components. Start by melting the butter along with sugar, syrup, and coffee in a pan until cohesive.
Once melted, gradually incorporate this mixture into the dry ingredients of oats, flour, and walnuts. Stir in the walnuts, mixing gently to avoid overworking the oats, which can lead to denser flapjacks.
Make sure the wet ingredients are fully absorbed before you press the mixture evenly into the lined cake tin. This gradual mixing technique not only helps achieve a consistent texture but also allows the flavors to meld effectively.
Now, you can bake for 25 mins to create those moist and flavorful flapjacks you crave!
Step 4. Pour Mixture Into Baking Tray
Once your mixture is well combined, it's time to pour it into the prepared baking tray.
First, you'll want to lightly grease a 20 x 30cm cake tin or line it with baking parchment to prevent sticking.
Next, use a spatula or your hands to firmly press the mixture into the tin, ensuring it reaches all corners.
It's important to aim for an even thickness across the tray, which helps with uniform baking.
Before you pop it in the oven, gently smooth the top with the back of the spatula for a neat finish.
Make sure your oven is set to 190C/170C fan/gas 5, and you're ready for the next step in your flapjack adventure!
Step 5. Bake for 25 Minutes
Slide the baking tray into your preheated oven, set to 190C (170C fan/gas 5), and let the flapjacks bake for 25 minutes.
You've lined your 20 x 30cm cake tin with baking parchment, which helps prevent sticking, making removal a breeze.
As the flapjacks bake, keep an eye on them—monitor the flapjacks closely during the last few minutes to ensure they don't overcook. You want that perfect golden edge while preserving their chewy texture.
Once the timer goes off, take them out and allow the flapjacks to cool in the tin at room temperature. This step is crucial for easier slicing and serving, so be patient before digging in!
Final Thoughts
As you savor each bite of coffee and walnut flapjacks, you'll appreciate how their delightful combination of flavors and textures makes them a standout treat.
The rich taste of coffee pairs perfectly with the crunch of walnut halves, creating a satisfying experience. If you want to elevate them further, use icing sugar to make a sweet glaze; just melt butter in a pan and mix in coffee before spreading it over the flapjacks.
They're easy to prepare, taking only 15 minutes of prep time, and can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
In the vast and diverse world of coffee, coffee alternatives, and tea, Olivia has found her calling. As an author and a dedicated coffee and tea aficionado, her work for Cappuccino Oracle reflects her profound love and understanding of the intricate complexities found within these beverages. Olivia’s passion for the subject serves as both a catalyst for her creativity and a connection point with her audience.
