Golden syrup cake is a classic treat that perfectly blends the rich, caramelised flavour of golden syrup with a moist and tender cake crumb. This indulgent loaf cake boasts a unique sticky texture and irresistible sweetness.
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The syrup cake is perfect for a mid-afternoon snack or an after-school surprise for the kids, but it's also indulgent enough to serve as a dessert paired with homemade honeycomb ice cream.
👩🍳 Love loaf cakes? Try my marzipan loaf cake, apple loaf cake, and blackcurrant loaf cake too!
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✔️ Why should you try it?
- This irresistible Golden Syrup loaf cake is a classic treat with a rich, sweet, and buttery flavour.
- Its moist, tender crumb and caramel-like sweetness make it perfect for any occasion, from cosy afternoon tea to special celebrations.
- The recipe's simplicity and straightforward instructions make it an excellent choice for beginner bakers.
- With just a few basic ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you'll create a delectable loaf cake that fills your kitchen with the enticing aroma of caramelised sugar and butter.
I've made this twice now and it's been so well received. For such a simple recipe the results are amazing with a lovely textured sponge, full of flavour and with the added bonus of keeping fresh for days. The second time I added sultanas and some chopped pecans on the top and served warm with your homemade honeycomb ice cream recipe …..absolutely amazing. Thank you so much. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Linda
I tried this recipe after not being too impressed with another syrup cake recipe I had used in the past. I am so pleased I did because it is amazing and by far the nicest syrup cake we have had! We really loved the fluffy soft texture and depth of the syrup flavour. My children loved it with custard and it made a lovely surprise dessert for them today. It is so gorgeous on the day it was baked so I can't even imagine how much more incredible it will be after it has rested a day or so (it probably won't survive long enough to find out though!). I made the recipe as written except for using soft brown sugar instead of caster. It cooked perfectly in the time stated. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Louise
🥘 Ingredients
Golden Syrup - the star ingredient in this loaf cake, bringing a delicious caramel sweetness to the cake and moist crumb.
Butter - unsalted butter is best for this syrup loaf cake.
Caster Sugar - alternatively, light brown sugar, which would give the cake a darker colour.
Egg - one large egg is needed for the recipe.
Milk - whole milk gives a lovely richness, but if you're watching the calories then semi-skimmed can be used instead.
Self Raising Flour - helps the syrup loaf cake rise. Alternatively, you could use plain flour with baking powder mixed in. You would need 3 teaspoon of baking powder for 200g of self-raising flour.
Lemon Zest - gives the cake a lovely citrus zing.
🔪 Instructions
The recipe card with ingredient quantities and detailed instructions can be found at the bottom of the post
One: Place the golden syrup, butter, and sugar in a large saucepan and place it on a medium heat until melted.
Two: Take the pan off the heat and leave it to cool for a few minutes before mixing in the egg and milk.
Three: Finally, mix in the self-raising flour and lemon zest. Small lumps may form, and you may find using a whisk helpful to make the batter as smooth as possible.
Four: Pour the cake batter into a 2lb loaf tin, lined with baking paper and bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour in a preheated oven. Brush on the golden syrup glaze while the cake is still warm.
Top Tips
- Use a whisk to stir in the flour. It will help get rid of any small lumps and create a smoother batter.
- Run a round-edged knife around the edge of the cake once you have removed it from the oven, but leave it in the loaf tin until it has completely cooled.
🍴 Serving suggestions
Enjoy Golden Syrup Cake in various ways: serve it at room temperature with tea or milk for a comforting afternoon treat, or indulge in a warm slice topped with creamy honeycomb ice cream for a heavenly dessert.
Transform it into a classic comfort pudding by pairing it with luxurious custard, add a fruity twist with a compote of seasonal berries or poached pears, or drizzle warm caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat.
📖 Variations
- Use orange zest instead of lemon zest to flavour the loaf cake.
- Light brown sugar can be used instead of caster sugar, which will result in a darker-coloured cake.
- Add 1-2 teaspoons of ground ginger to the batter for a warm and spicy flavour. You can also add some chopped crystallized ginger for extra texture.
- Add a handful of chopped walnuts for added crunch and texture. Pecans also work well.
🥡 Storage
Store - if you plan to eat the syrup loaf cake within 4-5 days, you can store it at room temperature in an airtight container or cake tin.
Freeze - for up to 3 months.
❓ FAQS
Golden Syrup is a thick, amber-colored syrup made from sugar cane. It is commonly used as a sweetener in baking and cooking, and has a rich, sweet flavour with notes of caramel and butterscotch. Golden syrup is a popular ingredient in British and Australian cuisine and is often used in desserts such as treacle tart, flapjacks, and gingerbread. It can also be used as a topping for pancakes, waffles, and ice cream.
Runny honey is the best substitute for golden syrup. Maple syrup is too runny.
Yes, you can add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the batter for extra texture and flavour. Some popular options include pecans, walnuts, raisins, sultanas, or dried cranberries.
Yes, you can make golden syrup cake ahead of time and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze it for use at a later date.
Golden Syrup is a common ingredient in many British recipes and is relatively inexpensive in the UK, but this may not be the case in other parts of the world. If you live in a place where Golden Syrup is not readily available, you can make your own using sugar, water, and a slice of lemon, or substitute it for honey or corn syrup.
😋Related recipes
Some more easy loaf cakes to try:
- Lime and Coconut Loaf Cake
- Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
- Madeira Loaf Cake
- Lemon Blueberry Polenta Cake
- Lemon Curd Loaf Cake
- Creme Fraiche Banana Loaf Cake
- Apple Crumble Loaf Cake
🍽️ More family-friendly baking recipes
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Recipe
Easy Golden Syrup Cake Recipe
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Equipment
- Saucepan
Ingredients
- 200 g Golden Syrup
- 100 g Butter
- 100 g Caster Sugar
- 1 Egg
- 150 ml Milk
- 200 g Self Raising Flour
- 1 Lemon zest only
- 3 tablespoon Golden Syrup
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 160°c (140 °fan/ 325°F/ Gas 3) and line a 2lb loaf tin with baking parchment.
- Place the golden syrup, butter and caster sugar in a pan and melt it on a low-medium heat. Remove from the heat and leave to cool for a few minutes.200 g Golden Syrup, 100 g Butter, 100 g Caster Sugar
- In a small jug, whisk together the egg and milk and then beat it into the cooled syrup mixture.1 Egg, 150 ml Milk
- Mix in the flour and lemon zest. You may want to use a whisk to make sure the batter is as smooth as possible (don't worry if a few small lumps remain).200 g Self Raising Flour, 1 Lemon
- Pour the batter into the tin and bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour (until a skewer comes out clean). Immediately brush the top of the loaf cake with the extra golden syrup glaze and leave to cool completely.3 tablespoon Golden Syrup
Helen - Cooking with my kids says
This looks delicous, I love the sound of the sticky glaze on top. I don't think it would last long in our house either!
Dannii says
This was my favourite cake growing up, but we always bought it. I am definitely going to try baking it.
Louise says
I tried this recipe after not being too impressed with another syrup cake recipe i had used in the past. I am so pleased I did because it is amazing and by far the nicest syrup cake we have had! We really loved the fluffy soft texture and depth of the syrup flavour. My children loved it with custard and it made a lovely surprise dessert for them today. It is so gorgeous on the day it was baked so i can't even imagine how much more incredible it will be after it has rested a day or so (it probably won't survive long enough to find out though!) I made the recipe as written except for using soft brown sugar instead of caster. It cooked perfectly in the time stated. Thank you for this amazing cake; i look forward to trying more of your recipes!
Beth Sachs says
Hi Louise. So happy you loved the cake as much as we do!
Danielle Wolter says
What a beautiful loaf of bread! It sounds just divine and perfect to make for my trip to see family this week!
Heidy says
I made this golden syrup cake the other night and it was a HUGE hit with the family. I will be saving this recipe to make again soon for our work potluck!
Have a wonderful day
Heidy
Linda Skidmore says
I’ve made this twice now and it’s been so well received. For such a simple recipe the results are amazing with a lovely textured sponge, full of flavour and with the added bonus of keeping fresh for days. The second time I added sultanas and some chopped pecans on the top and served warm with your homemade honeycomb ice cream recipe …..absolutely amazing. Thank you so much.
Beth Sachs says
Glad you enjoyed it Linda!
Jess says
I love the idea of serving this warm with some ice cream. My kind of treat!
Beth says
This looks so yummy and scrumptious! I can't wait to make this!
Katherine says
Oh the absolute joys of golden syrup. How wonderful in this beautiful loaf cake.
Maria says
Cake is one of our favorite! I want to try this as soon as I got home <3 looks delicious!!!
veenaazmanov says
This Cake looks moist and delicious and best to go with my cup of Tea.
Tania | Fit Foodie Nutter says
This is such a great British classic Beth! Baked it with my daughter and it turned out absolutely delicious! Thank you for a great recipe x
Soniya says
This looks and sounds so delicious 👌 can't wait to try it!
Jenny Walters says
Oh! Oh! Oh! I am making this gorgeous baby. It looks stickily lush! Thank you for sharing them with #CookBlogShare
Chloe Edges says
This is going to be the next cake I make!
Lizzie says
Simple to make and bake.
If it lasts long enough, it will be served at our village coffee morning.
The piece I nibbled was delicious.