There’s something unmistakably charming about a classic treacle tart. A favorite in the realm of British desserts, this sweet treat combines the delightful textures of a crumbly pastry base with a lusciously sticky filling. Taking about an hour to prepare and cook, Mary Berry’s treacle tart recipe is a masterclass in dessert-making that promises to transport your taste buds straight to the heart of England.
What is Mary Berry Treacle Tart Recipe
The treacle tart is a traditional British dessert, made primarily from treacle (golden syrup) and breadcrumbs, nestled in a buttery pastry shell. Mary Berry, a renowned figure in the world of baking, offers her take on this classic, ensuring a perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Simplicity: Even beginners can master this recipe with great results.
- Classic Flavor: It’s a slice of British heritage that never fails to please.
- Versatility: Perfect for any occasion, from formal dinners to cozy family gatherings.
Ingredients Needed for Mary Berry Treacle Tart Recipe
- 225 grams plain flour
- 150 grams cold butter, cubed
- Cold water
- 300 grams golden syrup
- 125 grams breadcrumbs
- The zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 egg, beaten (for glazing)
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Treacle Tart Recipe
- Prepare the Pastry: Blend flour and butter until the mixture resembles fine crumbs. Add cold water to form a dough.
- Shape the Base: Roll out the dough and line a tart tin. Chill for 30 minutes.
- Make the Filling: Warm the golden syrup, then mix in breadcrumbs and lemon zest and juice.
- Assemble the Tart: Pour the filling into the pastry base.
- Bake: Glaze with beaten egg and bake for 30 minutes at 200 degrees Celsius.
What Goes Well With Mary Berry Treacle Tart Recipe
- Creamy Delight: Serve with a dollop of clotted cream for added richness.
- Ice Cream Pairing: A scoop of vanilla ice cream makes a perfect companion.
- Citrus Contrast: A drizzle of lemon curd can brighten the flavors.
- Fresh Berries: Top with fresh strawberries or raspberries for a burst of color and freshness.
- Minty Freshness: Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a refreshing note.
- Coffee Balance: Enjoy with a strong espresso to complement the sweetness.
- Spiced Syrup: Drizzle some cinnamon or ginger-infused syrup for a warm spice hit.
- Cheese Counterpoint: Serve with a slice of mild cheese-like brie to balance the sweetness with creamy savoriness.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Mary Berry Treacle Tart Recipe
- Chill the Dough: Ensure the pastry is well-chilled to prevent shrinkage during baking.
- Even Filling: Spread the filling evenly to avoid soggy or overly dry spots.
- Monitor the Oven: Keep an eye on the tart as oven temperatures can vary.
- Pre-bake the Shell: Consider pre-baking the tart shell to ensure it’s fully cooked.
- Bread Crumb Quality: Use fresh, high-quality breadcrumbs for the best texture and flavor.
Easy Variations of Mary Berry Treacle Tart Recipe
- Nutty Addition: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans into the filling for a crunchy texture.
- Chocolate Twist: Add a layer of melted chocolate beneath the syrup mixture for a decadent touch.
- Fruity Flair: Incorporate a layer of apple slices or raisins for a fruity variation.
- Zesty Lemon: Add extra lemon zest for a more pronounced citrus flavor.
- Saffron Infusion: Introduce a pinch of saffron for a luxurious and exotic twist.
Best Practices to Store Mary Berry Treacle Tart Recipe
- Cool Completely: Allow the tart to cool thoroughly before storing.
- Airtight Container: Keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Refrigerate: Store in the refrigerator if kept for more than a couple of days.
Best Practices to Reheat Mary Berry Treacle Tart Recipe
- Oven Method: Reheat in a moderate oven to keep the pastry crisp.
- Avoid Microwave: Microwaving can make the pastry soggy.
FAQs
How long does it take to make Mary Berry’s treacle tart?
The total time required to make Mary Berry’s treacle tart, from preparation to baking, is approximately 1 hour. This includes about 30 minutes of preparation and 30 minutes of baking time.
Can I use molasses instead of golden syrup in a treacle tart?
While traditional treacle tart recipes call for golden syrup, molasses can be used as a substitute to create a deeper, slightly bittersweet flavor. However, keep in mind that molasses is thicker and stronger in taste than golden syrup, which might slightly alter the classic taste of the tart.
What type of breadcrumbs should be used for Mary Berry’s treacle tart?
For the best texture in Mary Berry’s treacle tart, use fresh breadcrumbs made from white bread. They absorb the golden syrup effectively, contributing to a moist filling without becoming too soggy. Avoid using flavored or dried breadcrumbs as they can alter the traditional texture and taste of the tart.
Is it possible to make Mary Berry’s treacle tart gluten-free?
Yes, you can make a gluten-free version of Mary Berry’s treacle tart by substituting the regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend for the pastry and using gluten-free breadcrumbs for the filling. Ensure that the golden syrup and other ingredients are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 68 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 37 g
Final Words
Mary Berry’s treacle tart transcends the ordinary, embodying the warmth and nostalgia that only time-honored recipes can inspire. This dessert isn’t just about indulging your sweet tooth; it’s an invitation to weave a tapestry of culinary tradition into your own kitchen creations. Seasoned bakers and newcomers alike will find this recipe an opportunity to forge memorable moments and nurture connections over a slice of something genuinely exquisite.
Let’s bake a treacle tart and make each day a little sweeter.
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Mary Berry Treacle Tart Recipe
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
There’s something unmistakably charming about a classic treacle tart. A favorite in the realm of British desserts, this sweet treat combines the delightful textures of a crumbly pastry base with a lusciously sticky filling. Taking about an hour to prepare and cook, Mary Berry’s treacle tart recipe is a masterclass in dessert-making that promises to transport your taste buds straight to the heart of England.
Ingredients
- 225 grams plain flour
- 150 grams cold butter, cubed
- Cold water
- 300 grams golden syrup
- 125 grams breadcrumbs
- The zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 egg, beaten (for glazing)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pastry: Blend flour and butter until the mixture resembles fine crumbs. Add cold water to form a dough.
- Shape the Base: Roll out the dough and line a tart tin. Chill for 30 minutes.
- Make the Filling: Warm the golden syrup, then mix in breadcrumbs and lemon zest and juice.
- Assemble the Tart: Pour the filling into the pastry base.
- Bake: Glaze with beaten egg and bake for 30 minutes at 200 degrees Celsius.
