Did you know that the average Brit consumes over 7,000 calories from flapjacks alone each year? I've always been fascinated by the versatility of this humble treat, and the Coffee & Walnut Flapjack is a prime example of how traditional recipes can be elevated with a few simple twists. As someone who's experimented with countless variations, I can attest to the unique appeal of this coffee-infused version. If you're curious about how a simple oat bar can be transformed into a sophisticated snack that's perfect for both breakfast and afternoon tea, you'll want to hear more about this intriguing fusion of flavors.
History
Tracing the origins of Coffee & Walnut Flapjacks reveals a fascinating blend of culinary traditions. I've found that the history of this delightful treat is rooted in the evolution of oat-based baked goods and the popularization of coffee as a flavoring agent.
The concept of bougie coffee, with its emphasis on high-quality beans and intricate flavor profiles, could very well inspire modern bakers to elevate traditional recipes like flapjacks by incorporating premium coffee varieties for a luxurious twist.
Flapjacks, in their traditional form, have been a staple in British cuisine for centuries. Originally, they were simple oat cakes cooked on a griddle. Over time, they evolved into sweet, baked treats. The addition of walnuts to baked goods has been common in many cultures, prized for their rich flavor and nutritional value.
The coffee element, however, is a more recent innovation. As coffee became widely available in the 19th century, bakers began experimenting with it as a flavoring. The combination of coffee and walnuts in baked goods likely emerged in the mid-20th century, coinciding with the rise of bougie coffee experiences.
The specific origin of Coffee & Walnut Flapjacks isn't precisely documented, but it's likely a modern fusion of these various culinary trends. Today, they're enjoyed as a unique twist on the classic flapjack, offering a perfect balance of texture and flavor.
Recipe
Coffee & Walnut Flapjacks are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of coffee with the crunch of walnuts in a chewy oat base. These flapjacks aren't only simple to make but also serve as a great snack or breakfast option for those who need a little boost of energy.
With just five ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these tasty treats in no time. The satisfying chewiness of oats pairs beautifully with the nutty flavor of walnuts and the aromatic essence of coffee, creating a deliciously indulgent yet wholesome snack that's perfect for any time of day.
Ingredients:
- 200g rolled oats
- 100g walnuts, chopped
- 100g brown sugar
- 100g butter
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee granules
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking dish with parchment paper. In a saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar together over low heat, stirring until fully combined. Remove from heat and stir in the instant coffee granules until dissolved. Add the rolled oats and chopped walnuts to the mixture, stirring well to guarantee everything is evenly coated. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, pressing it down firmly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden. Allow to cool before cutting into squares.
For best results, let the flapjacks cool completely in the pan before cutting them, as this will help them hold their shape. Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. Feel free to experiment by adding chocolate chips or dried fruit for an extra flavor twist. If you prefer a stronger coffee flavor, you can increase the amount of instant coffee granules to suit your taste.
Step By Step
I'll guide you through making Coffee & Walnut Flapjacks step by step.
We'll start by preheating the oven and preparing the pan, then move on to melting the butter and sugar before incorporating the coffee.
Step 1. Preheat Oven, Prepare Pan
To begin preparing our Coffee & Walnut Flapjacks, let's start with the fundamental first steps. I'll guide you through preheating the oven and preparing the pan, which are essential for achieving the perfect texture and consistency.
First, I'll set my oven to preheat at 180°C (350°F). It's important to do this before we start mixing the ingredients, as it guarantees the oven is at the right temperature when we're ready to bake.
While the oven is heating up, I'll prepare the baking pan. I'll take a square or rectangular baking dish and line it with parchment paper. This step is vital as it prevents the flapjacks from sticking to the pan and makes it easier to remove them once they're baked.
To line the pan, I'll cut a piece of parchment paper slightly larger than the base of the dish. I'll press it into the corners and allow the excess to hang over the sides. This overhang will act as handles, making it simple to lift the flapjacks out of the pan once they've cooled.
Step 2. Melt Butter and Sugar
With our oven preheating and pan prepared, let's move on to melting the butter and sugar. This step is vital for creating the sticky, sweet base that'll bind our flapjacks together.
In a medium-sized saucepan, place 100g of butter and 100g of brown sugar. Set the heat to low and begin stirring the mixture gently. As the butter melts, you'll notice it combining with the sugar. Keep stirring consistently to prevent any burning or sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Once the butter has completely melted and mixed with the sugar, you'll have a smooth, golden liquid. At this point, remove the pan from the heat. It's essential not to let the mixture boil, as this can affect the texture of our flapjacks.
Now, while the butter-sugar mixture is still hot, add 2 tablespoons of instant coffee granules. Stir vigorously until the coffee has fully dissolved. You'll see the color deepen and smell the rich aroma of coffee. This step infuses our flapjacks with that distinct coffee flavor we're aiming for.
Step 3. Add Coffee to Mixture
Now that our butter and sugar mixture is ready, it's time to add the coffee. I'll guide you through this significant step, which infuses our flapjacks with that irresistible coffee flavor.
First, remove the saucepan from the heat. This prevents the coffee from burning and confirms it dissolves properly. Take your instant coffee granules and measure out two tablespoons. If you prefer a stronger coffee taste, you can add a bit more, but be cautious not to overpower the other flavors.
Sprinkle the coffee granules into the warm butter and sugar mixture. Using a wooden spoon or silicone spatula, stir the mixture gently but thoroughly. You'll notice the granules starting to dissolve as you mix. Continue stirring until all the coffee is fully incorporated and no granules are visible. This process should take about 30 seconds to a minute.
The mixture will now have a rich, brown color and a wonderful coffee aroma. It's essential to guarantee the coffee is evenly distributed throughout the mixture. This step ensures that every bite of your flapjacks will have that delightful coffee flavor we're aiming for.
Step 4. Combine Oats and Walnuts
The coffee-infused mixture is ready, so let's move on to incorporating our dry ingredients. I'll guide you through combining the oats and walnuts with the coffee mixture, ensuring a perfect texture for your flapjacks.
First, grab a large mixing bowl and pour in the 200g of rolled oats.
Next, take your 100g of chopped walnuts and add them to the bowl with the oats. Give these dry ingredients a quick stir to distribute the walnuts evenly throughout the oats.
Now, it's time to combine the wet and dry ingredients. Carefully pour the coffee-infused butter and sugar mixture over the oats and walnuts.
Using a sturdy spoon or spatula, begin folding the ingredients together. Make sure you're thorough, coating all the oats and walnuts with the sticky mixture. Continue mixing until you see no dry patches of oats and the walnuts are evenly distributed.
The resulting mixture should be thick and slightly sticky. If it seems too dry, you can add a tablespoon of melted butter. Conversely, if it's too wet, incorporate a few more oats.
Step 5. Bake and Cool Flapjacks
Let's dive into the final steps of baking and cooling your Coffee & Walnut Flapjacks. Now that you've combined the oats and walnuts with the coffee-infused mixture, it's time to bake.
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking dish with parchment paper. Transfer the flapjack mixture into the prepared dish, pressing it down firmly to create an even layer.
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You'll know they're done when the edges turn golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent excessive baking, as this can make them too hard.
Once baked, remove the flapjacks from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan. This cooling process is essential as it allows the flapjacks to set and hold their shape. Resist the temptation to cut them while they're still warm, as they'll likely crumble.
After they've cooled, carefully lift the flapjacks out of the pan using the parchment paper. Place them on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut them into squares or rectangles of your desired size.