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British Treacle Tart is a classic dessert that combines a sweet, sticky filling with a crisp shortcrust pastry. This step-by-step guide will help you make an authentic treacle tart from scratch, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients Needed
- 250g (2 cups) plain flour
- 125g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, cold and diced
- 50g (1/4 cup) icing sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2-3 tablespoons cold water
- 400g (14 oz) golden syrup or light treacle
- 2 large eggs
- 100g (1/2 cup) fresh breadcrumbs
- Grated zest of 1 lemon
- Optional: a pinch of ground ginger or cinnamon
Preparing the Shortcrust Pastry
Start by making the pastry. In a large bowl, sift the flour and icing sugar. Add the cold, diced butter and rub it into the flour with your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Make a well in the center.
Beat the egg and add it to the well. Mix gently, then add cold water a tablespoon at a time until the dough comes together. Do not overwork it. Shape into a disk, wrap in cling film, and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
Assembling the Tart
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Roll out the chilled pastry on a lightly floured surface to about 3mm thickness. Line a greased tart tin (about 23cm diameter) with the pastry, trimming any excess.
Prick the base with a fork and line it with baking parchment. Fill with baking beans or rice and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the beans and parchment, then bake for another 10 minutes until lightly golden. Allow to cool slightly.
Making the Filling
In a bowl, mix the golden syrup, eggs, lemon zest, and optional spices until smooth. Stir in the breadcrumbs, which will help thicken the filling and prevent it from being too runny.
Assembling and Baking
Pour the filling into the pre-baked pastry case. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and golden around the edges.
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Treacle tart is delicious warm or at room temperature, ideally with a dollop of clotted cream or custard.
Enjoy Your Treacle Tart!
With these simple steps, you can create a traditional British treacle tart that’s perfect for sharing. Enjoy the rich, sweet flavors and the satisfying crunch of the shortcrust pastry!