Flapjack versus Flapjack

In North America, "flapjack" is simply another term for pancake - those fluffy, round breakfast cakes made from batter and cooked on a griddle, typically served with syrup. 

However, in the United Kingdom, flapjacks are completely different: they're chewy, rectangular bars made from rolled oats, butter, brown sugar, and golden syrup, then baked in the oven until golden. British flapjacks resemble what Americans might call granola bars or oat bars.

This creates confusion in recipe exchanges across the Atlantic. When following international recipes, home bakers should pay attention to the source - if it's British and calls for oats and syrup, expect a baked bar; if it's American, prepare for stovetop pancakes.