Flapjack or Pancake: Which Breakfast Classic Wins?

Flapjack and pancake debates often spark passionate discussions among breakfast enthusiasts worldwide.

Flat, circular treats have unique characteristics that set them apart despite their similar appearance.

Many people confuse these two delicious breakfast options because they look nearly identical on a plate.

The ingredients for each differ slightly, with flapjacks typically containing oats while pancakes use primarily flour.

British and American terminology sometimes adds to the confusion since what Americans call pancakes might be called flapjacks elsewhere.

The texture contrast becomes apparent once you take that first bite - one tends to be chewier while the other offers more fluffiness.

What Exactly Is a Flapjack?

Flapjack is a popular British baked treat made primarily from oats, butter, sugar, and golden syrup, resulting in a chewy, sweet, and hearty bar or square.

Unlike the American flapjack, which is a type of pancake, the British flapjack is more like a dense oat bar, often enjoyed as a snack or quick energy boost.

Homemade flapjack might come with other ingredients, like nuts, chocolate, dried fruits, seeds, etc.

The name “flapjack” has an interesting history.

Originally, in the 16th century, “flapjack” referred to a flat cake or a type of pancake cooked on a griddle.

Over time, especially in the UK, the meaning shifted to describe this oat-based baked bar.

The term “flapjack” likely comes from “flap,” referring to the flipping action used when cooking pancakes, combined with “jack,” a common term for food or a person.

The Guide to Pancakes

A pancake is a thin, flat, round cake cooked on both sides in a pan or griddle with oil or butter, made from simple ingredients like flour, eggs, milk, and baking powder.

Also known as hotcakes or griddle cakes in some places, pancakes have a long history and come in many varieties worldwide, including French crepes, American pancakes, Scotch pancakes, and Indonesian serabi.

They can be sweet, with toppings like sugar and jam, or savory, filled with meat and cheese, especially popular in Britain. Pancakes are versatile, allowing you to adjust ingredients based on your taste and cooking style, making them perfect for quick breakfasts, snacks, or anytime treats.

Flapjacks vs Pancakes: Exploring Their Differences

Different parts of the world use the terms flapjacks and pancakes in ways that can mix people up. The main difference lies in their roots and how they're made.

Check this table for a quick comparison.

Based on Geographical Locations

Pancakes and flapjacks differ mainly based on where they're made. Around the world, these breakfast treats vary widely from place to place.

In America, many people use both terms for the same fluffy morning dish, though some regions might call thicker ones flapjacks. British folks have a completely different take - their flapjacks are chewy oat bars made with golden syrup, nothing like what Americans enjoy with maple syrup.

Canadian versions tend to be similar to American styles, while Australian pancakes often come thinner than their North American cousins.

Main Ingredients

Flapjacks and pancakes differ significantly in their main ingredients and preparation. British flapjacks are oat-based bars baked in the oven, with key ingredients like oats, butter, sugar, and golden syrup, often enhanced with extras such as dried fruits, nuts, seeds, or chocolate chips.

Pancakes rely on a batter made from flour, eggs, milk or buttermilk, and a leavening agent, which creates their soft, fluffy texture when cooked on a griddle or pan. Pancakes can be sweetened with sugar and flavored with vanilla or fruit, and they are commonly served with toppings like syrup, butter, or savory sides like bacon.

Texture

Flapjacks and pancakes differ significantly in texture. Flapjacks are dense, chewy, and hearty bars made from oats bound with syrup and butter, offering a sticky and substantial bite.

However, pancakes are light, soft, and fluffy cakes made from a batter that creates airy pockets during cooking, resulting in a tender interior with a slightly crisp exterior. While flapjacks have a chewy, coarse feel, pancakes are known for their spongy and delicate texture.

Serving Styles

Flapjacks and pancakes are served quite differently. Flapjacks are typically cut into bars or squares and enjoyed as a snack or on-the-go breakfast, often eaten plain or with added toppings like nuts, dried fruits, or chocolate.

Pancakes are usually served warm in stacks or rolled up, accompanied by syrup, butter, fresh fruits, or savory toppings like bacon and eggs, making them a popular sit-down breakfast or brunch option.

Homemade Flapjack Recipe

Ready for the best and healthiest flapjack recipe?

Check out this recipe for a perfect batch of flapjack.

Basic Ingredients:

Ingredients for Homemade Flapjack Recipe

• Rolled oats (the star ingredient)
• Butter (or a healthier alternative like coconut oil)
• Sweetener such as golden syrup, honey, or maple syrup
• Brown sugar or demerara sugar for extra caramel flavor

• Dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, dates)
• Nuts and seeds (almonds, walnuts, chia, pumpkin seeds)
• Spices (cinnamon, nutmeg)
• Chocolate chips or shredded coconut

Instruction of Making Flapjack

• Step 1: Melt butter with your chosen sweetener and sugar in a saucepan.
• Step 2: Stir in oats and any extras until evenly coated.
• Step 3: Press the mixture firmly into a lined baking tray.
• Step 4: Bake at around 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden.
• Step 5: Cool completely before cutting into bars to keep them intact.

• Press the mixture down well to avoid crumbly bars.
• Don’t overbake - flapjacks continue to firm up as they cool.

Homemade Pancake Recipe

Homemade pancakes let you customize flavors and textures while using simple pantry ingredients. Here are what you should do:

Instruction of Making Pancake

• Step 1: In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
• Step 2: In another bowl, whisk eggs with milk and melted butter or oil.
• Step 3: Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring gently until just mixed (lumps are okay!).
• Step 4: Heat a non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease.
• Step 5: Pour batter onto the pan (about ¼ cup per pancake) and cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook the other side until golden.
• Step 6: Serve warm with your favorite toppings like syrup, fresh fruit, or yogurt.

• Don’t overmix the batter to keep pancakes tender and fluffy.
• Use buttermilk instead of regular milk for extra fluffiness and tang.
• Keep cooked pancakes warm in a low oven while you finish the batch.

Ingredients for Homemade Pancake

• All-purpose flour (or whole wheat for a healthier option)
• Eggs (for structure and richness)
• Milk or buttermilk (adds moisture and tenderness)
• Baking powder or baking soda (for fluffiness)
• Sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
• Butter or oil (for richness and to prevent sticking)
• A pinch of salt

• Vanilla extract or cinnamon
• Chocolate chips, blueberries, or sliced bananas
• Lemon zest or nutmeg

Nutritional Benefits of Flapjack and Pancake

Flapjacks and pancakes both provide valuable nutrition but differ in ingredients and benefits.

Flapjacks, made mainly from oats, offer high fiber and sustained energy, making them great for digestion and lasting fuel, especially when boosted with nuts or dried fruits.

However, they can be higher in sugar and fat, so portion control is key. Pancakes, made from flour, eggs, and milk, provide a good balance of carbohydrates and protein, supporting energy and muscle repair.

Using whole-grain flour and adding toppings like fruits or nuts can increase their fiber and nutrient content.

Can Flapjack Substitute for Pancake and Vice Versa?

In the U.S., flapjacks and pancakes are often treated as the same, and their recipes can be used interchangeably with just small adjustments to the batter’s thickness. This means you can easily swap one for the other in most American-style recipes without much trouble.

However, British flapjacks are quite different - they’re oat-based baked bars rather than fried batter cakes. Because of their dense texture and baking method, British flapjacks can’t be directly substituted for pancakes without significantly changing the texture and preparation.

Got Questions? We’ve Got Solutions

1. Can I use the same batter for flapjacks and pancakes?

Yes, you can often use the same batter for both, but traditional British flapjacks don't use batter at all since they're oat bars made with golden syrup, butter, and sugar.

2. Are flapjacks and pancakes served the same way?

Not usually. American flapjacks (pancakes) are typically served with maple syrup and butter, while British flapjacks are cut into squares or rectangles and eaten as a snack or dessert.

3. Which is healthier - flapjacks or pancakes?

It depends on the recipe, but traditional British flapjacks are more calorie-dense due to the butter and golden syrup. Pancakes can be made healthier with whole grain flour and less sugar.

4. Do flapjacks and pancakes have the same origin?

No, they have different origins. The American flapjack (pancake) dates back to colonial times, while British flapjacks evolved from oat-based recipes in the early 20th century.