The Golden Classic: Treacle Tart Recipe Everyone Will Love

Sweet memories flood back whenever I whip up this delightful treacle tart, a classic British dessert that whispers comfort and nostalgia.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this simple yet magical treat.

Buttery pastry cradles a luscious golden filling that melts on your tongue.

Fragrant hints of lemon zest dance through each bite, creating a sensory experience that transports you straight to a cozy kitchen.

Minimal ingredients come together with surprising ease, making this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels.

Crumbly, rich, and utterly irresistible, this tart promises to become your new favorite indulgence.

Slice into this golden marvel and savor every moment of pure culinary bliss.

FAQs About Delia Smith Treacle Tart

• What makes treacle tart a traditional British dessert?

Treacle tart originated in England and has been a classic sweet treat for generations, typically featuring golden syrup, breadcrumbs, and a buttery crust that reflects traditional British baking.

• Is treacle tart difficult to make at home?

Not at all! This recipe is straightforward and requires basic baking skills, with simple ingredients and easy mixing and baking steps that even novice bakers can successfully prepare.

• Can I substitute ingredients in the recipe?

Yes, you can use alternative sweeteners like corn syrup or honey instead of golden syrup, and gluten-free breadcrumbs work well for those with dietary restrictions.

Why Delia Smith Treacle Tart Stands the Test of Time

• Craft Dessert Easily: This treacle tart recipe offers a simple approach for home bakers of all skill levels, requiring minimal culinary expertise to create a delightful sweet treat.
• Versatile Gathering Delight: Perfect for family dinners, afternoon tea, or casual gatherings, this tart brings a traditional British dessert charm to any occasion with its comforting flavors.
• Quick Preparation Magic: Prepare the entire dessert with just a few straightforward steps, making it an ideal option for those wanting a delicious homemade dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Ingredient-Friendly Creation: Uses common pantry staples like flour, sugar, butter, and breadcrumbs, ensuring you can likely make this recipe without a special trip to the grocery store.

Ingredients for Delia Smith Treacle Tart

• Flour: A key component that provides structure to the tart crust.
• Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the base.
• Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the crust.

• Butter: Creates a rich, tender texture in the crust.
• Vanilla: Provides a warm, aromatic flavor to the base.

• Egg: Helps bind and set the filling.
• Zest, Juice: Adds citrusy brightness and depth to the filling.
• Breadcrumbs: Provides texture and helps thicken the filling.
• Syrup: Gives the signature sweet, rich flavor characteristic of treacle tart.

Steps to Make Delia Smith Treacle Tart

Step 1: Whisk Dry Base Ingredients

Grab a mixing bowl and whisk together flour, brown sugar, and salt until they’re evenly combined and looking smooth.

Step 2: Create Crumbly Crust Mixture

Add softened butter and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend everything until the mixture resembles coarse, crumbly texture.

Step 3: Shape Tart Crust

Transfer the crumbly mixture into a 9-inch tart pan. Press the dough firmly and evenly across the bottom and sides using your fingertips or the back of a spoon to create a uniform crust.

Step 4: Prepare Sweet Filling

• Egg
• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice
• Breadcrumbs
• Golden syrup

Step 5: Cook Filling Mixture

Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir the ingredients continuously until the mixture starts bubbling. Reduce heat and simmer for 2 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.

Step 6: Preheat Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and let it warm up while you prepare the next steps.

Step 7: Fill Tart Crust

Carefully pour the warm filling into the prepared crust. Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly across the surface.

Step 8: Bake Golden Tart

Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for a golden-brown color and a set, slightly firm filling.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Remove the tart from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Slice and serve while still warm for the best flavor and texture.

Pro Baking Tips for Delia Smith Treacle Tart

• Boost Crust Texture: Chill the dough for 30 minutes before pressing into the pan to prevent shrinking and create a more flaky base.
• Control Sweetness Level: Use light or dark treacle based on your preference for deeper or milder flavor intensity.
• Prevent Soggy Bottom: Blind bake the crust for 10 minutes before adding filling to ensure a crisp, golden foundation.
• Enhance Citrus Notes: Experiment with different citrus zests like orange or lime to add complexity to the traditional lemon flavor.
• Serving Suggestion: Pair with clotted cream or vanilla ice cream for a rich, complementary dessert experience.

Sweet Variations on Delia Smith Treacle Tart

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend, using gluten-free breadcrumbs to maintain texture and accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Alternative: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use maple syrup instead of treacle, replace egg with flax egg or silken tofu to create a plant-based friendly dessert.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of brown sugar, reduce syrup quantity, and incorporate unsweetened breadcrumbs to lower overall sugar content for diabetic-friendly preparation.
• Citrus Enhanced Variation: Add orange zest or lemon extract to intensify citrus notes, experiment with different citrus combinations to create a brighter, more vibrant flavor profile.

What Goes Well with Delia Smith Treacle Tart

• Pair with Creamy Earl Grey Tea: Steep a rich Earl Grey tea and let its bergamot notes complement the sweet, caramel-like treacle tart. The tea's delicate flavor balances the dessert's intense sweetness.
• Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Scoop cold, smooth vanilla bean ice cream alongside the warm tart. The cool, creamy texture creates a delightful temperature contrast and enhances the dessert's richness.
• Serve with Aged Cream Sherry: Pour a small glass of amber-colored cream sherry. Its nutty, caramel undertones perfectly mirror the tart's golden syrup and provide a sophisticated adult pairing.
• Complement with Fresh Berries: Scatter fresh raspberries or strawberries around the tart.

Proper Storage for Delia Smith Treacle Tart

• Store leftover treacle tart in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss and preserve its delicate texture.
• Slice the tart into portions, wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Keeps well for 1-2 months without compromising flavor.
• Let the tart sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving. Do not leave out longer than 4 hours to prevent bacterial growth.
• Warm gently in the oven at 300F (150C) for 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, microwave individual slices for 20-30 seconds to restore its soft, warm consistency.

Treacle Tart Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sweet memories of British comfort shine through this classic treacle tart, blending golden syrup’s rich caramel notes with buttery pastry. Generations of home bakers have cherished this simple yet elegant dessert that you’ll savor with each delightful, nostalgic bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups (375 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240 ml) breadcrumbs
• 1 1/4 cups (300 ml) golden syrup

Crust and Binding Ingredients:

• 10 tablespoons (150 ml) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/3 cup (80 ml) packed brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy whipping cream

Flavor Enhancers:

• 4 tablespoons (60 ml) lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Blend dry ingredients in a mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of flour, brown sugar, and salt.
2. Incorporate butter and vanilla, gently working until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Firmly press the crumbly mixture into a 9-inch tart pan, creating an even base and sides.
4. In a saucepan, whisk together egg, citrus zest, fresh juice, breadcrumbs, and golden syrup.
5. Place saucepan over medium heat, stirring continuously until the mixture reaches a gentle boil.
6. Reduce heat and simmer for 2 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and mixture to slightly thicken.
7. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), positioning rack in the middle.
8. Carefully pour the warm filling into the prepared crust, using a spatula to spread evenly.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the filling sets and the edges turn a rich golden brown.
10. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 10-15 minutes to help filling stabilize.
11. Slice and serve warm, optionally garnishing with a light dusting of powdered sugar.

Notes

• Ensure butter is cold and cubed for the perfect crumbly crust texture that melts in your mouth.
• Swap breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour for a celiac-friendly version of this classic dessert.
• Zest adds a bright, citrusy note that cuts through the sweetness, balancing the tart’s rich flavor profile.
• Let the tart rest for 10-15 minutes after baking to help the filling set and make slicing easier without crumbling.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 416 kcal
• Sugar: 38 g
• Sodium: 125 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg