Parkin

Ingredients

• 200g medium oatmeal
• 150g plain flour
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda
• 100g unsalted butter
• 150g black treacle
• 100g golden syrup, plus extra to serve
• 100g dark muscovado sugar
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 3 tbsp whole milk

Steps

1. 1

   1. Preheat your oven to 160°C (fan 140°C). Grease and line a 20cm square baking tin with parchment paper.

2. 2

   2. Combine the oatmeal, flour, ginger, cinnamon, and bicarbonate of soda in a large bowl and stir well to distribute the spices evenly.

3. 3

   3. Melt the butter, treacle, golden syrup, and muscovado sugar together in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth, then remove from the heat and let cool for 5 minutes.

4. 4

   4. Pour the warm treacle mixture into the dry ingredients, add the beaten egg and milk, and stir until a thick, even batter forms with no dry pockets.

5. 5

   5. Pour the batter into the prepared tin, smooth the top, and bake for 40–45 minutes until the surface is set and a skewer inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

6. 6

   6. Cool completely in the tin, then wrap tightly in foil and leave for at least 2 days before cutting into squares — this resting time is essential for the sticky, dense texture.