Aromatic cinnamon, sweet sultanas and soft apple - these apple flapjacks are unbelievably good. In fact they're dangerously moreish - just try to make them last longer than a day or two! But do you know what the best part is? Despite tasting almost exactly like apple crumble they're free from added sugar and are sweetened by fruit alone.
Why you should make these healthy apple flapjacks
The main reason why you should make my apple flapjacks is that they are absolutely delicious. They really do taste a lot like apple crumble and you won't miss the sugar at all.
I've made these for a lot of people - both kids and adults - and they always love them.
These apple flapjacks are a really great choice for children, and anyone else who is looking to reduce their sugar intake. They're great for picky eaters too, especially those who don't eat much fruit.
They're a perfect after-school snack, or dare I say it - way to change up breakfast. Anyone else stuck in a big old breakfast rut? We certainly are, with my big kids refusing to eat porridge and only wanting breakfast cereal. And this is having an effect on Little S, who is becoming more aware that his siblings often eat differently to him.
How is this healthy flapjack different to a traditional flapjack?
If you're used to a traditional flapjack sweetened with golden syrup then I need to warn you that these won't taste the same. You could always add a little honey or maple syrup to make them sweeter. Over time I've got used to my food tasting less sweet.
It can only be a good thing for my kids to enjoy food that is less sweet - especially as they aren't all that keen on vegetables and do love sweets, chocolates and cakes when they can get their hands on them. I've made these sugar free flapjacks many, many times and my three children all gobble them up every time.
They're also a much softer texture than traditional flapjacks, which makes them ideal for kids.
They're also amazing when served warm from the oven for dessert.
If you're using olive oil be aware that you can taste it in the flapjacks - this isn't a bad thing, but if you're not that keen on the flavour, then consider using a different kind of oil or melted butter instead.
Do you need to add the flax seeds?
The flax seeds (also known as linseeds) are optional. They're not essential but they are really good for you so adding them in adds some extra nutritional value to these flapjacks.
Can you make these apple flapjacks with the kids?
Absolutely! This recipe is a great one to bake with the kids.
Toddlers can help to mix and stir.
Slightly older kids can peel, chop and mix everything together
How to make naturally sweetened apple flapjacks
If you've made this recipe please a leave a star rating and comment below. Thank you
Please do not reproduce this recipe without permission.
Naturally sweetened apple and sultana cinnamon flapjacks
Ingredients
- 2 large cooking apples approx cooked weight 300g
- 1 tablespoon water
- 120 ml oil light olive oil, coconut or vegetable, dairy free spread or butter (melted if using butter or coconut oil)
- 50 g ground almonds
- 200 g porridge oats* use gluten free oats if necessary
- 1 tablespoon flaxseeds (linseed) optional
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 60 g sultanas
Instructions
- Grease and line a 20cm square baking tin with baking paper. Pre-heat the oven to 180°C (fan)/200°C/gas mark 6.
- Peel, core and chop 2 cooking apples. Place in a saucepan with 1 tablespoon water. Cook over a low heat for 10 minutes, until soft and breaking up. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking. Once soft bash with the back of a wooden spoon or mash to break down.
- Transfer to a mixing bowl then stir in 120ml oil, 50g ground almonds, 200g oats, 1 tablespoon flaxseeds, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and 60g sultanas. Mix thoroughly and transfer to the prepared tin.
- Press down until the surface is even and bake in the oven for 25 minutes until golden on top.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the tin before chopping into squares.
Notes
- You'll need to use small porridge oats for this recipe. Jumbo oats won't hold together in the same way.
- Nutritional information is approximate and is intended as a guide only.
Nutrition
Pin naturally sweetened apple flapjacks for later
HAVE YOU TRIED THIS RECIPE?
If you loved this recipe why not let me know by leaving a rating and comment below? Alternatively you can let me know on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.
KEEP IN TOUCH
Subscribe to get recipes and news straight to your inbox. Read more about Sneaky Veg
Angi
Hi can you freeze these?
Mandy Mazliah
Hi Angi, yes you can freeze them - just put a bit of baking paper between each one to stop them sticking together.
Bug
I'm back again after making this recipe several times. It is foolproof and delicious. I'm about to embark on a possibly very foolish attempt to make some alterations lol (swapping out the oil for something lighter) so I thought I better review it before I start making changes. Absolutely love this flapjack and adore how healthy it is
Mandy Mazliah
Lovely to hear how much you've enjoyed it - come back and let us know how your alternations go
Bug
I used an equal amount of plain, fat free yogurt. It's slightly drier than normal so I'll probably try again with a little extra yogurt (or maybe I just had smaller apples than normal?) But it's still absolutely delicious (and ended up being around 88 calories for 1/16th!)
Mandy Mazliah
Sounds like a good substitution - thanks for coming back to share
Lesley Taylor
I'm back to make this recipe a second time. I've been looking for recipes to use up a glut of apples. We think these flapjacks are delicious, husband loves them and we both really like that they are not too sweet, I have added a small amount of honey but thats all . This time I have replaced the almonds with coconut . worked really well too.
great recipe thank you.
Mandy Mazliah
Glad you love them Lesley!
Holly
Thank you for sharing this recipe. My son (10) and I made these this afternoon and you’re right, they’re totally moreish! There are only four squares left! We added more cinnamon and more raisins and a few chopped dates. Really lovely and just the right amount of sweetness - didn’t taste too sticky sweet like most flapjacks do (in my opinion). Thanks again, I’ve already shared the recipe with my mum to bake with my nieces!
Mandy Mazliah
So glad you enjoyed them Holly!
Suzie
Oh my goodness, AT LAST!!! I have been looking for a flapjack-type recipe for I think actual YEARS that genuinely has NO sugar in it but holds together as a coherent slice and THIS IS IT.
I find it so intensely frustrating that "no sugar" usually means they've just put half a jar of honey in instead. Honey is a sugar! So is maple syrup! So I've tried so many recipes that have either been sugary (and expensive!) with pseudo-subtitutes or just been plain horrible.
I made this without the sultanas or seeds and to be honest they did lack a little something in that every bite was a bit samey and plain, but I have lots of ideas about mix-ins I can add - will definitely try sultanas, also frozen blueberries! Walnuts and pumpkin seeds would be great too. Looking forward to trying a big heap of gingerbread spices too. Kids loved them with a big dollop of Greek yoghurt on top as well as wrapping them up to take for on-the-go snacks. (They don't fall apart when held one-handed by a toddler!)
Absolutely cannot rate these highly enough. Looking forward to trying your banana chocolate ones too.
Mandy Mazliah
Thanks so much for such a lovely review Suzie - let me know how your adaptations turn out
Gill
I’ve stored mine in the fridge, 2 weeks and counting. Helps keep things cool in a lunch box too.
Mandy Mazliah
Great idea
Barbara
These little flapjacks are really nice, and good to find a healthy recipe for apples in the autumn. I used 2.75 oz of butter instead of oil, and a half tsp of mixed spice as I'm not fond of cinnamon. We just take them out of the freezer as wanted, and warm them in the microwave.
Mandy Mazliah
So glad you enjoy the flapjacks Barbara
Raych
Mandy once again your brilliant ideas have worked a treat! I twisted this to fit my non dry fruit eating kid by blending the sultanas with the apple after cooking both....used chai seeds and coconut not almonds due to school nut free. They've had a fab response from the whole family.....our windfall apples will be put to good use!!
Thanks so much for your inspiration x
Raych
Mandy Mazliah
So glad you enjoyed them Raych!
Josie
Thee really are delicious, I grate the apple and put it straight into the mixture, I also add a handful of cranberrys. my little one is 10 months and loves a slice for breakfast but the whole family love them!
Mandy Mazliah
So glad you loved them Josie!
eeveebee
I had to give up sugar for a time due to a health problem and discovered these. I love them and now bake them every week. They are unbelievably moreish. I use butter and add a range of nuts, dried fruit and seeds depending what I have in. walnuts, dates, raisins, sesame seeds and desiccated coconut go really well. Thanks for this wonderful recipe!
Mandy Mazliah
So glad to hear that you loved them! They're one of our favourite recipes too.
Alice
Kids loved this, thank you!
Mandy Mazliah
This is one of my favourite recipes - so glad your kids enjoyed it
Lisa
I rarely comment on recipes but this one is fab, I exchanged the apples for bananas (mashed) and it was lovely, really liked the coconut taste, highly recommended. Going to try cranberries in the next batch. Thank you
Mandy Mazliah
Hi Lisa - so glad to hear that you enjoyed these and that they work with bananas too
Susan
These are perfect if you are looking to reduce your sugar intake or are doing a sugar-free challenge. Mine held together perfectly and were a big hit with my 1 year old nephew too. Am going to swap the raisins for apricots next time and freeze a batch for handy snacks.
Mandy Mazliah
I'm so happy to hear that you loved these Susan - they're so good! Apricots sounds like a good idea.
Lou
Absolutely delicious! Just made a batch ready for school lunches as we're really trying to reduce our plastic usage as well as eat more healthily. I made these with some windfall apples and added some sunflower seeds. So glad I've found your site, there are some beautiful recipes on here - you should be super proud of your hard work. Thank you xx
Mandy Mazliah
Hi Lou - so glad you liked them - they sound delicious with the windfall apples. Hope the kids like them too!
Cheeky mouse
Tasty, but just a pile of crumbs. Followed the recipe using butter. Disappointed as I wanted a recipe without sugar.
Mandy Mazliah
Sorry to hear that they didn't work for you Gill. I've made these many, many times and I know a lot of other people have too and enjoyed them.
Mandy Mazliah
Hi Gill - as per our email conversation I made the flapjacks again today and weighed the apples. The unprepared weight was 475g and once peeled, chopped and cooked they weighed 300g. I've added this in to the recipe.
Farah
Just made a batch adding apricots,raisins along with a banana,they turned out really tasty but a lot softer than normal flapjacks. I will definitely be making them again , need to cut down on my sugar intake, these flapjacks will help with the sugar cravings!
Mandy Mazliah
That sounds delicious Farah - glad you enjoyed
Gill
Hi just thought I’d update you - I actually blitz the oats to almost a flour and it works well. I’ve even used left over muesli or granola, as long as you grind it up very small it works. Was helpful that you added the Apple quantities too. Nice soft and not too sweet flapjack- beats the over sweet, over processed shop ones! 😁
Mandy Mazliah
I often blitz oats to use in recipes too - works well doesn't it. Glad you enjoy them Gill
Lizzie
Thanks! And how long would you say they last for? (Obviously if they are not eaten all ok day 1)
Mandy Mazliah
They should keep for 3-4 days in an airtight container
Lizzie
How do you store these? Have just made a batch and we love them! Going to try them with pear too!
Mandy Mazliah
Hi Lizzie, so pleased you like them! I usually let them cool then stir in a cake tin or tupperware, or sometimes I freeze them for lunch boxes
Ayla Bowes
How many calories do they have? X
Mandy Mazliah
Hi Ayla, I don't have a calorie counter set up here but I just checked on my fitness pal for you and it estimates 249 calories if you cut them into 12 portions.
Claire
Would these work without the ground almonds? Or with an alternative? I work in a school and want to make them with a children but not allowed nuts in school! Will try at home before anyway but wondered whether you had any recommendations!
Mandy Mazliah
Hi Claire, yes you can - I have made them before with extra oats instead of the ground almonds and I think they'd also work with ground sunflower seeds but haven't tried this. Let me know how you get on!
Emma
The bottom was raw, so leave to cook a bit longer. Was very nice though, if you are using for slimming world it's 5 Healthy Extra B for all of the flapjack
Mandy Mazliah
Yes it can vary depending on apples, individual ovens etc. Glad you enjoyed it
Angela Entwistle
I love flapjacks Mandy, and the idea of incorporating some apple and cinnamon in them makes them sound even more inviting to me.Angela x
Mandy Mazliah
Thanks Angela - these are softer than a traditional flapjack but still delicious and even better, healthy!
Kendra
These sound delicious! A snowy day for baking sounds nice:)
Mandy Mazliah
Oh Kendra, we haven't had a snowy day for years!!!
Hijacked by Twins
These look so good Mandy. These need to be made both the kids and us adults would love them! Thank you for sharing with #CookBlogShare x
Mandy Mazliah
Thanks so much Kirsty x
Eb Gargano
I love this idea! It's great to have something like this that the kids love, but you know is good for them. I'm so with you on the less sugar thing - it's amazing how your tastebuds change after a while of cutting back on sugar. I actually find lots of things I used to love way too sweet now. Having said that, I did make a cake that just didn't have enough sugar in it this week! I was trying to make it low sugar, but I think I went a bit far!! Eb x
Mandy Mazliah
Oh yes I've had quite a few fails on the no added sugar front too - some things have had to go straight in the bin!
Corina
These look yummy and are exactly the type of healthier recipe I like to try out on my kids as an after school snack. Me and my daughter will probably love them but my little boy is a bit pickier where sweet things are concerned.
Mandy Mazliah
It's impossible to please everyone isn't it Corina! Although on this occasion all of my kids did like these.
A Fresh Legacy
This is the perfect after-school recipe. Thanks for sharing.
Mandy Mazliah
Thanks so much!
Karen Sherwood
These look delicious. My little guy would gobble these up!
Mandy Mazliah
Thanks so much Karen - hope he enjoys them if you make them x
Natalia Stasenko, RD
Love the recipe! My kids love flapjack and I think they will enjoy the softer texture. Thank you!
Mandy Mazliah
Thanks so much Natalia - yes I think the softer texture works well with kids but adults enjoy them too!
Helen Goldrein
I love the sound of these! Is the texture chewy like a 'normal' flapjack or is it softer?
Mandy Mazliah
Hi Helen - it's a bit softer than a normal flapjack but still delicious!