Retro recipes are firmly back in fashion, as people seek out a comforting taste of the past. One such dessert enjoying a revival is the classic school sponge cake, smothered in jam and served alongside steaming hot custard.
Food content creator Nate Anthony, better known as Bored of Lunch on TikTok, recently revealed his secret to keeping his old-school sponge cake delightfully moist - and it doesn't involve switching the oven on. In fact, he swears by an entirely different kitchen appliance altogether. Ditch the oven and reach for the slow cooker instead - it's the ideal tool for producing a wonderfully light and fluffy sponge.
Nate said: "Did you know you can make a classic jam and coconut sponge in your slow cooker?
"This reminds me of school when I was younger - oh, and my mum used to make it, but I think she used the Betty Crocker box to make it. She still made it."
Simply prepare a traditional sponge mixture by creaming together the butter and sugar, then fold in the remaining ingredients. Pour the batter straight into the slow cooker and leave it to work its magic, reports The Mirror.
Be sure to place a tea towel over the top of the slow cooker before securing the lid. This clever trick helps retain moisture throughout the cooking process, ensuring a perfectly tender sponge every time.
You can also experiment with different flavours by swapping in whichever jam takes your fancy. Nate even recommended trying lemon curd as an alternative.
Nate's video has already racked up an impressive 302,300 views, along with 5,621 likes and 52 comments. Lainey suggested: "Use a slow cooker liner. game changer."
Another wrote: "Made this on Sunday, sooo tasty, had with lemon curd on top, and smothered with custard. Next day I put jam on top, served with custard. Definitely be making it again!! Yummy."
Tom said, "Thank you! in the slow cooker as I type. Perfect pudding to wash down a roast beef dinner," while Lauren agreed, "This look incredible. I already make your sticky toffee in the slow cooker so will be trying this!"
Theresa commented: "Always loved this at school."
For your next taste of nostalgia, here's how to recreate Nate's recipe in your own kitchen.
Slow Cooker Jam and Coconut SpongeIngredients
Method
Combine the butter and sugar in a bowl and beat until pale and fluffy. Add the flour, eggs, milk, vanilla extract and baking powder and stir until thoroughly combined.
This step is crucial - ensure you thoroughly grease the slow cooker dish before spooning in the cake mixture.
Place a clean tea towel beneath the lid to retain moisture and cook on high for two hours.
Once ready, spread the raspberry jam generously over the top and scatter with desiccated coconut. Cut into slices and serve while still warm with lashings of custard.
Nate also shared a handy tip for home cooks using a slow cooker. He explained: "Top tip: If your slow cooker is well greased, you can either tip the cake out onto a plate or simply cut it in the slow cooker and lift each slice out (both work perfectly). You can also lift it out of the slow cooker and add the jam and coconut after."
