For the first time ever, Netflix‘s The Great British Baking Show gave us “Back to School Week.” This week’s all-new episode of GBBS featured references to classic British childhood fare like “School Cake” and “summer fête” games like “Hook a Duck.” You know, stuff that seems vaguely familiar to most Americans raised on sheet cake and apple bobbing, but not quite.

However, it might have been this week’s Signature Challenge on The Great British Baking Show that confused American viewers the most. The bakers’ first assignment on “School Week” was to produce twelve identical flapjacks. The transatlantic twist? Well, it seems that flapjacks in the UK have nothing to do with pancakes. (In fact, pancakes in the UK are not what we would call pancakes, but rather crepes.)

So what are flapjacks on The Great British Baking Show? How can you make them?

Here’s everything you need to know about The Great British Baking Show “Back to School Week” flapjack challenge…

The Great British Baking Show “Back to School Week”: What Are Flapjacks in the UK?

In the United States, “flapjacks” are a regional term synonymous with pancakes, griddlecakes, or even johnnycakes. Meaning, when I hear someone ask me if I want flapjacks, I’m picturing a stack of fluffy cakes cooked on a hot stove surface. However, as The Great British Baking Show “Back to School Week” establishes, that’s not what flapjacks are elsewhere in the world.

In the UK, Canada, and Ireland, flapjacks are a type of baked oat bar. Flapjacks are traditionally made with rolled oats, butter, brown sugar, and golden syrup. You’ll note that throughout the Signature Challenge on this week’s The Great British Baking Show, Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith mention that the recipe’s overly sweet flavor can pose a challenge. Some bakers even replace the golden syrup with more creative ingredients.

Flapjacks are a common treat in the UK and can be purchased in many grocery stores. In fact, they’re not just a nostalgic treat for modern Brits. Flapjacks have been a popular recipe since medieval times. Even Shakespeare references them.

This week’s episode of The Great British Baking Show features many creative approaches to the flapjack, including carrot cake, apple, and even wine-inspired versions. If you would like to attempt your own homemade flapjacks, there is a basic recipe on the show’s official British website.

If you’re wondering why you might already associate flapjacks with The Great British Baking Show, it could be because you know about comedian James Acaster’s infamous breakdown on a charity edition of the show. Flapjacks are the technical challenge that caused Acaster to infamously say, “Started making them, had a breakdown, bon appétit!” Hopefully yours will not be as stressful.