If you’ve ever dreamed of a dessert that wraps you in a cozy, caramel-kissed hug, then this Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe is your golden ticket. Rich, moist, and bursting with tender chunks of dates soaked in a luscious toffee sauce, it’s the ultimate comfort treat that’s surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply crave a homemade sweet finish to your day, this recipe brings warmth and indulgence to every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients—all working together to create that perfect balance of moist cake and creamy sauce. Each component plays a crucial role, from the dates adding natural sweetness and texture, to the butter and sugar giving richness and that irresistible caramel flavor.
- Chopped dates (1 cup): These naturally sweet, tender fruits give the pudding its signature moistness and depth.
- Boiling water (1 cup): Used to soften the dates, helping them blend beautifully into the batter.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Reacts with the dates for tenderness and helps the pudding rise perfectly.
- All-purpose flour (1¼ cups): The cake base providing structure without weighing down the pudding.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Gives a light lift to the sponge, ensuring it’s airy yet dense enough to soak up the sauce.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances all the sweet flavors, balancing the dessert beautifully.
- Unsalted butter (¼ cup for batter, ½ cup for sauce): Adds richness and smoothness in both the cake and the toffee sauce.
- Granulated sugar (¾ cup): Sweetens and helps create a light, fluffy batter.
- Eggs (2 large): Bind everything together while adding moisture and nourishment.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon for batter, 1 teaspoon for sauce): Lends a warm, aromatic note that complements the caramel flavors perfectly.
- Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): The backbone of the toffee sauce, giving it that deep, caramelized taste.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Makes the toffee sauce luxuriously smooth and pourable.
How to Make Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dates
Start by placing the chopped dates in a bowl and covering them with boiling water. Stir in the baking soda, which will help break down the dates and give the pudding a wonderfully tender crumb. Let this mixture sit for 10 minutes so the dates soften perfectly and integrate seamlessly into your batter.
Step 2: Make the Pudding Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish to ensure the pudding doesn’t stick. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt—this dry mix is essential for the pudding’s structure. In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy—that’s the secret to a cake that rises and melts in your mouth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to incorporate air. Stir in the vanilla extract, then gently fold in your dry flour mixture followed by the soft date mixture until fully combined. The batter should look smooth and velvety.
Step 3: Bake the Pudding
Pour the batter into your prepared dish, smoothing the surface, and pop it into the oven. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma at this point is already heavenly—like warm caramel and cozy evenings combined.
Step 4: Prepare the Toffee Sauce
While the pudding bakes, use a saucepan to melt the butter over medium heat for the luscious toffee sauce. Stir in the packed brown sugar and heavy cream and gently bring it to a boil, stirring constantly to avoid scorching. Let it cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until thickened and glossy. Take it off the heat and then stir in the vanilla extract—the finishing touch that makes the sauce sing.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
As soon as the pudding is out of the oven, pierce its surface with a skewer or fork in several places—this lets the toffee sauce seep deep into the sponge, intensifying every bite. Pour half of the warm sauce over and let it soak in for about 10 minutes. Serve portions warm, drizzled with more toffee sauce alongside vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra layer of indulgence.
How to Serve Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted nuts, a few chocolate shavings, or fresh berries can brighten the dish, adding color and texture. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream not only enhances flavor but complements the warm toffee sauce with cool creaminess.
Side Dishes
While Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe stands proudly on its own, pairing it with a cup of strong coffee or a glass of dessert wine elevates the experience. For a more balanced meal, a light green salad or citrus sorbet beforehand can refresh the palate beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pudding in individual ramekins for single servings or layer it with whipped cream and crushed biscuits in a trifle-style glass for a dramatic presentation. You could even turn it into mini cakes using a muffin tin to delight guests with handheld portions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover the pudding tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers can be just as satisfying as fresh.
Freezing
Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe freezes wonderfully. Wrap individual portions or the whole cake securely in freezer-safe wrap and tuck it away for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Warm your pudding gently in the microwave for about a minute or reheat in a low oven (about 300°F / 150°C) covered with foil until heated through. Don’t forget to refresh the toffee sauce while reheating to keep that freshly made magic.
FAQs
Can I use another type of dried fruit instead of dates?
Absolutely! While dates offer a uniquely rich sweetness and texture, prunes or dried figs can be great substitutes. Just soak them similarly in boiling water to soften before mixing into the batter.
Is this Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe gluten-free?
The classic version calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can try using a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking to adapt this recipe for gluten-free diets.
Can I make the toffee sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the toffee sauce can be prepared a day in advance and reheated gently on the stove before serving. Keep it stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
What’s the best way to serve this pudding for special occasions?
For parties or celebrations, dress the pudding up with extra garnishes like edible gold leaf, caramelized nuts, or alongside a scoop of spiced ice cream to impress your guests.
How do I know when the pudding is fully baked?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the pudding—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your pudding is baked perfectly. Avoid overbaking to keep it moist and tender.
Final Thoughts
This Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe feels like a warm embrace on a plate, inviting you to slow down and savor its comforting flavors. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a beloved classic that never goes out of style. So gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and enjoy the irresistible joy that comes from homemade sticky toffee pudding made with love.
Print
Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
A classic British dessert featuring moist date-infused sponge cake drenched in a rich, buttery toffee sauce. This Sticky Toffee Pudding recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and texture, ideal for a comforting treat served warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
Ingredients
Pudding
- 1 cup chopped dates, pitted
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toffee Sauce
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Dates: Place the chopped dates in a bowl and pour the boiling water over them. Stir in the baking soda, then let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to soften the dates and create a smooth paste.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish to prevent sticking during baking.
- Make the Pudding Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract. Gently fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, followed by the softened date mixture until everything is fully combined into a smooth batter.
- Bake the Pudding: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the pudding is cooked through.
- Prepare the Toffee Sauce: While the pudding bakes, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream, then bring to a gentle boil. Continue cooking for 3 to 4 minutes while stirring constantly until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
- Assemble and Serve: Once the pudding is warm, poke holes in the surface using a skewer or fork. Pour half of the toffee sauce over the pudding, allowing it to soak in for about 10 minutes. Serve warm, drizzled with the remaining toffee sauce, complemented by vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent finish.
Notes
- Ensure the dates are chopped finely to allow them to blend well into the batter and create a moist texture.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives.
- Allow the pudding to cool slightly before serving to enhance the flavors and avoid burns.
- Storing leftovers covered in the refrigerator will keep the pudding moist; reheat gently before serving.
- Using fresh baking powder ensures better rise and texture in the pudding.
