Sticky Toffee Pudding – A Classic, Indulgent Dessert!

If you’re looking for a rich, moist, and utterly indulgent dessert, this Sticky Toffee Pudding is a must-try! This classic British dessert features a soft date sponge cake, soaked in a decadent toffee sauce, making it the perfect treat for special occasions or cozy nights in.

Served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of cream, this pudding is easy to make and guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re a fan of traditional British desserts or trying it for the first time, this Sticky Toffee Pudding will quickly become a favorite!

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Ingredients for Sticky Toffee Pudding

the Sponge Cake:

• 1 ½ cups (200g) pitted dates, chopped
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup (240ml) boiling water
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150g) brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

the Toffee Sauce:

• ¾ cup (150g) brown sugar
• ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
• ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Serving:

• Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional)

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• 8×8-inch baking dish or individual ramekins
• Small saucepan
• Spoon or spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Date Mixture

1. Place chopped dates in a bowl and sprinkle with baking soda.
2. Pour boiling water over the dates and let sit for 10 minutes.
3. Mash the mixture lightly with a fork to create a soft puree.

2. Make the Cake Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or individual ramekins.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
4. Stir in the date mixture.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
6. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.

3. Bake the Pudding

1. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
2. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

4. Prepare the Toffee Sauce

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, heavy cream, and butter.
2. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens (about 3-4 minutes).
3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

5. Assemble & Serve

1. Poke small holes into the warm cake using a fork.
2. Pour half of the toffee sauce over the cake, letting it soak in.
3. Serve with extra toffee sauce drizzled on top and a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

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Expert Tips for the Best Sticky Toffee Pudding

Use fresh, soft dates – Medjool dates work best for a naturally sweet and moist texture.
Don’t overmix the batter – Mix just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
Make it ahead – The pudding tastes even better the next day after soaking up the toffee sauce!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the date soaking step – This is essential for a moist and soft cake.
Overbaking the cake – Bake just until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Pouring all the sauce at once – Let the cake absorb some sauce before adding more.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

• Serve in individual ramekins for a restaurant-style presentation.
• Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
• Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

Storage:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating:

• Oven: Warm at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.

Freezing:

• Freeze the cake (without sauce) for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

• Make it nutty – Add ½ cup of chopped pecans to the batter.
• Add a caramel twist – Use salted caramel sauce instead of toffee sauce.
• Make it dairy-free – Use coconut cream and vegan butter for the sauce.

What to Serve with Sticky Toffee Pudding

• Warm custard or vanilla ice cream for a classic pairing.
• Fresh berries to add a refreshing contrast.
• A drizzle of coffee-infused caramel sauce for a rich twist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this pudding ahead of time?

Yes! Sticky toffee pudding tastes even better the next day. Store it in the fridge and reheat before serving.

What can I use instead of dates?

If you don’t have dates, try figs or prunes for a similar texture and sweetness.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.

Conclusion

This Sticky Toffee Pudding is a classic dessert that’s rich, moist, and packed with toffee flavor. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, a holiday treat, or just to indulge, this recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

Try it today and let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious dessert recipes!

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Calories Per Serving

Approximate Calories: 420 kcal per serving (based on 8 servings).

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Serves: 8

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