Golden Treacle Tart with Buttery Shortcrust and Lemon Zest

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Cuisine

British

Servings

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

45 minutes

Calories

340

Treacle Tart is one of Britain’s most beloved desserts, known for its golden syrupy filling and buttery shortcrust base. It’s a nostalgic dish that has graced tables for generations, often appearing at Sunday lunches, afternoon teas, and festive gatherings.

uThe combination of warm golden syrup, the brightness of lemon zest, and the comforting crumb of fresh breadcrumbs creates a tart that is both rich and balanced. Best enjoyed warm with clotted cream, custard, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it’s the definition of comfort baking.

This tart also gained renewed fame thanks to the Harry Potter series, where it was famously Harry’s favourite dessert. Beyond its pop-culture charm, the Treacle Tart remains a traditional bake that’s deeply rooted in British culinary history.

It’s simple to prepare, requiring just a handful of ingredients, but the result is spectacular—a sticky, zesty, buttery dessert that feels indulgent yet familiar. If you’re looking for a heritage recipe that never fails to delight, the Treacle Tart is an excellent choice.

Ingredients

For the pastry

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
2–3 tablespoons cold water
Pinch of salt

For the filling

1 cup golden syrup (or light treacle)
1 1/2 cups fresh breadcrumbs
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
1 large egg, beaten

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Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9-inch tart tin.
To make the pastry: In a bowl, rub flour and butter together until mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Stir in a pinch of salt and add cold water gradually until dough comes together. Wrap and chill for 20 minutes.
Roll out pastry on a lightly floured surface and line the tart tin. Trim excess pastry and prick the base with a fork. Chill for another 10 minutes.
Line the pastry with parchment paper, fill with baking beans, and blind bake for 15 minutes. Remove beans and bake for another 5 minutes until lightly golden.
For the filling: Warm golden syrup gently in a saucepan (do not boil). Stir in breadcrumbs, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Allow to cool slightly before stirring in beaten egg.
Pour filling into pastry case and smooth the top.
Bake for 25–30 minutes until set and golden brown on top.
Serve warm with clotted cream, custard, or vanilla ice cream.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1
per serving: Calories; 340

Amount/Serving % Daily Value

Fat: 12 grams; 15%
Saturated Fat: 7 grams; 35%
Cholesterol: 45 milligrams; 15%
Sodium: 150 milligrams; 7%
Carbs: 55 grams; 20%
Protein: 5 grams
Sugar: 32 grams
Fiber: 2 grams; 7%

10 Tips for Making the Best Treacle Tart

Use fresh breadcrumbs for better texture than store-bought.
Warm golden syrup gently—never boil it.
Always chill pastry before rolling to prevent shrinking.
Blind bake to avoid a soggy crust.
Add lemon zest for freshness—it balances the sweetness.
Don’t overbake; filling should remain slightly soft.
Serve warm for best gooey texture.
Pair with custard, clotted cream, or vanilla ice cream.
If making ahead, reheat gently in a low oven before serving.
Try lattice pastry on top for a decorative finish.

Serve it with Suggestions

Clotted cream
Vanilla ice cream
Warm custard
Fresh berries
Afternoon tea

FAQs

Q: Can I make Treacle Tart ahead of time?
A: Yes, bake it ahead and reheat gently before serving.

Q: Can I freeze Treacle Tart?
A: Yes, wrap slices individually and freeze up to 3 months.

Q: Can I use corn syrup instead of golden syrup?
A: It’s not traditional, but light corn syrup works in a pinch.

Q: Do I need to blind bake the crust?
A: Yes, to ensure a crisp and sturdy base.

Q: Why add lemon to Treacle Tart?
A: It cuts through the sweetness and enhances the flavour.

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Golden Treacle Tart with Buttery Shortcrust and Lemon Zest