If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing treat that perfectly captures the festive spirit of Easter, look no further than this delightful Mini Egg Easter Pudding (Slow Cooker Recipe) Recipe. It’s a rich, chocolaty, and irresistibly gooey dessert that comes together effortlessly in your slow cooker, making it a hands-off favorite for celebrations or any cozy day in. Packed with the crunchy surprise of melting mini eggs and a luscious cocoa topping, this pudding offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. The best part? It’s all done without the oven, which means less fuss and more time to enjoy the occasion!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of these ingredients fool you. Each one plays a crucial role in delivering the pudding’s moist texture, deep chocolate flavor, and that quintessential Easter-themed pop of color and crunch from the mini eggs. Having these basics on hand will set you up for success and a delicious finish.
- 20 g Butter: Used to grease the slow cooker bowl, preventing sticking and ensuring the pudding loosens easily.
- 100 g Butter (Melted): Adds richness and moisture to the sponge pudding batter.
- 250 g Self-raising flour: The base for the sponge that makes it light and fluffy without extra leavening effort.
- 125 g Soft light brown sugar: Imparts a subtle caramel note and balances the cocoa bitterness.
- 30 g Cocoa powder: Delivers deep chocolate flavor to the sponge.
- 1 tsp Baking powder: Helps the pudding rise nicely in the slow cooker.
- 3 Eggs: Bind the ingredients and give structure to the sponge.
- 150 ml Milk: Adds moisture and tenderness to the batter.
- 160 g Mini eggs: The signature Easter addition that melts partially and adds colorful bursts of chocolate.
- 150 g Soft light brown sugar (for topping): Sweetens the cocoa topping layer.
- 20 g Cocoa powder (for topping): Complements the sugar in the topping and enhances chocolate richness.
- 500 ml Boiling water: Poured over the topping to create that classic steamed pudding texture beneath a cocoa crust.
How to Make Mini Egg Easter Pudding (Slow Cooker Recipe) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Slow Cooker
Start by greasing your slow cooker bowl generously with the 20 grams of butter. This step is crucial to ensure your pudding doesn’t stick and comes out with a lovely crust on the bottom and edges. Butter at room temperature works best for even coverage.
Step 2: Mix the Sponge Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the self-raising flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and light brown sugar. Add in the melted butter, eggs, and milk, then mix everything until you get a smooth, glossy batter. This mixture promises a moist and tender cake once slow-cooked.
Step 3: Add Batter to Slow Cooker and Mini Eggs
Pour the sponge batter into the greased slow cooker bowl and smooth the top with a spatula. Spread half of your mini eggs evenly over the batter and gently press them in so they sink slightly. These eggs will melt and infuse the sponge with little pockets of chocolatey goodness.
Step 4: Prepare and Sprinkle Topping
In a separate small bowl, stir together the extra light brown sugar and cocoa powder for your pudding’s topping. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter and mini eggs in the slow cooker. This cocoa-sugar topping will form a scrumptious layer that contrasts perfectly against the soft sponge underneath.
Step 5: Pour Over Boiling Water
Carefully pour the 500 ml of boiling water over the cocoa-sugar topping. It might look strange or watery at first, but trust the process—this water will turn the pudding wonderfully moist and create a steamed effect when cooking.
Step 6: Cook and Add Remaining Mini Eggs
Seal the slow cooker with its lid and set it to HIGH for 1.5 hours. After that, remove the lid and scatter the remaining mini eggs over the top. You can chop these if you prefer smaller bursts of chocolate. Replace the lid and cook for another 15 minutes to let the pudding firm up and the mini eggs on top melt slightly, making the pudding look festive and decadent.
How to Serve Mini Egg Easter Pudding (Slow Cooker Recipe) Recipe
Garnishes
This pudding shines on its own, but a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes it to euphoric heights. A sprinkle of extra mini eggs or some colorful chocolate shavings over the top adds a playful, festive touch perfect for Easter gatherings.
Side Dishes
Serve with lightly steamed seasonal fruits or a drizzle of caramel sauce for balance. A fresh berry compote works wonderfully, cutting through the sweetness and adding a fresh, tangy contrast that complements the chocolate flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming centerpiece, serve the pudding straight from the slow cooker on the table, keeping it warm and inviting. Alternatively, portion it into individual ramekins for an elegant presentation. You can also add edible flowers or pastel-colored sprinkles to enhance the Easter theme visually.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled to room temperature, cover the pudding tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it into an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will keep well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for prepping in advance for a holiday feast.
Freezing
This pudding actually freezes nicely. Wrap individual portions or the entire slow cooker insert tightly in cling film and foil for maximum protection. When frozen, it stays good for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat portions gently in the microwave or the whole pudding in a warm oven at 160°C (320°F), covered with foil to prevent drying out. You can also reheat it in the slow cooker on LOW until warmed through. Adding a splash of milk before reheating helps restore moisture.
FAQs
Can I use a regular oven instead of a slow cooker?
While this recipe is designed especially for the slow cooker to achieve that lovely steamed pudding texture, you can bake it in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 35-40 minutes. Cover the dish with foil and add boiling water to a larger pan beneath it to mimic the slow cooker’s steam effect.
What if I don’t have mini eggs on hand?
Feel free to substitute mini eggs for your favorite bite-sized chocolate or candy. Chopped milk or white chocolate bars work well, and you can even add nuts or dried fruit for a different twist.
Can I make this pudding dairy-free?
Yes! Replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious and suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
How do I know when the pudding is cooked?
The top of the sponge should feel firm to the touch and a skewer inserted into the center should come out mostly clean, though a few moist crumbs are expected due to the pudding’s soft nature.
Why does the boiling water get poured over the pudding batter?
This technique creates steam during the cooking process, resulting in a moist, tender sponge with a beautiful cacao-infused sauce forming beneath the crust. It’s what gives this pudding its characteristic texture and indulgence.
Final Thoughts
This Mini Egg Easter Pudding (Slow Cooker Recipe) Recipe has quickly become a beloved classic in my kitchen, especially around springtime celebrations. Its effortless preparation, combined with the luscious chocolatey goodness and festive mini eggs, makes it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. If you’re looking to impress with minimal stress, give this slow cooker pudding a try—I promise it will bring smiles to your table and fill your home with comforting sweetness.
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Mini Egg Easter Pudding (Slow Cooker Recipe) Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Mini Egg Easter Pudding is a delightful, indulgent dessert perfect for Easter celebrations. Cooked gently in a slow cooker, this moist sponge pudding is studded with festive mini eggs, creating a rich cocoa-flavored treat that melts in your mouth. The unique slow-cooking method allows the pudding to cook evenly and develop an irresistible soft texture, topped with melted mini eggs for an eye-catching finish.
Ingredients
For Greasing
- 20 g Butter (at room temperature, to grease the pan)
Sponge Pudding
- 100 g Butter (melted)
- 250 g Self-raising flour
- 125 g Soft light brown sugar
- 30 g Cocoa powder
- 1 tsp Baking powder
- 3 Eggs
- 150 ml Milk
- 160 g Mini eggs (half for mixing in and half for topping)
Topping
- 150 g Soft light brown sugar
- 20 g Cocoa powder
- 500 ml Boiling water
Instructions
- Grease the Slow Cooker Bowl: Thoroughly grease the slow cooker bowl with 20g of butter at room temperature, ensuring the pudding doesn’t stick during cooking.
- Prepare the Sponge Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, self-raising flour, 125g sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, eggs, and milk. Mix until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Fill the Slow Cooker: Pour the sponge mixture into the greased slow cooker bowl and spread out evenly. Press half of the mini eggs evenly on top of the batter, gently pushing them into the mixture.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the remaining 150g light brown sugar and 20g cocoa powder. Sprinkle this cocoa-sugar mixture evenly across the surface of the cake batter.
- Add Boiling Water: Carefully pour 500ml of boiling water over the top, covering the cocoa-sugar mixture. It may look unusual at this point, but this is essential for the pudding’s moist texture.
- Cook on High: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set to cook on HIGH for 1.5 hours. After this time, remove the lid and sprinkle the remaining mini eggs on top. You may chop them if you prefer smaller pieces; they will melt slightly to create a decorative effect.
- Final Cooking: Return the lid and cook for an additional 15 minutes until the top of the sponge is set and firm to the touch. The pudding is now ready to serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- This recipe requires a slow cooker with a capacity of at least 3 to 5 liters for best results.
- If mini eggs are not available, chocolate-coated candies can be substituted.
- Ensure the boiling water is poured slowly and carefully to avoid splashing and uneven cooking.
- For a more intense chocolate flavor, add an extra teaspoon of cocoa powder to the sponge mixture.
- Serve with cream or custard for an extra indulgent dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: British
