Slow Cooker Golden Syrup Sponge Recipe
If you have a sweet tooth and love comfort desserts that warm the soul, you are going to adore this Slow Cooker Golden Syrup Sponge Recipe. This nostalgic British classic transforms simple pantry staples into a tender, buttery sponge soaked in rich, amber-hued golden syrup, all effortlessly cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. The result is a luscious, sticky pudding that’s like a cozy hug on a plate, with every bite boasting a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Whether you’re looking for a fuss-free dessert to impress or just craving a timeless treat, this recipe delivers pure magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s wonderful about this Slow Cooker Golden Syrup Sponge Recipe is how straightforward and accessible the ingredients are, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect sponge. From the creamy butter to the self-raising flour, every component works together to build a golden, tender crumb with a deliciously sticky base that gives this pudding its signature charm.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup / 125g): Softened butter adds richness and a melt-in-your-mouth softness to the sponge.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup / 100g): Sweetens and helps create a light, fluffy texture when creamed with butter.
- Large eggs (2): Provide structure and moisture, binding the batter beautifully.
- Self-raising flour (1 cup / 125g): This flour leavens the sponge, giving it that airy lift.
- Milk (1/4 cup / 60ml): Adds moisture and contributes to a soft, tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Brings subtle warmth and depth of flavor.
- Golden syrup (1/3 cup / 100g, plus extra for drizzling): The star ingredient — it creates a sticky, caramel-like syrup infusion that makes this pudding unforgettable.
How to Make Slow Cooker Golden Syrup Sponge Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pudding Basin
Begin by greasing a pudding basin or any heatproof bowl that will comfortably fit inside your slow cooker. Greasing ensures your sponge won’t stick and comes out smoothly once cooked.
Step 2: Add the Golden Syrup Base
Pour the golden syrup directly into the bottom of your prepared basin. This syrup will bubble and caramelize during cooking, giving the sponge its signature sticky, sweet base that you’ll enjoy when you invert it onto a plate later.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is pale, light, and fluffy. This step incorporates air, which helps make the sponge wonderfully tender and soft.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract, which lends a gentle aromatic note that perfectly complements the sweetness of the golden syrup.
Step 5: Fold in Flour and Milk
Gently fold the self-raising flour into the mix, alternating with the milk. This technique keeps the batter airy while achieving a smooth consistency, essential for that perfect sponge texture.
Step 6: Pour Batter Over Syrup
Spoon the fluffy batter evenly over the golden syrup in your basin. Take care to do this gently so you don’t mix the syrup into the batter; you want the syrup to stay at the bottom to create that beautiful sticky layer.
Step 7: Cover and Set Up Your Slow Cooker
Cover the pudding basin tightly with foil or a heatproof lid to trap steam and keep the sponge moist as it cooks. Place it in your slow cooker and pour in boiling water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the basin, turning your slow cooker into a gentle water bath.
Step 8: Cook to Perfection
Cook everything on high heat for 2.5 to 3 hours. The slow cooker’s gentle, even heat will slowly set the sponge, making it rise beautifully and become springy to the touch when ready.
Step 9: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Carefully remove the basin from the slow cooker and take off the foil. Invert the pudding onto a serving plate so the luscious golden syrup is gloriously drizzled over the top. Serve immediately to enjoy its freshly cooked, sticky-sweet goodness.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Golden Syrup Sponge Recipe
Garnishes
This pudding shines as is, but you can elevate it with some simple garnishes. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream adds creamy contrast, while a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts can give delightful crunch and texture.
Side Dishes
Serve your Slow Cooker Golden Syrup Sponge Recipe with classic custard poured generously over the top, or pair it with fresh berries for a touch of tartness that balances the rich sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming twist, try serving the sponge in individual ramekins for personal portions. Alternatively, drizzle warm caramel or a splash of cream liqueur to make it feel special enough for any celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover sponge (though that’s unlikely), store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pudding actually tastes even more infused after resting.
Freezing
You can freeze the sponge by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap then foil, making sure no air can get in. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat your pudding by placing it in a warm oven (around 150°C / 300°F) for 15-20 minutes or microwaving in short bursts until warmed through. Adding a drizzle of golden syrup before reheating revives that sticky, gooey magic.
FAQs
Can I use regular syrup instead of golden syrup?
While regular syrup might work in a pinch, golden syrup has a unique flavor and caramel notes that give this pudding its character, so it’s best to stick with golden syrup for authentic taste.
Do I have to use a slow cooker for this recipe?
The slow cooker method creates a wonderfully moist sponge without drying out, but you can also bake it in a water bath in the oven. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
What size slow cooker do I need?
A medium slow cooker is perfect for this recipe. It should be large enough to hold your pudding basin with some space around for the water bath but not so large that too much water evaporates.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the self-raising flour with a gluten-free self-raising flour blend for a delicious gluten-free version.
How do I know when the sponge is cooked?
The sponge should be set and springy to the touch. A skewer inserted in the center should come out clean. If it’s sticky or doughy, it needs more cooking time.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Golden Syrup Sponge Recipe is the kind of dessert that brings warmth and happiness to any table with very little effort. Its straightforward ingredients and slow cooker magic make it a foolproof crowd-pleaser that’s as comforting as it is delicious. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find your new favorite weeknight treat or holiday dessert classic!
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Slow Cooker Golden Syrup Sponge Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A cozy and indulgent dessert, Slow Cooker Golden Syrup Sponge is a moist sponge cake steamed gently over a rich layer of golden syrup. This traditional treat features a buttery, fluffy cake with a sticky-sweet caramel topping, all made easily using a slow cooker for a fuss-free comforting dessert.
Ingredients
For the Sponge
- 1/2 cup (125g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (125g) self-raising flour
- 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Syrup
- 1/3 cup (100g) golden syrup, plus extra for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the basin: Grease a pudding basin or heatproof bowl that fits your slow cooker to ensure the sponge doesn’t stick and can be easily removed later.
- Add golden syrup: Pour the golden syrup into the bottom of the prepared basin, creating a sticky caramel base for the sponge to sit on during cooking.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light in color and fluffy in texture, which helps incorporate air for a lighter sponge.
- Incorporate eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to maintain a smooth batter. Then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine flour and milk: Fold the self-raising flour into the batter alternately with the milk, mixing gently after each addition until you have a smooth, lump-free batter ready for cooking.
- Fill the basin: Spoon the prepared batter gently over the golden syrup in the basin, spreading evenly without disturbing the syrup layer below.
- Cover the basin: Seal the basin with foil or a lid to trap the steam and moisture during slow cooking.
- Set up the slow cooker: Place the covered basin into the slow cooker and carefully pour boiling water around it until it reaches halfway up the sides of the basin to create a water bath.
- Cook the sponge: Cover the slow cooker and cook on the high setting for 2.5 to 3 hours, until the sponge is set firm and springs back when lightly pressed.
- Serve warm: Carefully lift the basin out, remove the foil, invert the sponge onto a serving plate so the golden syrup runs over the cake, then drizzle with extra golden syrup if desired and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Make sure the basin fits comfortably inside your slow cooker before starting.
- Use boiling water for the water bath to maintain consistent cooking temperature.
- Do not remove the lid during cooking to avoid losing steam and affecting the texture.
- Serve the sponge warm for the best experience, with a drizzle of extra golden syrup.
- This dessert can be reheated gently if needed but is best enjoyed fresh.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: British
