This Classic School Dinner Cornflake Tart is a nostalgic British dessert that’s sure to bring back memories of school dinners. With its buttery shortcrust base, sticky-sweet cornflake topping, and warm vanilla custard, it’s the ultimate comfort pudding. Perfect for sharing or indulging solo, this recipe is as simple as it is delicious!
Prep Time
- 25 minutes
Bake Time
- 25 minutes
Total Time
- 50 minutes (plus cooling time)
Servings
- 8 servings
Ingredients
For the Pastry Base:
- 200g plain flour
- 100g unsalted butter , chilled and cubed
- 2–3 tablespoons cold water
For the Filling:
- 100g strawberry or raspberry jam (or your favorite flavor)
- 100g cornflakes
- 50g unsalted butter
- 100g golden syrup
- 25g soft light brown sugar
For the Custard:
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons custard powder (or 2 tablespoons cornflour + vanilla extract)
- 500ml whole milk
- 2 tablespoons caster sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (fan) or 200°C (conventional) .
Step 2: Make the Pastry Base
- In a mixing bowl, rub the chilled butter into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
- Add cold water , one tablespoon at a time, mixing with a knife or your hands until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
- Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface and use it to line a 20cm tart tin . Prick the base with a fork to prevent puffing during baking.
- Chill the pastry-lined tin in the refrigerator for 10 minutes .
Step 3: Blind Bake the Pastry
- Line the chilled pastry with baking paper and fill with baking beans or rice.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes . Remove the baking paper and weights, then bake for an additional 5 minutes until the pastry is golden brown. Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 4: Prepare the Cornflake Topping
- Spread the jam evenly over the warm pastry base.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter , golden syrup , and brown sugar over low heat, stirring until smooth and combined.
- Remove from heat and gently stir in the cornflakes , ensuring they are evenly coated with the syrup mixture.
- Spoon the cornflake mixture onto the jam layer, spreading it out evenly.
- Return the tart to the oven for 5–7 minutes to set the topping. Remove and let cool completely before slicing.
Step 5: Make the Custard
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks , custard powder (or cornflour), caster sugar , and a splash of milk until smooth and paste-like.
- Heat the remaining milk in a saucepan over medium heat until just steaming (do not boil).
- Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to combine.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and heat gently, stirring continuously, until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract . Keep warm until ready to serve.
Step 6: Serve
- Slice the cooled cornflake tart into generous portions.
- Drizzle warm vanilla custard over each slice and serve immediately for the full nostalgic experience.
Pro Tips
- Extra Crunch: Don’t overload the cornflakes with syrup—just enough to coat them lightly will ensure a satisfying crunch.
- Jam Variations: Swap strawberry or raspberry jam for cherry, apricot, or even blackcurrant for a different twist.
- Storage: Store the tart in an airtight container for up to 3 days . Warm gently in the oven before serving to refresh the crust.
- Custard Shortcut: Use store-bought custard if you’re short on time, but homemade custard adds an extra touch of nostalgia.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, based on 8 servings)
- Calories: ~410 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fats: 18g
- Protein: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 35g
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cornflake Tart is a delightful throwback to simpler times, combining a buttery pastry base, sticky-sweet cornflake topping, and creamy vanilla custard. It’s easy to make, packed with texture and flavor, and perfect for feeding a crowd or indulging in a slice of childhood nostalgia. Whether you’re hosting a retro-themed dinner or simply craving a comforting dessert, this tart is sure to hit the spot.
Ready to recreate a slice of British school dinner magic? Grab your ingredients and get ready to savor a dessert that’s sweet, crunchy, and utterly comforting—it’s like a hug in a tart! 🥧✨
