Apple Oat Flapjack Bars

• unsalted butter↗175g g

  plus extra for greasing the pan

• apples↗2‑3

  (about 350 g), peeled, cored and diced into small cubes

• golden syrup↗200g g
• soft light brown sugar↗150g g
• oat flakes↗300g g
• dried apples↗50g g

  sliced

• ground cinnamon↗½ ч. л. tsp

  (optional)

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 180 °C (160 °C for fan, gas mark 4). Butter the bottom of a 20 × 20 cm square pan and line it with parchment paper. Transfer the diced apples to a small saucepan, add 2 tsp water and cook over medium heat for 3‑4 minutes until the apples become soft and a little liquid remains in the pan. If needed, add a bit more water and continue cooking. Remove from heat, mash the apples with a potato masher or fork, transfer to a bowl and set aside.

2. 2

   In a saucepan melt the butter, add the golden syrup and soft light brown sugar. Heat over low heat, stirring constantly, until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. 3

   In a large bowl combine the oat flakes, dried apples and ground cinnamon (optional). Add the butter‑syrup mixture and the prepared apples, mix until homogeneous. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan, press firmly and smooth the surface with a spatula. Bake for 25‑30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbles appear around the edges. Let cool, cut into 16 portions. Store in an airtight container for up to three days.