If you’ve never had a golden syrup sponge, let me tell you, you’re in for a treat. This dessert is pure comfort in every bite. Picture this: a fluffy, spongy cake soaked in a luscious golden syrup that’s sweet but not overpowering, just perfectly indulgent. The best part? It’s all made in a slow cooker, which means minimal effort for maximum reward. Trust me, this one is a game-changer, and it’ll fill your kitchen with the most amazing aroma as it slowly cooks to perfection.
Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Golden Syrup Sponge
This isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience. The golden syrup sponge is so much more than a cake—it’s a cozy, melt-in-your-mouth treat that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds. Here’s why it’s bound to become your new favorite:
Versatile
Whether you’re serving it as a sweet treat after dinner, a special dessert for guests, or just because you’re craving something sweet, this golden syrup sponge fits any occasion.
Budget-Friendly
With a few simple ingredients like flour, butter, and golden syrup, this dessert won’t break the bank. You don’t need anything fancy to make something truly delicious!
Quick and Easy
It’s a slow cooker recipe, so you don’t need to spend all day in the kitchen. Mix the ingredients, pop it in the slow cooker, and let it do its thing. Before you know it, you’ll have a warm, indulgent dessert ready to enjoy.
Customizable
Want to add a little extra something? You can mix in some fruit, like apples or berries, or even a handful of chocolate chips for a twist. It’s totally up to you!
Crowd-Pleasing
Golden syrup sponge is one of those desserts that everyone loves. It’s sweet without being too heavy, and the sticky syrup makes every bite pure bliss.
Ingredients in Slow Cooker Golden Syrup Sponge
Here’s what you need for this easy, indulgent dessert:
Golden Syrup:
The star of this dessert! Golden syrup is rich, sweet, and sticky, making it the perfect sauce to soak into the sponge and create that amazing flavor.
Butter:
Butter gives the cake its soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, making the sponge light and fluffy.
Self-Raising Flour:
This flour is the secret to creating a beautifully light sponge without the need for additional raising agents.
Sugar:
Granulated sugar provides the sweetness needed to balance the richness of the golden syrup and butter.
Eggs:
Eggs help bind everything together and give the sponge its structure, making it soft and fluffy.
Milk:
Milk adds moisture to the cake batter, helping to create the perfect consistency for the sponge.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this sweet, sticky masterpiece:
Prepare the Slow Cooker:
Grease the base and sides of your slow cooker insert with butter or cooking spray. This ensures the cake won’t stick and makes cleaning up a breeze.
Mix the Batter:
In a large bowl, beat together the butter, sugar, eggs, and milk until smooth and well combined. Add the self-raising flour and mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix.
Make the Golden Syrup Sauce:
In a separate bowl, combine the golden syrup and a little water. This will create the syrup sauce that will soak into the sponge and create that sticky, sweet layer.
Pour the Batter:
Spoon the cake batter into the prepared slow cooker. Spread it out evenly with a spatula to ensure an even bake.
Pour the Golden Syrup Sauce:
Gently pour the golden syrup sauce over the top of the batter. Don’t stir it—just let it sit on top. As it cooks, the syrup will sink into the sponge, creating a delightful texture and flavor.
Cook to Perfection:
Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 2 to 2.5 hours. Check towards the end of the cooking time—when the cake is cooked, it should be golden and firm to the touch in the center. If needed, cook for an additional 15-20 minutes until fully set.
Serve and Enjoy:
Once the sponge is cooked, turn off the slow cooker and let it sit for a few minutes. Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate treat.
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 320
(Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients used.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
How to Serve Slow Cooker Golden Syrup Sponge
This sticky golden syrup sponge pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous spoonful of custard. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, a drizzle of extra golden syrup never hurt anyone!
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- If you want to add a little extra flavor, try mixing some cinnamon or vanilla extract into the cake batter.
- For a fruity twist, you can add a handful of chopped apples or berries to the batter before cooking.
- If you like a thicker syrup layer, you can double the amount of golden syrup sauce.
FAQ’s
- Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cake batter and syrup the night before and store it in the fridge. Cook it the next day in the slow cooker for an easy, make-ahead dessert. - Can I use regular flour instead of self-raising flour?
Yes, but if you use plain flour, you’ll need to add baking powder to help the sponge rise. About 2 teaspoons of baking powder should be enough. - Can I make this dessert in the oven instead of the slow cooker?
Yes, you can bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for around 25-30 minutes or until the cake is golden and cooked through. - Can I substitute the golden syrup with another syrup?
Golden syrup gives a unique flavor, but you can substitute it with maple syrup or honey for a different twist. - Can I freeze this dessert?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked sponge. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Reheat it gently before serving. - How do I know when the sponge is fully cooked?
The sponge should be firm to the touch in the center, and a toothpick inserted into the middle should come out clean. - Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients, but make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the extra batter. - What if the cake is too wet?
If the cake is too wet after cooking, it may need a little more time. You can cook it for another 15 minutes on low. - Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?
Absolutely! Chocolate chips would be a delicious addition to the batter for a bit of extra sweetness and richness. - What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave before serving.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Golden Syrup Sponge is everything you love about classic comfort desserts, but made even easier with the magic of a slow cooker. With its soft, spongy texture and sticky, sweet golden syrup sauce, it’s guaranteed to become a new favorite in your dessert rotation. Serve it warm with ice cream or custard, and you’ve got yourself the perfect treat for any occasion!
Print
Slow Cooker Golden Syrup Sponge
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2-3 hours
- Total Time: 2-3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and sweet dessert made with a light sponge cake soaked in golden syrup, slowly cooked in a slow cooker for a deliciously moist and tender treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup self-raising flour
- 1/2 cup caster sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup golden syrup
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup boiling water
Instructions
- Grease the slow cooker insert with butter or cooking spray.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the self-raising flour, caster sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the softened butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk to the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the batter into the slow cooker insert.
- In a separate bowl, mix the golden syrup and boiling water together. Pour this syrup mixture over the batter in the slow cooker (do not stir).
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until the sponge is cooked through and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once cooked, serve the sponge warm, with extra golden syrup and custard or ice cream, if desired.
Notes
- If you prefer a richer flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter.
- For a twist, you can serve with fresh fruit or whipped cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg