Hairy Bikers Treacle Tart

Dive into the sweet world of traditional British desserts with this mouthwatering Treacle Tart, a classic dish that's been a staple of British cuisine for generations. This recipe, inspired by the culinary creativity of The Daring Gourmet and delicious. magazine, brings you the rich, lemon-infused sweetness of golden syrup combined with a buttery, flaky pastry crust that's sure to delight your taste buds.

Ingredients for the Treacle Tart:

• For the Shortcrust Pastry:
  • 225g plain flour
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 65g chilled unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 65g chilled lard, cut into pieces
  • 1½-2 tbsp cold water
• For the Treacle Filling:
  • 725g golden syrup
  • Finely grated zest of 1 unwaxed lemon, plus 1½ tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 medium free-range eggs, lightly beaten
  • 3 tbsp double cream
  • 175g day-old white breadcrumbs, from a good quality loaf

Preparation Instructions:

1. Shortcrust Pastry: Blend flour, salt, butter, and lard to achieve a fine breadcrumb texture. Gradually mix in cold water until the dough begins to form clumps. Knead lightly on a floured surface, roll out, and line a 23cm deep flan tin. Prick the base and chill for 20 minutes.
2. Blind Baking: Preheat your oven with a baking sheet inside. Line the pastry with baking paper and beans/rice and bake on the hot sheet for 15-20 minutes until the edges are golden. Remove the fillings and bake for an additional 5-6 minutes to golden the base.
3. Treacle Filling: Warm the golden syrup and mix in lemon zest and juice. Add eggs and cream to the syrup, then gently combine with the breadcrumbs. Allow the mixture to sit for 5 minutes for breadcrumbs to swell slightly.
4. Final Baking: Pour the treacle mixture into the pastry case, ensuring an even spread of breadcrumbs. Bake until the filling is just set and golden brown, approximately 45-50 minutes.
5. Serving: Allow the tart to cool before serving. This tart is traditionally served warm, accompanied by clotted cream, whipped cream, ice cream, or custard.

Storage and Reheating:

Treacle Tart can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For reheating, place it in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 10 minutes or until warm. The tart can also be frozen for longer storage; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Information:

Each serving typically contains around 479 calories, with 16.2g of fat (7.9g saturated), 5.4g of protein, 79.1g of carbohydrates (58.2g sugars), 1.4g of fibre, and 1g of salt.

FAQ about the Treacle Tart:

• Can I use homemade golden syrup? Yes, homemade golden syrup can be used in this recipe for an even more authentic touch.
• How can I make the tart gluten-free? Substitute the flour in the pastry with a gluten-free alternative and ensure your breadcrumbs are gluten-free as well.

Treacle Tart is a testament to the simple pleasures of British baking, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Whether for a family gathering or a cozy afternoon tea, this tart promises to be a hit.