This easy and gooey sticky date pudding is made in a slow cooker, perfect for less energy consumption. Combine dates, sugars, and butter, then slow cook for a warm dessert topped with a rich caramel sauce.
1: Pit the dates and cut into small pieces. Place them in a bowl and add the baking soda and boiling hot water. Mix well and set aside to soften.
2: Place the room temperature butter and sugars in a large bowl and whisk until well combined. Add the eggs and whisk again until doubled in size. Fold in the softened date mixture and the flour and baking powder. Do not over mix.
3: Butter the slow cooker generously and fill it with the pudding mixture. Turn it on low for 4 hours.
4: To make the caramel, add the brown sugar and cubed butter in a saucepan over medium heat and continue to stir until melted. Add the cream and continue to cook for 5 minutes.
5: Once the pudding is cooked and still warm, prick holes in the pudding and pour half the caramel mixture on top. Allow it to come to room temperature and serve with extra sauce on the side and optional vanilla ice cream.
