Cornflake tart is a nostalgic British dessert that brings together a buttery shortcrust pastry, a layer of sweet strawberry or raspberry jam, and a golden topping of crunchy cornflakes coated in syrup. For many, it is a taste of childhood, especially for those who remember it as a staple of school dinners in the UK.
The beauty of this tart lies in its contrast of textures and flavors. The crisp pastry base provides a sturdy foundation, the jam layer adds fruity sweetness, and the syrupy cornflakes deliver a satisfying crunch with every bite. The cornflake topping is usually made by mixing the cereal with a warm blend of golden syrup, butter, and sugar, creating a sticky coating that holds together without losing its crunch.
Cornflake tart is simple but deeply comforting. Its straightforward ingredients and familiar flavors evoke a sense of home and simpler times. Served warm, often with a generous helping of custard, it becomes a dessert that feels both indulgent and humble.
While the traditional version sticks to a red fruit jam base, variations are common. Some bakers experiment with apricot or plum jam for a twist, while others add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the syrup for a warmer flavor profile. The tart can also be made in different sizes, from large family portions to individual servings for a more refined presentation.
Part of the charm of cornflake tart is how easy it is to make. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal preparation, it delivers maximum comfort. It is also a great way to use up leftover pastry or cereal, making it both economical and practical.
Whether enjoyed as a dessert after Sunday lunch, served at a gathering, or simply made on a quiet afternoon, cornflake tart captures the joy of nostalgic baking. It is a reminder that sometimes the simplest recipes are the ones that stay with us the longest, carrying memories in every bite.
Ingredients
- 200 grams shortcrust pastry store-bought or homemade
- 100 grams cornflakes unsweetened
- 100 grams golden syrup or honey
- 50 grams butter unsalted
- 5 tablespoons strawberry jam or raspberry
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Roll out the shortcrust pastry and line a tart tin. Trim the edges and prick the base with a fork.
- Spread a layer of jam evenly over the pastry base.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter and golden syrup together over low heat. Once melted, add the cornflakes and stir to coat evenly.
- Pour the cornflake mixture over the jam layer, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes until the cornflakes are golden and crisp.
- Allow to cool before slicing and serving.
Nutrition
This is just like my grandma used to make! Delicious.
Aww, that’s so sweet! I love recipes that remind us of family. Can’t wait to try it myself!
This was a fun recipe, but my kids didn’t like it as much. They are picky.
I can relate! Kids can be so picky. Maybe try a different flavor of jam next time? My kids love peach!
Honestly, cornflakes? What a weird thing to put in a tart. My kids would never eat that. But cool recipe though.
I just put the jam directly in the cornflakes mix. Ain’t nobody got time for layers!
Yummm! Had it for breakfast, and it made my day!
So glad you enjoyed it! Perfect for breakfast, isn’t it? I’m definitely making it again!
Breakfast? Isn’t that more of a dessert thing? Anyway, I tried it too, didn’t love it.
Not sure about the cornflakes…thought they would get soggy. What’s the deal?
Idk, I’m skeptical about the soggy part. How does that work?
The cornflakes actually get crunchy in the oven! You’d be surprised.
Really easy to make! I added some nuts for crunch, turned out great!
Tasted pretty good, but the jam was too sweet for my liking. I might try less next time.
Super easy and quick! My kids loved it. Will definitely make this again.
Yummy. 😋
Shortcrust pastry is hard to work with, but the result was worth it! 📌
Is butter really necessary? I thought syrup would be enough. 🤔
Wasn’t quite as sweet as I expected, but still pretty good. Might add more jam next time.
Nah, I don’t think adding more jam will fix it. Sometimes simple is better! Just enjoy it as it is.
I totally agree! I thought it could use a bit more sweetness too. Maybe some extra honey would help? 🤔
A bit too crunchy for my taste, but it’s a unique idea.
Wow, this brings back memories! My grandma used to make this all the time. Can’t wait to try it!
Nostalgic! Can’t believe I found this recipe. Thank you!
I don’t think this will turn out well… Cornflakes in a tart? Really?
Not gonna lie, I don’t get why cornflakes + jam needs a tart tin. Seems like it would be better as bars. Pastry crust was good, but the flavor combo felt kinda odd to me.
I hear you on the “why a tart tin” part—bars might be easier. But the tart makes me think the pastry holds the jam layer nicely and keeps the cornflakes crisp-y instead of turning into mush.
This recipe is wrong. Where’s the sugar?! Tastes super bland without it.
Looks good. Gonna try it tomorrow.
Yum! Simple recipe and tasty! Used honey instead of syrup, worked out fine.
Easy to follow. Just gotta make sure you coat the cornflakes good! Will make again!
This was such a nostalgic, childhood-style tart. The cornflake topping came out really crisp, and the jam layer stayed nice and jammy instead of disappearing. Super easy too—made it in one go!
Never heard of this before but looks interesting! Might try it for the kids.
This is such a classic! My parents used to make this for us when we were kids. It’s super easy and delicious! Hope your kids love it too!
Looks good but is it really healthy for kids? Cornflakes are just sugar, right? Not sure if I wanna make it.
The instructions are simple, but 25 minutes at 180°C didn’t seem enough for my oven. Cornflakes were a little pale and softer in the center. I ended up adding like 5-7 extra minutes.
This tart brings back so many memories! My grandma used to make this for me. Love it!
Wasn’t a fan. Thought it would be sweet, but it’s more a sugar rush than anything. 🤔
Nah, I think it’s yum! It’s supposed to be a bit crunchy. If you want sweet, maybe put more syrup? Just my opinion.
I totally get what you mean! It has that crunchy vibe but not really sweet. Maybe add more jam next time? 🍓
I think people overcomplicating it. It’s a cornflake tart not a cake. 👍
Didn’t turn out as I expected. The filling way too sticky and my kids didn’t like it.
Really simple to make! However, I think the jam part could be more flavorful. Maybe add some lemon zest?
Quick and easy dessert! Only took me 30 mins. Definitely a keeper!
I followed it pretty much exactly, but mine was a bit too sweet. Maybe I used honey that was more intense? Still tasty though—just would reduce the syrup/honey next time.