Dense, buttery British oat flapjack with golden syrup. These high calorie bars are energy-dense enough to fuel a hike — or just a really long Monday.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat until fully liquefied but not bubbling; remove from heat before browning.
Stir in the golden syrup and brown sugar, mixing gently until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth. Add vanilla extract and salt to the butter mixture.
Fold in the rolled oats, ensuring every oat is coated thoroughly. Work quickly so the mixture remains warm and easy to spread.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan, pressing firmly and evenly with a spatula to compact the oats, then bake at the center rack for 30–35 minutes until the edges are golden and the center is just set.
Remove the pan from the oven and allow to cool for 15–20 minutes before scoring and slicing, which helps prevent crumbling. Let flapjacks cool completely before serving for best texture.