The Golden-Sweet Treacle Tart Recipe That Warms Every Heart

Treacle tart is a cherished British dessert that blends golden syrup with buttery breadcrumbs in the most comforting way.

Its sweet, rich filling bakes inside a crisp pastry shell, creating a balance of texture and flavor.

Generations of bakers have kept this classic alive, serving it as a favorite at family tables and village gatherings.

The recipe uses simple pantry ingredients, yet the result feels timeless and deeply satisfying.

Hints of lemon often cut through the sweetness, adding brightness to the dense, syrupy filling.

Golden and fragrant from the oven, treacle tart is a slice of tradition that never loses its charm.

Fun Twists On Hairy Bikers Treacle Tart

• Gluten-Free Treacle Tart: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the filling.
• Vegan Version: Swap butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine. Use plant-based egg wash alternative like plant milk or aquafaba for glazing.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute golden syrup with a mix of honey and maple syrup. Reduce total sweetener quantity and add more lemon zest for brightness.
• Nutty Crunch Variation: Incorporate ground almonds or toasted coconut into breadcrumb mixture. Sprinkle chopped nuts on top before baking for extra texture.

Perfect Pairings For Hairy Bikers Treacle Tart

• Pair Perfectly with Sweet Sips: Creamy Earl Grey tea complements the golden syrup's richness, balancing the tart's sweetness with subtle bergamot notes.
• Enhance Flavor Companions: Vanilla bean ice cream creates a dreamy contrast, melting softly against the warm treacle tart's caramelized surface.
• Match Textural Delight: Clotted cream adds luxurious smoothness, cutting through the dessert's intense sweetness with its silky, rich consistency.
• Elevate Tasting Experience: Aged tawny port wine offers deep caramel undertones that harmonize beautifully with the tart's golden syrup essence.

How To Store Hairy Bikers Treacle Tart Properly

• Store leftover treacle tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Keep at room temperature for 1-2 days if serving within a short period. Place on a plate and loosely cover with a clean kitchen towel.
• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Warm slices in the oven at 150°C for 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, microwave for 20-30 seconds on low power to maintain pastry's crisp texture. Avoid overheating to prevent syrup from becoming too runny.

Hairy Bikers Treacle Tart FAQs

• What is the key ingredient that gives Treacle Tart its distinctive flavor?

Golden syrup is the primary ingredient that provides the signature sweet, rich taste of the Treacle Tart, creating its unique caramel-like flavor profile.

• Why do I need to chill the pastry dough?

Chilling helps the butter in the dough solidify, which prevents shrinkage during baking and creates a more tender, flaky pastry crust that holds its shape better.

• Can I make the pastry dough in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the pastry dough up to 2 days ahead and store it wrapped in the refrigerator, which actually helps develop better texture and makes the baking process more convenient.

Why Hairy Bikers Treacle Tart Is A Family Favorite

• Craft Sweet Memories: Recreate a classic British dessert that brings tasty flavors and family traditions to your kitchen.
• Master Pastry Techniques: Learn the art of creating a beautiful lattice-topped tart with simple step-by-step instructions that boost your baking confidence.
• Quick and Satisfying Treat: Enjoy a delightful dessert that comes together with minimal ingredients and delivers maximum flavor, perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
• Versatile Serving Option: Savor this tart warm or chilled, making it an ideal dessert for casual family meals or elegant gatherings with friends.

Ingredients For Hairy Bikers Treacle Tart

• Flour: The primary ingredient that provides structure for the tart's delicate crust.
• Butter: Adds rich flavor and creates a flaky, tender pastry texture.
• Water: Helps bind the flour and butter together to form a smooth dough.

• Golden Syrup: The sweet, key ingredient that gives the treacle tart its signature rich, caramel-like flavor.
• Breadcrumbs: Provides texture and helps absorb the syrup, creating a classic treacle tart consistency.
• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, citrusy note to balance the sweetness of the syrup.

• Egg: Used for egg wash to create a golden, glossy finish on the pastry crust.

How To Bake Hairy Bikers Treacle Tart

Step 1: Crumble Butter and Flour

Grab your flour and cold butter. Use your fingertips to gently blend them together until the mixture looks like rough sandy crumbs. Work quickly so the butter stays cold.

Step 2: Form Pastry Dough

Add cold water gradually to the crumbly mixture. Knead softly until the dough comes together smoothly. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 20 minutes to rest and firm up.

Step 3: Prepare Baking Setup

Turn your oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Place a baking sheet inside to heat up while you prepare the tart.

Step 4: Shape Pastry Crust

Lightly grease an 18-centimeter tart pan. Roll out the chilled dough and carefully line the pan, pressing gently into corners and edges.

Step 5: Prepare Lattice Topping

Set aside a portion of the dough for creating a decorative lattice top. Use cling film to help roll it out evenly. Brush with egg wash and return to refrigerator.

Step 6: Create Tart Filling

• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice
• Breadcrumbs

Stir until ingredients are well combined.

Step 7: Assemble Tart

Pour the syrup mixture into the prepared pastry crust. Cut reserved dough into strips and weave a lattice pattern on top.

Step 8: Finish and Bake

Brush edges with egg wash. Trim excess pastry and press to seal. Bake at 200 degrees Celsius for 10 minutes, then reduce to 180 degrees Celsius and continue baking for 25-30 minutes.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Remove from oven and let the tart cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature for a delightful dessert.

Top Tips For Hairy Bikers Treacle Tart

• Prevent Soggy Bottom: Use a preheated baking sheet to ensure crisp pastry base and avoid a wet, uncooked crust.
• Perfect Pastry Trick: Chill dough before rolling to prevent shrinkage and maintain a flaky texture during baking.
• Zest Up the Flavor: Fresh lemon zest adds brightness and cuts through the sweetness of golden syrup for a balanced taste.
• Master the Lattice: Roll pastry strips between cling film for clean, even cuts when creating the beautiful top design.
• Temperature Control: Start baking at high heat to set the pastry, then reduce temperature to cook the filling thoroughly without burning.

Traditional Treacle Tart Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 65-70 mins
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Treacle tart is a British favorite that celebrates golden syrup and pastry in perfect harmony. With its sweet, sticky filling, it’s a bake that brings a taste of tradition to the table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 400 grams (14 ounces) golden syrup
• 150 grams (5.5 ounces) fine fresh white breadcrumbs
• 250 grams (9 ounces) plain flour

Binding and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 2 lemons, zest and juice
• 1 free-range egg, beaten

Fat and Greasing Ingredients:

• 130 grams (4.5 ounces) butter, plus extra for greasing

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Instructions

1. Create a crumbly pastry mixture by working cold butter into flour until it resembles fine breadcrumbs.
2. Add cold water gradually to form a cohesive dough, then refrigerate for 20 minutes to rest and firm up.
3. Position an oven rack with a baking sheet and preheat to 200°C.
4. Lightly grease an 18cm tart tin, then carefully roll out the chilled pastry and line the tin, trimming excess edges.
5. Prick the pastry base with a fork to prevent rising during baking.
6. Set aside some dough for the lattice top, rolling it between sheets of cling film for precision.
7. Warm golden syrup gently in a pan, then incorporate lemon zest, juice, and breadcrumbs to create a rich, fragrant filling.
8. Pour the syrup mixture evenly into the prepared pastry case.
9. Cut the reserved pastry into neat strips and weave a delicate lattice pattern across the top of the tart.
10. Brush the lattice and edges with egg wash, trim any overhanging pastry, and press edges to seal.
11. Bake at 200°C for 10 minutes, then reduce temperature to 180°C and continue baking for 25-30 minutes until golden and set.
12. Allow the tart to cool slightly, serving either warm or at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

• Adjust breadcrumb consistency by grating stale bread for lighter texture, ensuring fine, even crumbs.
• Minimize pastry shrinkage by chilling dough thoroughly and avoiding overworking, which develops tough gluten strands.
• Create gluten-free version using almond or coconut flour, maintaining delicate crumb structure while accommodating dietary restrictions.
• Enhance flavor complexity by adding orange zest alongside lemon, introducing subtle citrus depth to traditional treacle sweetness.

• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 35-40 mins
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 493 kcal
• Sugar: 47 g
• Sodium: 2 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 65 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 37 mg