Golden Syrup: What is it and how can you use it?

Image by Londonsista

When I was living in England in the 80’s I would often see large or small cans of green with silver and gold writing that was Golden Syrup. There were also red and black cans of Black Treacle that were for sale also. They seemed mysterious and I always wondered what they were.

Later I would have a memorable dessert called Treacle Tart that was just delightful. It was a thin wedge of a honey-colored confectionary on a flaky pastry. One of the best desserts I’ve ever had and one I would gladly recreate for my family.

Treacle or Golden Syrup is a thick, sticky dark or light syrup made from partly refined sugar or molasses. Golden syrup or light treacle is a thick amber-colored syrup made in the process cooking down a sugar solution with a form of culinary acid.

Treacle is the British equivalent of what we Americans consider to be molasses. Treacle is used in a variety of traditional British bake stuff. Treacle comes in various grades, ranging from light golden syrup to dark or “black” treacle. The word “treacle” is used for any grade of syrup made in the refining of cane sugar.

Treacle is used in a variety of baking recipes and desserts. It has an appearance similar to honey or light corn syrup and is often used as a substitute for honey in recipes. Dark Treacle is used often in recipes…