A Classic British Comfort Dessert
Few desserts are as warm, nostalgic, and comforting as Old-School Treacle Sponge. This light, fluffy sponge cake drenched in golden syrup is a British classic, often served with custard or cream for the ultimate cozy treat.
I love this recipe because it’s simple, requires pantry staples, and delivers the perfect balance of sweetness and softness. Whether you steam it the traditional way or bake it for convenience, this old-fashioned dessert is always a winner!
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Q: What is treacle sponge made of?
Treacle sponge is a light sponge cake flavored with golden syrup and steamed (or baked) for extra moisture. Despite the name, it usually uses golden syrup rather than dark treacle.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Treacle sponge can be made a day ahead and reheated by steaming or microwaving.
Q: Do I need to steam it, or can I bake it?
While steaming gives it the most traditional texture, baking works too! Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 35-40 minutes instead of steaming.
Q: Can I use dark treacle instead of golden syrup?
You can, but it will give the sponge a stronger, slightly bitter flavor. Golden syrup is more traditional for a lighter, caramel-like sweetness.
Q: How do I serve treacle sponge?
It’s best served warm with custard, cream, or ice cream for extra indulgence!
What You Need to Make Old-School Treacle Sponge
For the Sponge:
- ½ cup (120g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (125g) self-raising flour (or all-purpose flour + 1 tsp baking powder)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons milk
For the Syrup Layer:
- ⅓ cup (100g) golden syrup
- Extra golden syrup for drizzling
How to Make Old-School Treacle Sponge
Step 1: Prepare the Pudding Basin
- Grease a 1.2-liter (1 ½ pint) pudding basin with butter.
- Pour golden syrup into the bottom of the basin.
Step 2: Make the Sponge Batter
- In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract, one at a time.
- Fold in the flour and salt, then mix in the milk to create a smooth batter.
Step 3: Assemble & Steam
- Spoon the batter over the golden syrup in the basin.
- Cover with a layer of parchment paper and foil, securing with string.
- Place the basin in a steamer or large pot with water halfway up the sides.
- Cover and steam for 1 hour 30 minutes, topping up water as needed.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
- Remove the basin, let it sit for 5 minutes, then invert onto a plate.
- Drizzle with extra golden syrup and serve warm with custard, cream, or ice cream.
Tips for the Best Treacle Sponge
✔ Use room temperature ingredients – This helps create a light and fluffy sponge.
✔ Don’t overfill the pudding basin – Leave space for the sponge to rise.
✔ Top up the steaming water – Check regularly to prevent it from drying out.
✔ Want a stronger flavor? – Mix dark treacle with golden syrup for a richer taste.
✔ For a baked version – Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes in a greased baking dish.
Reader Reviews
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Emma L. – “So nostalgic! Reminds me of school dinners in the best way. The sponge was light and fluffy!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 James K. – “Made this for Sunday dessert, and it was a hit! Served it with homemade custard, and it disappeared in minutes.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Samantha W. – “First time steaming a pudding, and it worked perfectly! So easy and delicious.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Lucas R. – “I tried baking it instead, and it still turned out great! Will try steaming next time.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Jessica T. – “Absolutely divine! The golden syrup makes it so rich and comforting.”
Printable Recipe
Old-School Treacle Sponge
This Old-School Treacle Sponge is a classic British steamed pudding with a light, fluffy sponge and golden syrup topping—perfect with custard or cream!
Ingredients
- For the Sponge:
- ½ cup (120g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (125g) self-raising flour (or all-purpose flour + 1 tsp baking powder)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons milk
- For the Syrup Layer:
- ⅓ cup (100g) golden syrup
- Extra golden syrup for drizzling
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pudding Basin
- Grease a 1.2-liter (1 ½ pint) pudding basin with butter.
- Pour golden syrup into the bottom of the basin.
Step 2: Make the Sponge Batter
- In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract, one at a time.
- Fold in the flour and salt, then mix in the milk to create a smooth batter.
Step 3: Assemble & Steam
- Spoon the batter over the golden syrup in the basin.
- Cover with a layer of parchment paper and foil, securing with string.
- Place the basin in a steamer or large pot with water halfway up the sides.
- Cover and steam for 1 hour 30 minutes, topping up water as needed.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
- Remove the basin, let it sit for 5 minutes, then invert onto a plate.
- Drizzle with extra golden syrup and serve warm with custard, cream, or ice cream.
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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!
If you loved this Old-School Treacle Sponge, don’t keep it to yourself! Share it on social media, pin it on Pinterest, or send it to a friend who loves nostalgic British desserts. Homemade treats always taste better when shared! Tag me if you try it!
