Treacle is a thick, sweet syrup made from sugar, often used in baking and cooking. It comes in two main types: light treacle, which is golden syrup, and dark treacle, which has a richer flavor and is similar to molasses. Treacle is commonly used in recipes for desserts like treacle tart and gingerbread. In addition to its culinary uses, treacle has historical significance in British cuisine. It was traditionally used as a sweetener and preservative. The term "treacle" can also refer to overly sentimental or cloying language, reflecting its sweetness in a figurative sense.