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    Home » Recipes » Baking

    Easy Golden Syrup Cake Recipe

    Published: Sep 21, 2023 by Beth Sachs · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases · 18 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Golden Syrup Cake Pinterest Pin.

    Golden Syrup Cake is a classic teatime treat here in the UK, and one that has been enjoyed for generations!

    The Golden Syrup is what gives this loaf cake its distinctive flavour and moist, sticky texture. It's a simple yet delicious cake that's perfect for any occasion.

    A slice of golden syrup and lemon loaf cake.

    This delicious syrup cake with a sweet sticky glaze is an easy and perfect treat for a mid-afternoon snack or an after-school treat for the kids!

    You can even serve it as a simple (but very indulgent) dessert with homemade honeycomb ice cream.

    👩‍🍳 Love loaf cakes? Try my marzipan loaf cake, apple loaf cake, and blackcurrant loaf cake too!

    Jump to:
    • ✔️ Why should you try it?
    • ⭐ Five Star Reader Reviews
    • 🥘 Ingredients
    • 🔪 Instructions
    • 💭 Top tips
    • 🍴 Serving suggestions
    • 📖 Variations
    • 🥡 Storage
    • ❓ FAQS
    • 😋Related recipes
    • Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    ✔️ Why should you try it?

    • This Golden Syrup Loaf Cake has a rich, sweet, and buttery flavour that's hard to resist. It's a classic sweet treat that's perfect for any occasion.
    • The recipe is simple and straightforward, making it a great choice for beginner bakers.
    • The Golden Syrup bread can be served on its own or with a variety of toppings, such as whipped cream, fresh fruit, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

    ⭐ Five Star Reader Reviews

    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.

    Step by step photo instructions for making the golden syrup cake in a loaf tin.

    💭 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

    Thick slices of the Golden Syrup loaf cake can be served at room temperature with a cup of tea or a glass of milk.

    The syrup cake can also be served warm for pudding with homemade honeycomb ice cream or creamy custard.

    Slices of golden syrup cake.

    📖 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.

    Golden syrup cake in a loaf tin.

    ❓ FAQS

    What is Golden Syrup?

    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.

    What can I use instead of Golden Syrup?

    Runny honey is the best substitute for golden syrup. Maple syrup is too runny.

    Can I add nuts or dried fruit to Golden Syrup cake? 

    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.

    Can I make Golden Syrup cake ahead of time?

    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.

    Can you make Golden Syrup at home?

    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

    • Lemon Curd Loaf Cake on a cake board ready for slicing.
      Simple Lemon Curd Loaf Cake Recipe
    • Banana and peanut butter muffins on a cake stand.
      Easy Banana & Peanut Butter Muffins
    • Apple crumble bars cut into slices on a wooden board.
      Biscoff Apple Crumble Bars
    • A stack of pumpkin blondie bars.
      Quick & Easy Pumpkin Blondies Recipe
    Sticky golden syrup cake on a wooden board with a slice cut off the end.

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    Recipe

    Golden Syrup Cake cut into slices.
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    4.58 from 19 votes

    Easy Golden Syrup Cake Recipe

    Golden syrup cake is a classic teatime treat here in the UK and one that has been enjoyed for generations! The golden syrup is what gives this loaf cake its distinctive flavour and moist, sticky texture.
    Course Cake
    Cuisine British
    Keyword golden syrup bread, golden syrup cake, golden syrup loaf cake, syrup loaf cake
    Prep Time 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 1 hour hour
    Total Time 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes
    Servings 8
    Calories 341kcal
    Author Beth Sachs
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • Kitchen Scales
    • Measuring Spoons
    • Saucepan
    • 2lb Loaf Tin

    Ingredients

    Metric - US Customary
    • 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

    Notes

    The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
    Nutrition Facts
    Easy Golden Syrup Cake Recipe
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    341
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    8
    g
    12
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    1
    g
    6
    %
    Cholesterol
     
    22
    mg
    7
    %
    Sodium
     
    17
    mg
    1
    %
    Potassium
     
    85
    mg
    2
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    63
    g
    21
    %
    Fiber
     
    1
    g
    4
    %
    Sugar
     
    40
    g
    44
    %
    Protein
     
    7
    g
    14
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    67
    IU
    1
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    7
    mg
    8
    %
    Calcium
     
    47
    mg
    5
    %
    Iron
     
    1
    mg
    6
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Tried this recipe?Snap a pic and tag @effortlessf00d on Instagram or Twitter

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Helen - Cooking with my kids

      October 08, 2020 at 10:05 am

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
    2. Dannii

      October 09, 2020 at 10:15 am

      5 stars
      This was my favourite cake growing up, but we always bought it. I am definitely going to try baking it.

      Reply
      • Louise

        May 26, 2021 at 4:04 pm

        5 stars
        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!

        Reply
        • Beth Sachs

          May 26, 2021 at 4:18 pm

          Hi Louise. So happy you loved the cake as much as we do!

          Reply
    3. Danielle Wolter

      October 09, 2020 at 10:25 am

      5 stars
      What a beautiful loaf of bread! It sounds just divine and perfect to make for my trip to see family this week!

      Reply
    4. Heidy

      October 09, 2020 at 10:46 am

      5 stars
      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

      Reply
      • Linda Skidmore

        June 23, 2021 at 5:26 pm

        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.

        Reply
        • Beth Sachs

          June 24, 2021 at 6:29 am

          Glad you enjoyed it Linda!

          Reply
    5. Jess

      October 09, 2020 at 12:57 pm

      5 stars
      I love the idea of serving this warm with some ice cream. My kind of treat!

      Reply
    6. Beth

      October 09, 2020 at 1:34 pm

      5 stars
      This looks so yummy and scrumptious! I can't wait to make this!

      Reply
    7. Katherine

      October 09, 2020 at 2:40 pm

      5 stars
      Oh the absolute joys of golden syrup. How wonderful in this beautiful loaf cake.

      Reply
    8. Maria

      October 09, 2020 at 3:29 pm

      5 stars
      Cake is one of our favorite! I want to try this as soon as I got home <3 looks delicious!!!

      Reply
    9. veenaazmanov

      October 09, 2020 at 3:30 pm

      5 stars
      This Cake looks moist and delicious and best to go with my cup of Tea.

      Reply
    10. Tania | Fit Foodie Nutter

      October 09, 2020 at 3:49 pm

      5 stars
      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

      Reply
    11. Soniya

      October 09, 2020 at 5:40 pm

      This looks and sounds so delicious 👌 can't wait to try it!

      Reply
    12. Jenny Walters

      October 12, 2020 at 8:36 am

      5 stars
      Oh! Oh! Oh! I am making this gorgeous baby. It looks stickily lush! Thank you for sharing them with #CookBlogShare

      Reply
    13. Chloe Edges

      October 12, 2020 at 1:59 pm

      5 stars
      This is going to be the next cake I make!

      Reply
    14. Lizzie

      February 19, 2023 at 12:29 pm

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply

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    Beth Sachs

    Hi, I’m Beth, a Mum of three (and one crazy dog), living in Cornwall, UK. I love creating easy, delicious and fuss-free recipes, perfect for busy families, just like my own.

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