Making a treacle sponge in a slow cooker is a great way to achieve a moist and delicious pudding without much effort. Slow cooking allows the sponge to cook slowly and evenly, ensuring a soft and spongey texture.
But how long should you steam treacle sponge in a slow cooker? The answer may vary depending on the size of your pudding and the heat settings of your slow cooker. Generally, it takes about 2 to 3 hours of steaming on a low or medium heat setting to fully cook a treacle sponge in a slow cooker.
It’s important to remember that slow cookers can vary in temperature, so it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on your pudding while it’s cooking. You can do this by gently lifting the lid and checking the texture with a skewer or toothpick. If it comes out clean, your treacle sponge is ready!
Steaming a treacle sponge in a slow cooker is not only convenient, but it also allows the flavors to develop and intensify. The slow and gentle heat helps to infuse the sponge with the rich and sweet treacle, resulting in a pudding that is bursting with flavor.
How to Make Treacle Sponge in a Slow Cooker
Making treacle sponge in a slow cooker is a fantastic way to create a delicious, warm dessert with minimal effort. The slow cooking process allows the sponge to become tender and moist, while the treacle adds a rich, caramel-like flavor. Follow these simple steps to make a mouthwatering treacle sponge in a slow cooker.
Ingredients:
- 200g self-raising flour
- 100g unsalted butter
- 100g golden syrup
- 2 eggs
- 100ml milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Start by greasing the slow cooker with a little butter or cooking spray.
- In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and golden syrup together until well combined.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, sift the flour and salt together.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, ensuring all the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Pour the batter into the greased slow cooker, spreading it evenly.
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for around 2 to 3 hours, or until the sponge is cooked through and springs back when touched.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the slow cooker lid, taking care to avoid any steam.
- Serve the treacle sponge warm with a drizzle of golden syrup or some custard on top.
Enjoy this delightful treacle sponge as a comforting dessert on a chilly day or as a special treat for any occasion. Its rich and sticky texture is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Gather Your Ingredients
Before you begin steaming your treacle sponge in a slow cooker, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients handy. Here is a list of what you will need:
Ingredient | Quantity |
Treacle | 200g |
Self-raising flour | 200g |
Butter (softened) | 200g |
Golden syrup | 2 tablespoons |
Milk | 150ml |
Eggs | 2 |
Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
Lemon zest | 1 teaspoon |
Make sure you have all the ingredients measured and prepared before you start steaming the treacle sponge. This will ensure that the cooking process goes smoothly and you can enjoy a deliciously steamed dessert!
Prepare the Slow Cooker
Before you begin steaming your treacle sponge in a slow cooker, you’ll need to prepare the appliance.
- Clean the slow cooker thoroughly to ensure there are no leftover residues that could affect the taste of your sponge.
- Ensure that the slow cooker is in proper working condition and that the lid fits tightly to maintain the steam inside.
- Place the slow cooker on a heat-resistant surface and plug it in.
Once the slow cooker is prepared, you can move on to the next steps in the steaming process.
Make the Treacle Sponge Mixture
To make the treacle sponge mixture, you will need the following ingredients:
- 150g self-raising flour
- 75g unsalted butter, softened
- 75g caster sugar
- 2 tablespoons golden syrup
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add the golden syrup, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix well until all the ingredients are combined.
3. Gradually fold in the self-raising flour, being careful not to overmix. The batter should be smooth and creamy.
4. Grease a pudding basin or individual pudding basins, and spoon the treacle sponge mixture into the greased basin(s).
5. Smooth the top of the mixture with the back of a spoon.
That’s it! You have now made the treacle sponge mixture for steaming in a slow cooker. The next step is to steam the pudding, which will take approximately 3-4 hours.
Cook the Treacle Sponge in the Slow Cooker
To cook a delicious treacle sponge in a slow cooker, follow these simple steps:
- Grease the slow cooker bowl with butter or use a non-stick cooking spray to prevent the sponge from sticking.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add beaten eggs, treacle, and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Sift in self-raising flour and gently fold it into the wet mixture until there are no lumps. Be careful not to overmix.
- Pour the batter into the greased slow cooker bowl. Smooth out the top with a spatula.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it on a low heat setting.
- Allow the treacle sponge to steam for approximately 2-3 hours. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your slow cooker, so it is recommended to check the sponge periodically after 2 hours.
- To check if the sponge is cooked, insert a skewer into the center. If it comes out clean, the sponge is ready. If not, continue steaming for another 15-30 minutes.
- Once the sponge is cooked, carefully remove the slow cooker bowl from the cooker. Take off the lid and let the sponge cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the treacle sponge warm with custard or your favorite topping.
Enjoy this comforting and traditional British dessert made with love in your slow cooker!
Serve and Enjoy
Once the treacle sponge is cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve and enjoy this delicious dessert. Follow these steps to present your steamed treacle sponge in a slow cooker:
1. Prepare the Plate
Choose a shallow serving plate that can comfortably accommodate the size of your treacle sponge. Make sure the plate is clean and dry before placing the dessert on it.
2. Gently Remove the Pudding
Using oven mitts or kitchen tongs, carefully lift the steamed treacle sponge out of the slow cooker. Be cautious as it will be hot. Place the pudding onto the prepared serving plate.
3. Garnish with a Sweet Sauce
For an extra touch of sweetness, consider drizzling your steamed treacle sponge with a delicious sauce. Options include warm custard, caramel sauce, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
4. Serve with Accompaniments
Offer accompaniments such as a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or fresh berries on the side. These additions can add a burst of flavor and contrasting textures to enhance your dessert.
5. Cut and Serve
Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the treacle sponge into individual servings. Gently lift each portion onto a dessert plate or bowl, making sure to include any extra sauce or accompaniments.
6. Share and Enjoy!
Now it’s time to share and enjoy your steamed treacle sponge with family and friends. Serve the warm and comforting dessert while it’s still fresh, allowing everyone to indulge in its rich, moist texture and sweet treacle flavor. Enjoy!
Questions and answers
What is treacle sponge?
Treacle sponge is a traditional British dessert made with golden syrup or treacle. It is a steamed sponge cake that is moist and sticky.
How do you make treacle sponge in a slow cooker?
To make treacle sponge in a slow cooker, you will need to prepare the batter by combining flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and treacle or golden syrup. Then, pour the batter into a greased pudding basin or heatproof dish, cover it with a lid or foil, and place it in the slow cooker. Fill the slow cooker with hot water up to halfway of the pudding basin, cover with the slow cooker lid, and steam for approximately 3-4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low.
How long should I steam treacle sponge in a slow cooker?
The steaming time for treacle sponge in a slow cooker can vary depending on the size and power of your slow cooker. On average, it takes about 3-4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low. However, it is recommended to check the sponge after 3 hours to see if it is cooked through. Insert a skewer into the center of the sponge, and if it comes out clean, the sponge is ready.