How to Make Treacle Tart: A Classic British Dessert Recipe

 

Treacle tart is one of the most iconic and nostalgic desserts in British cuisine. Golden, sticky, and sweet, this traditional tart is made with a buttery shortcrust pastry filled with golden syrup, breadcrumbs, and lemon juice. It’s a favourite for Sunday lunches, special occasions, or anyone craving a proper British pud.

--- published by foodie Parmod.

🥧 What Is Treacle Tart?

Despite its name, treacle tart is made with golden syrup, not black treacle. The filling is sweet and zesty, thanks to the combination of breadcrumbs and fresh lemon juice, all held together in a crisp pastry shell. It’s traditionally served warm with clotted cream, custard, or ice cream.

Treacle tart has been a British favourite since Victorian times, and even made an appearance in the Harry Potter books as Harry’s favourite dessert!

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🧈 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)

For the pastry:

225g plain flour

115g cold unsalted butter (cubed)

1 egg yolk

2–3 tbsp cold water

Pinch of salt

For the filling:

400g golden syrup

150g fresh white breadcrumbs

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

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👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Make the Pastry

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.

2. Rub the cold butter into the flour with your fingertips until it resembles fine breadcrumbs.

3. Add the egg yolk and a little cold water, mixing with a knife until the dough just comes together.

4. Form into a ball, wrap in cling film, and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Roll and Blind Bake the Pastry

1. Preheat your oven to 190°C (170°C fan) / 375°F / Gas Mark 5.

2. Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface to fit a 23cm (9-inch) tart tin.

3. Press the pastry into the tin and trim the edges. Prick the base with a fork.

4. Line with baking paper and fill with baking beans or rice. Blind bake for 15 minutes, then remove the paper and beans and bake for a further 5 minutes until lightly golden.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

1. Gently warm the golden syrup in a saucepan until runny.

2. Remove from the heat and stir in the breadcrumbs, lemon zest, and lemon juice.

3. Mix well and allow to cool slightly.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

1. Pour the filling into the pre-baked pastry case, spreading it evenly.

2. If you like, use any leftover pastry to create a lattice pattern over the top.

3. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and just set.

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🍽 Serving Suggestions

Treacle tart is best served warm. Try pairing it with:

A generous dollop of custard

A scoop of vanilla ice cream

Clotted cream for a truly indulgent treat

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.

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📝 Tips for the Perfect Treacle Tart

Use fresh breadcrumbs – Avoid dried store-bought crumbs for better texture and flavour.

Don’t skip the lemon – The zest and juice balance the sweetness of the syrup perfectly.

Chill your pastry – It helps prevent shrinkage and gives a flakier texture.

Short on time? – Use ready-made shortcrust pastry as a quick alternative.

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📜 A Bit of History

Treacle tart dates back to the late 19th century, when golden syrup became more widely available in Britain. Since then, it’s become a staple in British baking, celebrated for its sweet and tangy taste. It’s even featured in British pop culture, famously mentioned as a favourite of fictional characters and real-life fans alike.

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✅ Conclusion

Making a treacle tart at home is a rewarding way to enjoy one of Britain’s most treasured desserts. With its flaky pastry, sticky golden filling, and zesty lemon undertone, this tart is a timeless classic that’s guaranteed to impress. Perfect for pudding lovers, afternoon tea, or a traditional British treat, treacle tart is a must-try recipe for any baker.

--- write ✍️ by foodie Parmod.

Looking for more British dessert ideas? Explore our recipes for Spotted Dick, Sticky Toffee Pudding, and Eton Mess for even more sweet inspiration.