Mini Treacle Tart Recipe (Harry Potter’s Favorite)
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Since golden syrup is one of the IDB’s most popular recipes, I thought I’d share an easy dessert that uses golden syrup and is out of this world delicious: mini treacle tarts!
These individual treacle tarts are two bites of buttery, lemony deliciousness. The slightly salty almond shortbread crust pairs well with the sweet filling. They’re perfect for bringing to an office party, potluck, afternoon tea or as a portion-controlled brown-bag lunch treat.
You may be thinking, treacle tart…Harry Potter? Yes, treacle tart is Harry’s favorite dessert. After making these mini tarts, I can see why! I’ve made a regular sized treacle tart but to be honest, I like these mini tarts better. I think it’s the ratio of crust to filling to topping that makes these tarts irresistible!
I made these tarts when I was writing my Mini Tarts ebook (which you can download for free right here). I had a bunch of golden syrup in my cupboard and was searching for ways to use it up. When I found a recipe for treacle tart I decided to make mini treacle tarts for my ebook.
I made 10 different tarts for my ebook and these treacle tarts were my favorite! There are many uses for golden syrup (like my golden syrup cookies) but this is my favorite so far.
Contents
What is Treacle Syrup (Golden Syrup)?
Treacle syrup is a caramel flavored syrup that’s super easy to make at home (click here to get the recipe). All you need to make it is sugar, water, and a slice of lemon. You can find (or make) light treacle – golden syrup – or a darker syrup, which is more like molasses. These tarts use the lighter version of this syrup. If you don’t want to make golden syrup at home, you can buy it here on Amazon.
Can I Use Honey Instead of Golden Syrup?
You could…but then they’ll be honey tarts rather than treacle tarts. 🙂 Honey, while delicious, has a different flavor than treacle or golden syrup.
What Kind of Pan Should I Use to Make these Mini Tarts?
I used a mini tart pan like this one. I really like that bottoms are removable, because it makes it so much easier to pop the tart shells out of the pan.
How to Make Mini Treacle Tarts
There are three steps to making these tarts.
First, make or buy the golden syrup. It’s super easy to make it yourself but it does take time for the syrup to simmer and then cool. I recommend making the golden syrup a day or two in advance. If you don’t have time or the desire to make golden syrup, you can easily buy it here on Amazon (golden syrup is not super easy to find in the US).
The second step is to make the mini tart shells. I love the almond shortbread crust for these tarts but if you have a go-to tart crust, go ahead and use it. The almond shortbread crust below is quick to mix up but it does need to chill for a couple hours before using it to make the tarts.
The third step is to make the filling. That comes together quickly and easily.
After that, assemble the tarts, bake them, let them cool, add a dollop of whipped cream spiked with vanilla sugar, and then try not to eat them all at once!
If you want to make everything from scratch, start a day or two before you want to serve the tarts. On day one make the golden syrup and the almond shortbread crust. On the second day, make the the filling, assemble, bake, and the decorate the tarts.
Enjoy!
Mini Treacle Tart Recipe
Mini Treacle Tart Recipe
A mini version of Harry Potter's favorite dessert!
Ingredients
- 10 Tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 egg (room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups flour (I used all purpose)
- 1/2 cup almond meal
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup golden syrup (homemade or store bought)
- 1 Tbsp butter
- 1 egg
- 1 Tbsp heavy cream
- 1 Tbsp lemon zest
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1/8 cup breadcrumbs
- Freshly whipped cream
Instructions
Make the Tart Crust
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and beat until well combined.
- Sift flour into a mixing bowl. Add almond meal, salt, and baking powder and mix together. Slowly add to the wet ingredients and mix on low until dough forms.
- Wrap dough in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for 1-2 hours.
Make the Tarts
- Heat oven to 400F.
- Press dough into mini tart pan. Make sure bottom and sides are evenly covered.
- Warm the golden syrup over low heat. Take off heat, add butter and stir until melted. Let cool for a few minutes.
- Beat egg and cream in a small mixing bowl with a spout. Add syrup mixture and stir. Add bread crumbs, lemon zest and juice and stir until thoroughly combined.
- Pour mixture into shells. Don't fill more than half full or they will overflow while baking.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
- Cool on a wire rack before serving. Top with fresh whipped cream just before serving.
Want More Mini Tarts?
Hello, I’m excited to make these for my birthday.
How long will they keep with the filling?
Can I bake the crust ahead of time? If so, keep at room temp?
Thank you!
You can make them a day or two ahead of time (just be sure to wrap them up well) and then add the whipped cream just before serving. You can make the crust dough a few days ahead and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake the tarts. Have a great birthday!
@Cate, International Desserts Blog, thank you so much! i only have one pan of 12. is it okay if i leave the dough and filling at room temperature until i take out the first batch?
sorry for so many questions!
thank you for the birthday wishes! so awesome that mine is close to harry potter’s bday!
Yep, that should be fine! You don’t want to let the dough get too warm so I wouldn’t leave it out much longer than the tine it takes to bake a batch. If it does get too warm and soft, just pop it back in the fridge for a bit. 🙂