Treacle Tart — golden-syrup and breadcrumb tart
Treacle tart is a British classic — a shortcrust pastry shell filled with golden syrup, breadcrumbs and lemon zest, baked until set and golden. Despite the name, it uses golden syrup rather than dark treacle. It is famously Harry Potter's favourite dessert.
i. Origin & history
Treacle tart became popular in the late 19th century when Lyle's Golden Syrup became widely available. The original "treacle" in the recipe was actually golden syrup; the name persists.
ii. Ingredients
Makes 8 servings · scroll the side panel to adjust
- 1 sweet shortcrust pastry, blind-baked
- 400 g golden syrup
- 150 g fresh white breadcrumbs
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp ground ginger (optional)
- 60 g unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp double cream
iii. Method
- Warm golden syrup gently. Stir in breadcrumbs, zest, juice, ginger, butter and cream.
- Pour into the blind-baked tart shell.
- Bake at 170 °C for 30-35 min until set with a slight wobble.
- Cool fully before slicing. Serve with cream or custard.
iv. Tips & common mistakes
- Use the freshest ingredients you can. The recipe relies on them.
- Read the method through first. Several steps must be ready in advance.
- Season patiently. Sweetness and salt are tuned at the end, not the start.
v. Variations
Lattice treacle tart tops with a pastry lattice. Modern treacle tart sometimes adds nuts or dates.
vi. Common questions
What is treacle tart?
Treacle Tart is golden-syrup and breadcrumb tart, from british & irish cuisine. Despite the name, it uses golden syrup rather than dark treacle
Where is treacle tart from?
Treacle Tart is from the british & irish dessert tradition; the recipe and history are detailed above.
How long does treacle tart keep?
See the storage note in the Quick facts panel: 4 days at room temperature.