Name: Sticky Toffee Pudding
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 200 g chopped dates (pitted); 240 ml water; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 100 g unsalted butter (softened); 150 g brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 180 g all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 200 g brown sugar; 120 ml heavy cream; 50 g unsalted butter

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Sticky Toffee Pudding is the ultimate comfort dessert that brings a warm, rich, and gooey delight to every bite. This classic British treat is all about moist, date-studded cake drenched in a luscious toffee sauce that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests at a special occasion, this Sticky Toffee Pudding recipe promises to be a crowd-pleaser with its perfectly balanced sweetness and deep, caramel flavors. With just a handful of simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a dessert that feels indulgent yet approachable. Ready to dive into this sticky, sweet sensation? Let’s get started!

Why This Recipe is a Keeper

This Sticky Toffee Pudding recipe stands out for several reasons. First, the use of chopped dates soaked in water with baking soda creates a beautifully tender, moist cake base that melts in your mouth. The balance between the brown sugar in both the cake and the toffee sauce ensures a rich, caramel depth without overwhelming the palate. The addition of vanilla extract adds a subtle warmth that complements the sticky toffee sauce perfectly. Plus, it’s made with straightforward ingredients you likely have on hand, making it an accessible dessert to whip up anytime.

The toffee sauce itself is decadently smooth and creamy, made simply by combining brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream, then simmering until thick and glossy. Drizzle it generously over the warm pudding, and you have a dessert that’s pure bliss. This recipe also pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence. And if you’re a fan of other comforting sweets, you might love the Brown Butter Pear Crumble Bars for another cozy treat.

Shopping List

200g chopped dates, pitted
240ml water
1 teaspoon baking soda
100g unsalted butter, softened
150g brown sugar
2 large eggs
180g all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the toffee sauce:
200g brown sugar
120ml heavy cream
50g unsalted butter

Setup & Equipment

Medium saucepan – for soaking dates and making toffee sauce
Mixing bowls – one for wet ingredients and one for dry
Electric mixer or whisk – for creaming butter and sugar
Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient portions
8×8-inch baking dish or similar size – to bake the pudding
Spatula – to fold ingredients gently
Cooling rack – to cool the pudding slightly before serving

Method: Sticky Toffee Pudding

Step 1: Prepare the Dates

Start by placing the chopped dates in a medium saucepan and pour the water over them. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then stir in the baking soda. This will help soften the dates and create a smooth texture. Turn off the heat and let the dates soak for about 15 minutes until they’re soft and mushy.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

While the dates are soaking, in a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and brown sugar using an electric mixer or whisk. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will help make the cake tender and airy.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed butter and sugar, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate them. Then stir in the vanilla extract for that fragrant, warm flavor.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and avoids lumps in the batter.

Step 5: Mix Dates Into Batter

Using a blender or food processor, blend the soaked dates and their liquid into a smooth purée. Gently fold this date mixture into the creamed butter, sugar, and egg mixture. Then, gradually fold in the flour mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the pudding dense.

Step 6: Bake the Pudding

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease your baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Pour the batter into the prepared dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Make the Toffee Sauce

While the pudding bakes, prepare the toffee sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, heavy cream, and butter. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes. Be sure to keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Once the pudding is out of the oven, poke a few holes in the top with a skewer or fork and pour half of the warm toffee sauce over it to soak in. Serve individual portions with extra warm toffee sauce drizzled on top. For an extra special treat, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. If you love toffee-based desserts, you might also want to try the Chocolate Almond Toffee Bark for a crunchy, chocolatey twist.

Dairy-Free/Gluten-Free Swaps

Replace unsalted butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute.
Use coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative instead of heavy cream for the toffee sauce.
Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend to make the pudding gluten-free.
Ensure the baking powder used is gluten-free.

Errors to Dodge

Don’t skip soaking the dates in baking soda water – it’s crucial for softening and flavor development.
Avoid overmixing the batter once the flour is added to keep the pudding light and tender.
Watch the toffee sauce carefully while cooking; it can burn quickly if left unattended.
Make sure the pudding is fully cooked by checking with a toothpick before removing it from the oven.
Do not pour all the toffee sauce over the pudding immediately; reserve some for serving to keep it extra saucy.

Keep It Fresh: Storage Guide

Sticky Toffee Pudding tastes best fresh and warm, but you can store leftovers for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Cover the pudding tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. To reheat, warm individual servings in the microwave or gently in the oven, then pour over freshly warmed toffee sauce. This keeps the pudding moist and maintains that irresistible sticky texture.

Ask & Learn

Can I make this Sticky Toffee Pudding ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the pudding batter and bake it a day ahead. Store the baked pudding in the fridge and reheat it gently before serving. Make the toffee sauce fresh or ahead as well and warm it up when ready to serve.

What’s the best way to chop dates?

Use a sharp knife to finely chop the dates into small pieces to ensure they distribute evenly throughout the pudding. You can also pulse them briefly in a food processor if you prefer a smoother texture.

Can I substitute brown sugar with white sugar?

Brown sugar adds moisture and a rich molasses flavor to both the cake and the toffee sauce, so it’s best not to substitute it. White sugar will make the pudding less flavorful and the sauce less rich.

Why do I need to add baking soda to the soaked dates?

The baking soda softens the dates by breaking down their fibers and also reacts with the natural acidity in the dates to help the pudding rise better, resulting in a lighter texture.

Reader Favorites

Brown Butter Pear Crumble Bars – a buttery, fruity dessert that’s perfect for any season.
Chocolate Almond Toffee Bark – crunchy, chocolatey, and nutty toffee bark that’s perfect for gifting or snacking.

Bring It Home

Sticky Toffee Pudding is more than just a dessert; it’s a warm hug in cake form. The luscious combination of moist date cake and rich toffee sauce is a timeless treat that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is straightforward, fuss-free, and incredibly rewarding. Serve it at your next gathering or enjoy it on a quiet night in – either way, it’s guaranteed to satisfy your sweet cravings with every sticky, toffee-soaked bite. Enjoy!

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