Slow Cooker Sticky Date Sponge Pudding

Method

Make it happen

1. 01

   Cover dates with boiling water and bicarbonate of soda; leave for 10 minutes then mash to a rough paste.

2. 02

   Beat butter and sugar, beat in egg and vanilla, then fold in self-raising flour, milk and dates.

3. 03

   Spoon into a greased heatproof 1-litre pudding basin; cover securely with greased baking paper and foil, leaving room to rise.

4. 04

   Stand the basin on an inverted saucer in the slow cooker and carefully add boiling water halfway up the basin. Cover the cooker and cook on HIGH for 3–4 hours, until a skewer comes out clean.

5. 05

   Lift out carefully, remove the cover and serve warm.