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. It's a simple yet delicious cake that's perfect for any occasion.

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.

💭 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.

📖 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

😋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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