We believe healthy food should be delicious and easy to make, and this simple Crockpot steamed pudding recipe is a perfect example. We’re mindful that it’s still a dessert, and we encourage enjoying it in a proper portion size.
The Ultimate Comfort Food, Crockpot Steamed Pudding
When the weather turns cool and you’re craving a dessert that feels like a warm hug, nothing compares to a rich, moist steamed pudding. It’s a timeless classic, a perfect indulgence. But for many, the idea of making a traditional steamed pudding feels intimidating, requiring special equipment and a lot of hands-on attention. What if we told you there’s a simple, stress-free way to achieve that same incredible result?
Enter the slow cooker, or Crockpot, a kitchen hero that simplifies the process from start to finish. This recipe for Crockpot steamed pudding harnesses the gentle, consistent heat of your slow cooker to create a perfectly moist and tender pudding every single time. There’s no need to fuss with a stovetop steamer or a complex oven setup; just set it and let your slow cooker work its magic.
The Secret to a Healthier Crockpot Steamed Pudding
The secret to this Crockpot Steamed pudding’s incredible flavour and texture lies in its wholesome ingredients. We’ve replaced refined sugars and fats with natural, nutrient-dense alternatives. Instead of heavy butter and white flour, we use the natural sweetness and moisture from mashed banana, and the fiber-rich goodness of whole wheat flour and oats. The result is a pudding that’s not only delicious but also kind to your body.
But the real star of the show is the date syrup. Made from just dates and water, this naturally sweet, glossy sauce elevates the pudding to a new level. It cascades over the warm pudding, seeping into every crevice and adding a deep, caramel-like richness that is completely free of refined sugars. It’s a topping that’s as simple to make as it is delicious.
This recipe is designed for everyone, regardless of your baking experience. The instructions are straightforward and easy to follow, ensuring that even a novice can achieve a show-stopping dessert. So, get ready to transform a few simple ingredients into a warm, comforting masterpiece that will satisfy your sweet tooth and nourish your body.
The images show a slow cooker and a crockpot which are both the same but different names.
Easy Crockpot Steamed Pudding Recipe
Time to Prepare: 15 minutes
Time to Cook: 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours
Servings: 6-8
Nutritional Highlights (Per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 300-350 kcal
- Protein: 5-7g
- Fats: 8-10g (mostly from the eggs and whole-wheat flour)
- Carbohydrates: 50-60g
- Fiber: 6-8g
This pudding is a good source of fiber, and its sweetness comes from natural sources rather than refined sugar, making it a healthier treat.
Essential Equipment for Steaming Success
- A Crockpot or Slow Cooker: The star of the show! A 6-quart model works best for this recipe.
- A Pudding Basin or Oven-Safe Bowl: You’ll need a heat-proof bowl that fits inside your Crockpot. A 1.5 to 2-quart bowl is ideal.
- Large Mixing Bowl: For combining all your ingredients.
- Whisk and Spatula: For mixing and scraping the batter.
- Aluminum Foil and Parchment Paper: To create a tight-fitting lid for the pudding basin.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements.
- A Blender or Food Processor: For making the date syrup.
Ingredients for a Healthy Pudding
For the Pudding:
- 1 cup whole wheat flour or spelt flour
- 1 cup oats or oat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup mashed ripe banana or unsweetened applesauce
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup non-dairy milk (such as almond or oat milk)
- 1 cup pitted, finely chopped dates
For the Date Syrup:
- 1 cup pitted Medjool dates
- 1 cup hot water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
For Topping & Garnish:
- Chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans)
- Unsweetened coconut flakes
- Fresh fruit (berries)
The gallery shows the dry ingredients used in this recipe. They range from prunes, rolled oats, walnuts, coconut flakes and dates.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Mastering the Crockpot Steamed Pudding
Prepare Your Pudding Basin and Crockpot
First, grease your pudding basin or oven-safe bowl thoroughly with a little butter or cooking spray. This will prevent the pudding from sticking. Next, take a piece of parchment paper and a piece of aluminum foil, and cut a small pleat in the center of both. Lay the parchment paper over the top of the bowl, followed by the foil, and secure them tightly around the rim with kitchen twine or a rubber band. This creates a dome-like lid that allows for expansion during steaming.
Make the Date Syrup
This is the easiest part! In a blender or food processor, combine the pitted dates and one cup of hot water. Blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and forms a thick, syrupy sauce. You can add the vanilla extract if you like. Set this aside for later.
Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, start by adding your whole wheat flour and oats. Use a whisk to combine them. Now, add the baking soda and all your spices: cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Whisk everything together until it’s well mixed. This ensures the leavening agent and spices are evenly distributed, so your pudding rises and tastes great.
Add the Wet Ingredients
Create a well in the center of your dry ingredients. Add the mashed banana or applesauce, the eggs, and the non-dairy milk. Use a whisk to gently mix from the center outwards, slowly incorporating the dry ingredients. Continue mixing until the batter is smooth. Fold in the chopped dates using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix at this stage; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
Assemble and Steam
Carefully pour the pudding batter into your prepared basin. Pour a layer of about an inch of hot water into the bottom of your Crockpot. Now, gently lower the pudding basin into the Crockpot, making sure the water doesn’t splash into the bowl. The water acts as the steaming agent. Secure the lid on your Crockpot and set it to the “high” setting for 2 hours and 30 minutes to 3 hours.
Check for Doneness
After 2 hours and 30 minutes, carefully open the Crockpot and use a thin skewer or a toothpick to check if the pudding is cooked. Insert it into the center of the pudding. If it comes out clean, the pudding is done. If it has batter on it, close the lid and continue to cook, checking every 15 minutes.
Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, use a towel or oven mitts to carefully lift the pudding basin out of the Crockpot. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Then, run a knife around the edges to loosen the pudding. Place a serving plate on top of the bowl and carefully flip it over. The pudding should slide right out. Drizzle generously with your homemade date syrup and garnish with chopped nuts or fresh fruit.
Follow these detailed steps to create a perfect, moist pudding every time.
The Health Benefits of This Steamed Pudding
This Crockpot steamed pudding is more than just a delicious dessert; it’s a mindful choice that offers a number of health benefits.
- Naturally Sweetened: By using mashed banana, applesauce, and dates, you avoid refined sugars that can lead to energy crashes and inflammation. Dates are rich in fiber and minerals like potassium and magnesium.
- Rich in Fiber: The combination of oats, whole wheat flour, and dates provides a significant amount of dietary fiber. Fiber is essential for digestive health, helps you feel fuller for longer, and can help regulate blood sugar levels.
- Heart-Healthy Fats: The healthy fats from eggs and nuts (if you add them) are important for brain function and overall heart health.
- Nutrient-Dense: Unlike many empty-calorie desserts, this pudding contains essential vitamins and minerals from the whole food ingredients.
- Controlled Ingredients: Making your own dessert gives you complete control over what goes in, allowing you to avoid artificial flavours, preservatives, and high-fructose corn syrup.
The infographics shows the nutritional benefits of using naturally sweetened ingredients such as mashed bananas. And the high fiber foods such as whole wheat flour, oats and dates.
Creative Variations for Your Pudding
The beauty of this recipe is how easily you can customize it to your taste or what you have on hand.
| Variation Name | Key Ingredients & Method | Best For |
| Gingerbread Pudding | Add 1 tablespoon of ground ginger and a pinch of ground cloves to the dry ingredients. Replace the non-dairy milk with blackstrap molasses for a rich, robust flavour. | A festive holiday dessert. |
| Chocolate Pudding | Add ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients. Use a few extra drops of vanilla extract in the batter and syrup. | A decadent and rich chocolatey treat. |
| Nutty Caramel Pudding | Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans directly into the batter before steaming. When serving, sprinkle extra chopped nuts and a pinch of sea salt over the date syrup for a salted caramel flavour. | A satisfying crunch and a delightful nutty flavour. |
| Spiced Apple Pudding | Replace the mashed banana with 1 cup of unsweetened applesauce. Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a pinch of allspice. You can also mix in some finely diced apple pieces. | A light, fruity, and fragrant pudding. |
The images show a cooked steamed pudding and the other images is of a slice of the pudding on a saucer.
Final Thoughts
Creating a delicious, warm, and comforting dessert doesn’t have to be complicated or unhealthy. This simple Crockpot steamed pudding recipe is a testament to the fact that with a little creativity and the right ingredients, you can satisfy your cravings while nourishing your body. The slow cooker method takes the stress out of the process, leaving you with a perfect pudding every time. So go ahead, give it a try, and discover your new favourite guilt-free dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I make this pudding vegan?
A1: Yes, you can! To make this recipe vegan, simply replace the two large eggs with two flax eggs. A flax egg is made by mixing 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed with 6 tablespoons of water and letting it sit for about 5 minutes until it forms a gel-like consistency. This will work as a perfect binder for the pudding.
Q2: How should I store leftover pudding?
A2: Leftover pudding can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat it, you can either warm it in the microwave in 30-second increments or place a slice back in the Crockpot with a little water at the bottom and warm it on the low setting for about 30 minutes. The date syrup can be stored separately in a jar in the fridge.
Q3: Can I substitute the dates?
A3: While dates are key to the flavour and texture, you could substitute them with other dried fruits like figs or prunes for a similar result. Just be aware that the flavour profile will change slightly. For the syrup, you could use pure maple syrup as a substitute for the date syrup, but it will have a different taste and nutritional profile.
References
- American Heart Association – Dietary Fats
- Healthline – 8 Proven Health Benefits of Dates
- Mayo Clinic – Dietary fiber
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