The best tips for preparing treacle tart include having the proper supplies on hand, knowing which ingredients to use for both the pastry and filling, and carefully choosing the type of cream with which to garnish it. Baking tools like a tart pan, rolling pin, and mixing bowls should be set out beforehand for organized prep work. The crust's ingredients should be carefully chosen, as variations affect its texture and density. Substitutions and additions to the traditional filling may be necessary, depending on availability and personal taste. The type of cream used to garnish can also vary in texture and sweetness.
Having your baking tools ready can save time when making a treacle tart. Some sort of tart or pie pan is essential, with the former being the traditional dish used. A rolling pin is needed to prepare the pastry dough, as is a clean, flat work surface. Keeping extra flour on hand allows you to sprinkle the dough, pin, and work surface to prevent sticking during rolling. Several medium to large-size bowls, baking spoons or spatulas, and a bread knife are also required.
A flaky, flavorful pastry crust is the base for the best treacle tart. Most recipes mix butter, flour, and confectioner's sugar with ice water to form a soft, sweet dough. Using pastry flour instead of all-purpose gives the crust a lighter, fluffier texture. While some recipes call for superfine sugar, this granulated product will likely not give the pastry dough the extremely flaky consistency acquired with confectioner's powder. A particularly rich crust may also call for egg in lieu of water.
At its most basic, treacle tart filling consists merely of golden syrup, fresh bread crumbs, and lemon juice. If this thick, sweet ingredient isn't unavailable, a substitute may be made by mixing corn syrup with molasses or honey; these sweeteners all have a notably different taste than the traditional treacle, however. It's also important to use fresh bread crumbs, since dried pieces will not result in a moist, thick filling. Adding heavy cream gives a smoother taste and milkier texture, and eggs fluff it up slightly.
The type of cream treacle tart is served with strongly effects its overall flavor. The dish is traditionally served with clotted cream, a delicacy originating from areas of southwest England. It has a dense, lumpy texture and a mild flavor that accents the very sweet tart filling and light crust. Whipped heavy cream provides a more mousse-like garnish. Ice cream adds moisture, coolness, and additional sweetness, and fresh cheeses like mascarpone or crème fraiche may also be used.
