Easy Cornflake Tart Recipe is a classic British dessert that brings back fond memories for many. This easy-to-make treat is both crunchy and sweet, with a delightful layer of sticky jam beneath a cornflake crust. It’s perfect for teatime, a family gathering, or just as a simple dessert when you’re craving something sweet.
In this blog, we’ll take you through the history of cornflake tarts, provide you with a foolproof recipe, offer some tips and tricks for perfecting it, and suggest a few variations to suit different tastes. We’ll also give you plenty of serving ideas and insights into how to store them for later. Let’s jump into the world of Easy Cornflake Tart Recipe and explore this delicious dessert!
A Brief History of Easy Cornflake Tart Recipe
Cornflake tarts have been a staple in British schools and homes since the mid-20th century. During World War II, rationing made it difficult to find ingredients like butter, sugar, and flour, so creative bakers turned to cornflakes as an alternative to traditional pie toppings. Over time, this humble tart evolved into a beloved dessert, especially popular among children.
With their crunchy cornflake topping and sticky jam filling, these tarts are a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create something truly delightful. Today, they remain a nostalgic treat for many and continue to be a popular choice for home bakers due to their simplicity and flavor.
Why Make This Easy Cornflake Tart Recipe?
There are several reasons why cornflake tarts should be part of your baking repertoire:
- Simple ingredients: Cornflake tarts are made with pantry staples, so you won’t need to make a special trip to the store.
- Quick to prepare: You can have a cornflake tart ready to go in just under an hour.
- Kid-friendly: This recipe is a great one to make with children, who will love mixing the cornflakes and spreading the jam.
- Versatile: You can adapt the recipe to include your favorite jams, syrups, or additional toppings.
Ingredients for an Easy Cornflake Tart
Here’s a list of simple ingredients you’ll need to create the perfect Easy Cornflake Tart Recipe:
- 200g Cornflakes
- 100g Butter
- 100g Golden syrup
- 100g Sugar
- 250g Shortcrust pastry (store-bought or homemade)
- 100g Raspberry jam (or any jam of your choice)
Optional Add-ins:
- Raisins or sultanas
- Chopped nuts like almonds or hazelnuts
- Grated coconut for a tropical twist
For those who want to make their own shortcrust pastry, you can follow our guide on how to make perfect shortcrust pastry. If you’re pressed for time, store-bought pastry works just as well.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Cornflake Tarts
Step 1: Prepare the Shortcrust Pastry Base
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F.
- Roll out the shortcrust pastry on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 0.5 cm thick. Line a tart tin with the pastry, ensuring the edges are well-fitted.
- Prick the base of the pastry with a fork to prevent it from rising.
- Bake the pastry for 10-12 minutes until it’s lightly golden. Set aside to cool.
If you’re new to making pastry, check out our guide on baking a perfect tart base to ensure you get it right every time.
Step 2: Make the Cornflake Topping
- In a saucepan, melt the butter, golden syrup, and sugar over medium heat until the sugar has completely dissolved.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cornflakes until they are well-coated in the syrup mixture.
This sticky mixture is the heart of the Easy Cornflake Tart Recipe and gives it that signature crunch and sweetness.
Step 3: Assemble the Cornflake Tart
- Spread a generous layer of raspberry jam (or your preferred flavor) over the baked pastry base. The jam provides a lovely contrast to the crispy topping, adding both sweetness and moisture.
- Spoon the cornflake mixture evenly over the jam, pressing down gently with the back of a spoon.
- Return the tart to the oven and bake for a further 5-8 minutes until the cornflakes are golden and set.
Tips for Perfecting Your Easy Cornflake Tart Recipe
Although this Cornflake Tart Recipe is relatively simple, here are a few tips to ensure your tart turns out perfectly every time:
1. Use Plain Cornflakes
Avoid using pre-sweetened or flavored cornflakes, as they can make the tart overly sweet. Stick to classic plain cornflakes to balance the flavors.
2. Prevent Over-browning
When baking the tart for the second time (after adding the cornflake topping), keep an eye on it to prevent the cornflakes from burning. A light golden color is what you’re aiming for.
3. Experiment with Different Jams
While raspberry jam is traditional, you can use whatever jam or preserve you prefer. Apricot, strawberry, or mixed berry jams all work well. For a more adventurous twist, you can try marmalade or even lemon curd for a tangy alternative.
Explore our ultimate guide to marmalade cake recipes for more inspiration on using citrus flavors in desserts.
Variations to Try with This Easy Cornflake Tart Recipe
Cornflake tarts are wonderfully adaptable. Here are some variations to experiment with:
1. Chocolate Cornflake Tart
For chocolate lovers, substitute the golden syrup with melted chocolate. Simply melt your favorite chocolate and mix it with the butter and sugar before adding the cornflakes. The result is a rich, decadent Chocolate Cornflake Tart that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
2. Nutty Cornflake Tart
If you enjoy a bit of extra crunch, add chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts to the cornflake mixture. The nuts will toast slightly in the oven, adding both flavor and texture.
Pro Tip: Adding nuts to your desserts is a great way to enhance both flavor and nutrition. You might also enjoy our guide to making nutty baklava cheesecake.
3. Tropical Cornflake Tart
For a summery twist, sprinkle some grated coconut over the cornflake topping before baking. You can even swap the jam for pineapple or mango preserves to create a tropical version of this classic Cornflake Tart Recipe.
How to Serve Your Easy Cornflake Tart Recipe
Cornflake tart is delicious on its own, but there are plenty of ways to elevate the serving experience:
1. Serve Warm with Ice Cream
A warm slice of cornflake tart served with a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream is a match made in dessert heaven. The contrast between the warm tart and the cold ice cream makes it an indulgent treat.
2. Drizzle with Caramel Sauce
Add an extra layer of sweetness by drizzling your cornflake tart with homemade caramel sauce. This is especially good if you’ve opted for a less sweet jam like apricot or lemon.
For those who want to learn more about caramel-based desserts, our guide to making delicious caramel cheesecakes is a must-read!
3. Pair with Custard
For a traditional British dessert experience, serve cornflake tart with a side of warm custard. The creamy texture of the custard complements the crunchy topping perfectly.
Storing Your Cornflake Tarts
Cornflake tarts store well, making them a great option if you want to prepare them in advance. Here’s how to store them properly:
At Room Temperature
Store your cornflake tart in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you live in a particularly hot climate, it’s best to store the tart in the fridge to prevent the jam from spoiling.
In the Fridge
You can store the tart in the fridge for up to a week. However, be aware that refrigeration may cause the cornflakes to lose some of their crunch.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your cornflake tart, simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the tart at room temperature and warm it in the oven for a few minutes to restore the crispy texture.
Nutritional Information for Your Easy Cornflake Tart Recipe
While cornflake tarts are undeniably delicious, they are a treat best enjoyed in moderation. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving:
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Sugar | 25g |
| Sodium | 100mg |
To explore more wholesome alternatives or reduce the sugar content, you might enjoy our guide to healthy baking alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Easy Cornflake Tart Recipe
Can I Make Cornflake Tart Gluten-free?
Yes! You can easily make a gluten-free version by using gluten-free shortcrust pastry and ensuring that the cornflakes you use are also certified gluten-free.
Can I Use Honey Instead of Golden Syrup?
While golden syrup gives the tart a traditional flavor, you can substitute it with honey for a different taste. Just be aware that honey can make the topping slightly stickier and softer.
Can I Use Other Cereals?
Yes! If you don’t have cornflakes on hand, you can try using other cereals like Rice Krispies, bran flakes, or even crushed Weetabix. Each cereal will give the tart a unique texture and flavor.
Conclusion: Try This Easy Cornflake Tart Recipe Today!
Cornflake tarts are a delightful dessert that combines simplicity with nostalgia. Whether you’re recreating a childhood favorite or introducing it to the next generation, this easy cornflake tart recipe is a must-try. With its crispy cornflake topping, sweet jam filling, and buttery pastry base, it’s a dessert that’s sure to please.
For more dessert inspiration, check out our ultimate guide to classic British desserts or explore other easy-to-make recipes on Ollie Recipes.
Enjoy your cornflake tart!