Why We Love This Recipe
There’s something magical about the recipes from our childhood, and this Cornflake Tart brings all that nostalgia flooding back. It’s one of those bakes that instantly takes you back to school dinners – that golden moment when dessert was wheeled out and you hoped it was this crunchy, sticky treat with a ladle of hot custard.
Our version brings the classic right back into the spotlight, and once the kids got a taste of this one, they were hooked. Flaky pastry, sweet strawberry jam, a golden crunchy nut cornflake topping with just the right crunch – this dessert is a winner for all ages.
Why This Dish Works on a Budget
Not only is this tart a blast from the past, it’s also incredibly budget-friendly. Using basic pantry staples like cornflakes, jam, sugar, and shortcrust pastry, this bake comes together without needing a fancy shopping list.
It’s a perfect way to use up leftover cereal and a half-used jar of jam – making it an easy win for both your wallet and your waste-conscious mind.
Will You Be Trying It?
If you grew up with this dessert and haven’t had it in years, this is your sign to bring it back! Or if you’ve never tried it before, get ready for a delicious introduction to a classic British bake that’ll have you reaching for seconds.
Top it with steaming hot custard and serve it up as a weekend pudding or a nostalgic midweek treat – your family will love you for it.
Final Thoughts
This Cornflake Tart is more than just a dessert – it’s a trip down memory lane that just so happens to be absolutely delicious. Easy to make, inexpensive, and incredibly satisfying, it’s proof that some school dinners were truly iconic.
Recreate it at home, serve it warm with custard, and watch everyone fall in love with this crunchy, sweet classic all over again.
Budget Breakdown 🛒💷
Here’s how the cost per portion stacks up across UK supermarkets:
- Aldi – £0.41
- Asda – £0.44
- Morrisons – £0.44
- Tesco – £0.44
- Sainsbury’s – £0.44
(Prices correct at the time of posting — always worth checking for offers!)
Will You Be Trying It?Don’t forget to save this recipe for later and let me know in the comments — how did you serve yours? I love seeing your takes on family meals that don’t cost the earth!
Retro Cornflake Tart – A School Favourite Reimagined
Ingredients
For the Sweet Pastry:
- 250 g plain flour
- 125 g unsalted butter softened
- 90 g caster sugar
- 1 medium egg beaten
For the Filling:
- 50 g unsalted butter
- 125 g golden syrup
- 25 g light brown sugar
- 150 g Crunchy Nut Cornflakes
- 100 g strawberry jam
Instructions
Make the Pastry
- Rub the flour and butter together with your fingertips until the mix looks like breadcrumbs.
- Stir in the sugar, then add the beaten egg and bring the dough together.
- Lightly knead on a floured surface until smooth. Form into a ball, wrap in cling film, and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Blind Bake the Base
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
- Lightly grease and flour a 9” round tart tin.
- Roll out the chilled pastry to fit the tin with a slight overhang.
- Prick the base with a fork, then line with baking paper and fill with baking beans or rice.
- Bake for 10 minutes, remove the paper and beans, then bake for another 5 minutes.
- Trim the edges of the tart case to sit flush with the tin.
Prepare the Filling
- In a saucepan, gently melt the butter, golden syrup, and brown sugar over low heat until smooth.
- Stir in the Crunchy Nut Cornflakes until fully coated.
Assemble & Bake
- Spread the jam evenly over the pastry base (the warmth will help it spread easily).
- Spoon the cornflake mixture over the jam and gently press it down.
- Bake for 5–10 minutes until the top is golden and crisp.
Cool & Serve
- Allow the tart to cool in the tin for about 30 minutes before removing.
- Slice and serve warm with plenty of custard – the ultimate throwback dessert!
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