Quick Treacle Sponge Delight

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Dish

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Set your oven to 180°C (160°C fan/gas mark 4) and allow it to fully preheat while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish:
   • Take a 1.5-litre baking dish and combine the 250g golden syrup, zest of 1 lemon, juice of ½ lemon, and 5 tablespoons breadcrumbs in a mixing bowl.
   • Mix well until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated with the syrup and citrus.
   • Pour this mixture into the bottom of the baking dish, spreading it evenly to cover the base.

Step 2: Make the Sponge Batter

3. Cream Butter and Sugar:

   • In a large mixing bowl, add 200g softened butter and 200g golden caster sugar.
   • Use an electric mixer or a wooden spoon to beat the mixture together until it becomes light, pale, and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.

4. Add Eggs:

   • Crack 3 medium eggs into the mixture one at a time. Beat well after each addition, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This helps to maintain the lightness of the batter.

5. Combine Dry Ingredients:

   • Sift 200g self-raising flour into the bowl. Add 5 tablespoons milk to the mixture as well.
   • Gently fold the flour and milk into the batter using a spatula or a wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix; just combine until the batter is smooth and uniform.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

6. Dollop the Batter:

   • Using a spoon, dollop the sponge batter over the syrup mixture in the baking dish. Spread it out gently with the back of the spoon to cover the syrup evenly.

7. Bake:

   • Carefully place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the sponge is golden brown, risen, and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Step 4: Serve

8. Cool and Enjoy:
   • Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. This will make it easier to serve.
   • Serve the warm pudding straight from the dish. It pairs beautifully with generous amounts of custard, cream, or ice cream. Drizzle extra golden syrup on top for added sweetness and flavor.

Enjoy your delicious Quick Treacle Sponge Delight!