Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe: A Classic and Indulgent Dessert

Sticky toffee pudding is a classic British dessert known for its moist sponge cake made with dates and topped with a rich toffee sauce. This luxurious treat is perfect for special occasions or as a comforting dessert any time of year. Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream for an unforgettable finish to your meal.

What Is Sticky Toffee Pudding?

Sticky toffee pudding is a rich, moist dessert made with a date-based sponge cake and generously drizzled with a buttery toffee sauce. It’s often served with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. The combination of tender cake, sweet sauce, and creamy toppings makes it a favorite among dessert lovers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and indulgent: The buttery toffee sauce and moist sponge cake create a decadent flavor experience.
• Perfect for special occasions: Ideal for holidays, dinner parties, or cozy nights in.
• Customizable: Add bourbon for a boozy twist or keep it alcohol-free for family-friendly enjoyment.
• Make-ahead option: The puddings and sauce can be prepared in advance and reheated when ready to serve.

Ingredients

For the Pudding:

• 5 ounces (about ¾ cup) dates, pitted and roughly chopped
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ cup (60 ml) boiling water
• 3 tablespoons (42 g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 6 tablespoons (75 g) light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons (85 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder

For the Toffee Sauce:

• ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter
• 1 cup (200 g) packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) milk
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) corn syrup
• Tiny pinch of kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) bourbon (optional)

For Serving:

• Freshly whipped cream

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Dates

1. Combine the chopped dates and baking soda in a heatproof bowl.
2. Pour the boiling water over the dates, ensuring they are fully submerged.
3. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to soften the dates.

Make the Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and light brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg and mix until well combined.
4. Sift in the flour and baking powder, then mix until just incorporated.
5. Puree the soaked dates along with their soaking liquid until smooth, then fold the puree into the batter.

Bake the Puddings

1. Grease and flour a 6-cup muffin tin.
2. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cups.
3. Bake for 17-19 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
4. Allow the puddings to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before turning them out onto a plate or tray.

Prepare the Toffee Sauce

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, brown sugar, milk, cream, corn syrup, and salt.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
3. Let the sauce boil for 3 minutes until thickened.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the bourbon, if using.
5. Allow the sauce to cool slightly before serving.

Serve

1. Place each warm pudding on a serving plate.
2. Generously spoon the toffee sauce over each pudding.
3. Top with a dollop of freshly whipped cream.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy this decadent dessert.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added creaminess.
• Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra texture and flavor.
• Serve with a glass of dessert wine or a cup of freshly brewed coffee to complement the richness.

Storing and Freezing

Storage Tips

• Store leftover puddings in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerate the toffee sauce in a sealed jar for up to 1 week. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Freezing Instructions

• Wrap each pudding individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Thaw the puddings at room temperature and reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes.
• The toffee sauce can also be frozen in an airtight container. Defrost in the fridge and reheat before serving.

Recipe Variations

• Gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Vegan: Use plant-based butter and cream, and replace the egg with a flaxseed or chia egg.
• Nutty twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for a crunchy texture.
• Boozy sauce: Experiment with other spirits like rum or brandy in place of bourbon.

FAQs

Can I make sticky toffee pudding in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the puddings and sauce ahead of time. Reheat both just before serving for the best flavor.

What can I use instead of dates?
Prunes or figs can be substituted for dates, though the flavor will vary slightly.

Can I skip the corn syrup in the sauce?
Yes, you can replace it with honey or golden syrup, but the texture might differ slightly.

Sticky toffee pudding is a timeless dessert that brings warmth and indulgence to any table. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or simply treating yourself, this rich, flavorful dish is sure to impress. Try it out, and let us know how it turns out in the comments below!

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