Cornflake Tart Recipe

Coming from different countries, my husband and I have an international group of friends and a steady stream of visitors from all over. While a British American couple visited us recently, we found ourselves in a fun conversation comparing our school days in the U.S., U.K., and the Netherlands—whether we brought lunch or had it at school, what school lunches were like… that sort of thing.

Growing up in the U.K., our friend Ravi’s most memorable school lunch treat was a cornflake tart. Ravi’s American wife, my Dutch husband, and I had never heard of it and couldn’t fathom what a tart with cornflakes could be like. Imagine a jam tart topped with a layer of chewy and crunchy golden syrup-coated cornflakes—what’s not to like?

I had to try it out for myself. It’s incredibly easy to make, taking just an hour from start to finish. 

What Is Cornflake Tart?

A cornflake tart is a nostalgic dessert from the UK made with a crisp shortcrust pastry filled with raspberry or strawberry jam and crunchy cornflakes coated in golden syrup piled on top. The whole tart goes back in the oven to toast the cornflake topping before serving.

It’s so easy to make that Ravi said it’s a classic lesson in British home economics classes. The simple components also made it easy for schools to scale up and serve for school lunches or for kids to help make for school bake sales. It’s sometimes paired with a rich custard sauce.

What Is Golden Syrup?

Golden syrup is a staple of British baking, used to sweeten and flavor everything from cakes to cookies to pancakes. It’s a byproduct of sugar processing with a similar appearance and consistency to honey but a sweet caramel and buttery flavor.

You can often find it in the baking aisle of the grocery store or with the British goods. It’s also available online. If you can’t find it, honey is the best substitute both for flavor and consistency.

Substitutions and Variations

If you can’t find golden syrup, or if you want to explore flavors outside of the classic cornflake tart, here are a few tips to inspire your adventures:

• The best substitute for golden syrup is light-colored honey. 
• Use flavored cornflakes, like crunchy nut or chocolate cornflakes. Or try another cereal altogether.
• Add 1/2 to 1 cup chopped nuts or shredded coconut to the cornflakes. For even more flavor, toast the nuts or coconut first at 350°F for 5 to 10 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
• Use a different type of jam. Raspberry and strawberry are the classics, but that shouldn’t stop you from using your favorite jam.

British Classics