Slow Cooker Old-Fashioned Date Pudding
When the weather turns cold and you’re craving something sweet, warm, and deeply comforting, this slow cooker old-fashioned date pudding is the answer. Inspired by the classic desserts our grandmothers made for special occasions, this recipe delivers rich caramel-date flavor with almost no hands-on effort.
Instead of heating up the oven, this version lets your slow cooker do all the work, gently transforming simple pantry ingredients into a soft, spoonable pudding swimming in its own buttery brown sugar sauce. As it cooks, your kitchen fills with the irresistible aroma of warm dates, vanilla, and caramel pure comfort food nostalgia.
This is the kind of dessert that feels special enough for company, yet easy enough for a quiet family night at home.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Date Pudding:
Easy slow cooker dessert no oven, no fuss
Old-fashioned comfort food with rich, nostalgic flavor
Hands-off recipe perfect for busy days or holidays
Naturally sweet dates create deep caramel notes
Perfect make-ahead dessert for gatherings and potlucks
Warm and cozy winter dessert everyone loves
Servings: 6–8
Ingredients:
For the pudding
1 cup chopped pitted dates (lightly packed)
¾ cup boiling water
1 teaspoon baking soda
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
½ cup milk
For the caramel sauce
¾ cup brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1¼ cups hot water
Pinch of salt
Directions:
Place chopped dates in a heatproof bowl. Pour boiling water over them and stir in baking soda. Let sit for 10 minutes until plump and syrupy.
Lightly grease a 4–6 quart slow cooker with butter or nonstick spray.
Cream butter and granulated sugar until light. Beat in egg and vanilla.
Whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a separate bowl.
Add half the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, then milk, then remaining dry ingredients. Mix gently. Stir in softened dates with all their liquid.
Spread batter evenly in the slow cooker.
Mix brown sugar, melted butter, hot water, and salt. Carefully pour over batter do not stir.
Cover and cook on LOW for 2½–3½ hours or HIGH for 1½–2 hours, until set with a thick caramel sauce underneath.
Let stand 10–15 minutes. Spoon into bowls, making sure to scoop up plenty of sauce.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this warm slow cooker pudding with:
Vanilla ice cream
Whipped cream
A splash of cream or warm custard
For contrast, add fresh apple slices or a light fruit salad. It’s especially lovely with coffee, tea, or warm cider on chilly evenings.
Storage & Reheating:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
Reheat gently in the microwave or oven with a splash of milk or cream
Variations & Tips:
Swap half the sugar for brown sugar for deeper flavor
Add chopped walnuts or pecans for texture
Stir in nutmeg, cloves, or orange zest for holiday warmth
Replace half the dates with raisins or dried apricots
No slow cooker? Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes
