23 September 2018

Banana Peanut Butter Flapjacks (6 ingredients, Vegan, Gluten-Free, One-Bowl!)

Name: Banana Peanut Butter Flapjacks
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 2 tbsp flax eggs ((2 tbsp ground flax seeds, 6 tbsp water, left to sit until thickened)); 2 ripe bananas ((mashed)); 2 tbsp maple syrup; 2 tbsp peanut butter; 150 g oats; 100 g sultanas

Banana Peanut Butter Flapjacks (6 ingredients, Vegan, Gluten-Free, One-Bowl!)

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A one-bowl recipe using 6 simple ingredients to make a batch of vegan and gluten-free Banana Peanut Butter Flapjacks – a sweet treat that’s both fuelling and delicious!

FLAPJACKS

This Banana Peanut Butter Flapjacks recipe has been an oldie but goodie in my baking repertoire over the past couple of years, so I figured it was about time I shared it!

I think flapjacks are quite a British thing. At least, I had never heard of them or tried them before I came to the UK five years ago. In the US the term ‘flapjacks’ brings up lots of images of pancakes, not oaty bars. I do love this British form of the flapjack, and hope it makes its way across the pond (if it hasn’t already), as they’re so easy to make, super tasty, and make a great snack, after-dinner treat, or on-the-go breakfast.

RUNNING FUEL

I made up a big batch of these beauties just last weekend because I was running my very first 10K! It was an absolutely brilliant race experience, and these Banana Peanut Butter Flapjacks actually played a big role in fueling those 10 kilometers. I had initially made them to be a post-race treat, but they ended up coming in handy much earlier than that.

I woke up bright and early at 5:30am on race day, having planned on having a bowl of porridge to fuel my run. But I never eat so early in the morning – I usually eat breakfast quite late because I just wait until I’m hungry, which can take hours. That morning the thought of digging into an oatmeal bowl before I had to leave at 6:30am was really unappetizing (as much as I love my porridge!), and I just couldn’t bring myself to do it.

Then I saw these flapjacks on my kitchen counter – essentially a bowl of porridge baked into convenient packable portions! So I packed a bunch, and headed out the door. Over the hour-long trip to get to the race I snacked on a few bars and they really did the job! They weren’t too heavy, and gave me lots of energy to use on the run – I ended up running an even better time than I’d anticipated!

ANYTIME FUEL

These flapjacks are not only good for pre-run (or post-run) fuel. In fact, I can tell you from experience that these bars are great any time of the day. I especially love them as an afternoon snack with a cup of tea – it’s a lovely way to get an extra burst of energy if I’m in an afternoon slump.

Probably my favourite way to have them is as an after-dinner treat. I’ll stick one or two in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to get warm and soft. That brings them to a whole ‘nother level! They’re gooey, chewy, sweet, and oh so delicious. And adding some frozen banana (nice cream) turns the dessert bowl into a healthy crumble and ice cream combo – highly recommend you giving it a try!

FAST FIVE REASONS TO TRY: BANANA PEANUT BUTTER FLAPJACKS

Soft, chewy, sweet and filling.
Made in one bowl, for easy clean up.
Uses 6 simple ingredients that you’re likely to have in your cupboard.
Flexible, with the ability to swap out ingredients and customiseto your own personal tastes and flapjack preferences.
Perfect for many different scenarios and times of day – a packed breakfast; a mid-morning or afternoon pick-me-up-snack; or after-dinner dessert.

If you end up trying out these Banana Peanut Butter Flapjacks, let me know how you get on with it – take a photo and tag me on Instagram @bitesbybekah. I’d love to connect with you and it always makes me so happy to see your creations!