Slow Cooker Dessert: Sticky Toffee Pudding

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Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours on HIGH or 4 hours on LOW

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

6 ounces pitted dates, finely chopped

1 cup water

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 ¼ cups flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

¾ cup sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups prepared caramel sauce

6 ounces toffee candy, finely chopped

Whipped cream or ice cream, for serving 

Preparation:

1. Start preparing the batter by bringing the dates, water, and baking soda to a boil in a saucepan. Once a boil has been reached, turn the heat to low and allow the dates to soak up the liquid.
2. Meanwhile, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In your mixer, beat together the butter and sugar until they become light and fluffy. Then, one at a time, mix in the eggs and vanilla extract.
4. With the mixer on the lowest setting, gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the butter and eggs.
5. When a cohesive batter has formed, use a spoon to gently stir the dates and half the toffee pieces in. (Note: The batter can be done up to two days in advance and stored, covered, in your refrigerator.)
6.  When ready to cook the pudding, preheat the slow cooker and grease it with cooking spray.
7. Pour the batter in and top it with the remaining half of the caramel sauce.
8. Place a clean kitchen towel over the top of the slow cooker to help keep the steam in and top with the lid.
9. Cook on low for 4 hours on low or high for 2 hours. After that, switch setting to warm.
10. Before serving, use a skewer to poke holes into the surface of the cake. Top it with the remainder of the caramel sauce and toffee pieces.
11. Spoon large portions of the pudding into bowls and serve alongside whipped cream or ice cream.

Usually when people think of slow cooker meals, they envision roasts and other savory dishes. However, the tool is more than suitable for sweet applications too. Baking in the slow cooker is the perfect solution for a decadent treat after a long day at work or to help keep dessert warm during a dinner party. Given the chance, this sticky toffee pudding slow cooker dessert will become a star in your recipe rotation.

For more desserts on Stagetecture, click here.