Classic Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe

Sticky toffee pudding is a timeless British dessert, beloved for its rich, moist sponge cake made with dates and its luscious toffee sauce. This indulgent treat is perfect for holiday gatherings, dinner parties, or any occasion that calls for a little extra sweetness. Its warm, comforting flavors pair beautifully with a dollop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, making it a dessert everyone will adore.

What Is Sticky Toffee Pudding?

Sticky toffee pudding is a classic British dessert featuring a moist sponge cake infused with dates, topped with a decadent toffee sauce. The cake has a delightful caramelized flavor, complemented by the buttery sweetness of the sauce. Its soft texture and irresistible taste make it a favorite around the world.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: Straightforward steps with simple ingredients.
• Rich and Comforting: Perfect for cozy evenings or special occasions.
• Crowd-Pleaser: A dessert that’s sure to impress guests.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve with ice cream, whipped cream, or even custard.

Ingredients

For the Pudding

• 1 ½ cups (225 g) pitted dates, chopped
• 1 cup (240 ml) boiling water
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ¾ cup (95 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Toffee Sauce

• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
• ¼ cup (57 g) unsalted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Pudding

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking dish.
2. Soak the Dates: In a bowl, combine the chopped dates, boiling water, and baking soda. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes, then mash it lightly with a fork.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a mixer, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
5. Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually fold in the flour mixture, alternating with the date mixture, until the batter is smooth.
7. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Making the Toffee Sauce

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, brown sugar, and butter.
2. Cook: Heat over medium heat, stirring continuously, until the mixture thickens (about 5 minutes).
3. Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract and remove from heat.

Serving

1. Top the Pudding: Pour the warm toffee sauce over the baked pudding, reserving a portion for serving.
2. Serve: Slice the pudding into portions and serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a truly indulgent dessert.

Storing and Freezing

Storage Tips

• Store leftover pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave before serving.

Freezing Instructions

• You can freeze the pudding without the sauce for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
• To serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C). Make the toffee sauce fresh and pour it over the reheated pudding.

Recipe Variations

• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
• Vegan: Replace butter with a plant-based alternative, heavy cream with coconut cream, and eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg).
• Nutty Twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra texture.

FAQs

Can I Make Sticky Toffee Pudding Ahead of Time?

Yes! Prepare the pudding and sauce a day in advance. Store them separately and reheat before serving.

Can I Substitute Dates?

For a slightly different flavor, you can use figs or prunes instead of dates.

What’s the Best Way to Reheat the Sauce?

Warm the toffee sauce in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently.

This classic sticky toffee pudding is a dessert to savor, offering a perfect balance of moist cake and rich, buttery toffee sauce. It’s a recipe that’s easy to follow yet delivers impressive results, making it ideal for both special occasions and everyday indulgence. Try this recipe today and treat yourself to a slice of pure comfort.

Let us know how it turned out for you—share your experience and any creative twists you added!

Print