Microwave Treacle Sponge: A Quick & Easy Recipe
This recipe delivers a delicious, moist treacle sponge in minutes, perfect for a quick dessert or an unexpected guest. Forget hours of baking; this microwave version retains all the comforting flavors of a traditional treacle sponge, but with significantly less effort and time.
Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons self-raising flour
- 4 tablespoons golden syrup
- 4 tablespoons milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons caster sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (optional, for extra fluffiness)
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: Vanilla extract (a few drops), for enhanced flavor
- For Serving: Clotted cream, custard, ice cream, or a dollop of whipped cream.
Equipment:
- Large microwave-safe mug or bowl (at least 12oz capacity)
- Fork or whisk
- Microwave
Instructions:
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In your microwave-safe mug or bowl, whisk together the egg, golden syrup, milk, and caster sugar until well combined. If using, add a few drops of vanilla extract.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add the self-raising flour, baking powder (if using), and salt to the wet ingredients. Whisk gently until just combined – avoid overmixing. A few lumps are fine.
- Microwave: Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the sponge is cooked through and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Microwave ovens vary, so keep an eye on it and adjust cooking time as needed. It might need an extra 30 seconds to a minute depending on your microwave's power.
- Cool: Let the sponge cool slightly in the mug before turning it out onto a plate. Be careful as it will be hot.
- Serve: Serve warm or at room temperature with your favorite topping, such as clotted cream, custard, ice cream, or whipped cream.
Tips for the Perfect Microwave Treacle Sponge:
- Mug Size Matters: Use a large enough mug; a smaller one may overflow.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing can lead to a tough sponge. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Check for Doneness: The cooking time may vary depending on your microwave's power. Check for doneness after 1 minute, and add more time in 30-second intervals as needed. A skewer inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sponge, reduce the amount of caster sugar.
- Get Creative with Toppings: Experiment with different toppings to find your favorite combination!
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Variations:
- Chocolate Treacle Sponge: Add 1-2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a richer, chocolatey treat.
- Spiced Treacle Sponge: Add a pinch of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warming winter dessert.
This microwave treacle sponge recipe is a perfect example of how to create delicious and easily accessible recipes, while also optimizing them for search engines. Enjoy!
