Sticky Toffee Pudding

Sticky Toffee Pudding is a beloved British dessert that features a moist, date-filled sponge cake drenched in a rich, buttery toffee sauce. Served warm and often topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, this decadent treat is the ultimate in cold-weather comfort food—or a show-stopping dessert for any special occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly Moist Texture – Thanks to the chopped dates and tender sponge.
• Deep Caramel Flavor – The toffee sauce is sweet, buttery, and absolutely indulgent.
• Comforting and Cozy – A warm dessert that feels like a hug in a bowl.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Both the cake and sauce can be prepared ahead of time.
• Elegant Yet Easy – Impressive enough for guests, but simple enough for any baker.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the cake:

• Pitted dates, chopped
• Baking soda
• Boiling water
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Brown sugar (dark preferred for richer flavor)
• Eggs
• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Vanilla extract

For the toffee sauce:

• Unsalted butter
• Brown sugar
• Heavy cream
• Vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Directions

1. Soften the dates: Place chopped dates in a bowl. Sprinkle with baking soda and pour boiling water over them. Let sit for 10 minutes.
2. Prepare the batter: Cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Stir in vanilla.
3. Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to wet mixture.
4. Combine: Stir the softened dates and their liquid into the batter. Mix until evenly incorporated.
5. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour batter into a greased 8-inch square pan or ramekins. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Make the sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar. Stir until dissolved. Add cream and simmer for 3–5 minutes until thickened. Stir in vanilla and salt.
7. Serve: Pour warm toffee sauce over the hot pudding. Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6–8
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Boozy Toffee Sauce – Add a splash of bourbon or dark rum to the sauce.
• Nutty Texture – Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter.
• Individual Portions – Bake in ramekins or muffin tins for single servings.
• Spiced Version – Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a holiday twist.
• Gluten-Free – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store pudding and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm cake and sauce separately in the microwave or gently on the stove. Assemble before serving.

FAQs

Can I make sticky toffee pudding ahead of time?

Yes! It’s great for entertaining—just reheat and pour the sauce over before serving.

What are the best dates to use?

Medjool dates are ideal for their rich, soft texture, but any pitted dates will work.

Can I use light brown sugar?

You can, but dark brown sugar gives the best deep toffee flavor.

Can I freeze it?

Yes, both the cake and sauce freeze well. Thaw and warm before serving.

Do I have to use dates?

Dates are traditional, but you can try figs or prunes as a substitute.

How do I know when the cake is done?

A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with moist crumbs.

What’s the best topping?

Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even custard work beautifully.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just bake in a larger dish and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Is it overly sweet?

It’s rich but balanced—serve in modest portions with ice cream to cut the sweetness.

Can I serve this cold?

You can, but it’s best enjoyed warm with the sauce hot and melty.

Conclusion

Sticky Toffee Pudding is the kind of dessert that wins hearts with every bite. Moist, rich, and drenched in caramel goodness, it’s a comforting treat perfect for cozy nights or elegant dinners. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying it for the first time, this classic pudding is sure to impress.

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