Treacle tart
Treacle tart is a classic British dessert featuring a sweet, sticky filling made from maple syrup and breadcrumbs, encased in buttery shortcrust pastry. This comforting treat balances sweetness with a hint of lemon zest and is perfect for various occasions.
Cook time 60 min
Prep time 40 min
Ingredients:
1.50 cups all-purpose white wheat flour1/3 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup butter
1 egg
2 cups maple syrup
1/2 cup bread crumbs
2 tbsp lemon juice
Treacle tart is a traditional British dessert that features a sweet and sticky filling made primarily from syrup and breadcrumbs, encased in a buttery shortcrust pastry. It’s a comforting and nostalgic treat that's perfect for any occasion. This classic recipe uses simple ingredients and offers a delightful balance of sweetness and zest from the lemon juice.
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and powdered sugar.
- Add the cubed butter to the mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the lightly beaten egg to the mixture and mix until a dough forms.
- Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to fit a 9-inch tart pan.
- Carefully transfer the rolled dough to the tart pan. Press it into the bottom and sides, and trim any excess dough.
- Using a fork, prick the bottom of the dough all over to prevent it from puffing up during baking.
- Line the pastry with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans.
- Blind bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove the weights and parchment paper, and bake for an additional 5 minutes. Let the crust cool slightly on a wire rack.
- In a medium saucepan, gently heat the maple syrup until warm but not boiling.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the bread crumbs and lemon juice until well combined.
- Pour the maple syrup mixture evenly into the pre-baked tart shell.
- Bake the tart in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
- Allow the tart to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
- Serve the treacle tart with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.
Your treacle tart is now ready to be enjoyed! With its rich and flavorful filling and crisp pastry, this dessert is sure to be a hit. Whether you're serving it warm with a dollop of cream or chilled with a scoop of ice cream, the treacle tart is a timeless favorite that brings warmth and joy to the dining table.
Treacle tart FAQ:
The treacle tart should be baked for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
The tart is done when the filling is set, with a slight jiggle in the center, and the crust is a light golden brown.
Yes, you can substitute brown sugar for maple syrup, but the flavor and texture may differ slightly. Make sure to adjust the moisture if needed.
Store the leftover treacle tart in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can enjoy it cold or warmed.
Yes, you can make the pastry dough a day in advance. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate until you are ready to use it.
Tips:
- Ensure your butter is cold: Using cold butter when making the pastry helps create a flaky and tender crust.
- Chill the dough: After preparing the dough, let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out. This makes it easier to handle and helps prevent shrinkage during baking.
- Use fresh bread crumbs: For a better texture in the filling, use fresh breadcrumbs instead of dried ones. You can make your own by processing slightly stale bread in a food processor.
- Blind bake the crust: Blind baking the crust using pie weights or dried beans helps prevent a soggy bottom. Bake it until it’s lightly golden before adding the filling.
- Adjust the sweetness: If you find the filling to be too sweet, you can adjust the amount of maple syrup or balance it with a bit more lemon juice to suit your taste.
- Serve with toppings: Treacle tart pairs wonderfully with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a custard sauce to balance its sweetness.
Nutrition per serving
6 ServingsCalories 330kcal
Protein 6g
Carbohydrates 36g
Fiber 1.29g
Sugar 9g
Fat 16g
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