Sticky Toffee Pudding

The Sticky Toffee Pudding is a true classic in British baking, offering a perfect balance of moist cake, rich caramel flavor, and deep indulgence. The sweetness of the dates combined with the buttery toffee sauce makes it a favorite for anyone who loves warm, comforting desserts. This dessert is incredibly satisfying and surprisingly simple to make. Serve it warm with an extra drizzle of toffee sauce, and perhaps a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate experience. Whether it’s for a cozy night in or a special occasion, this pudding never fails to impress!

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

1 ¼ cups (180g) pitted dates, chopped
1 cup (240ml) boiling water
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup (150g) dark brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Toffee Sauce:

1 cup (200g) dark brown sugar
½ cup (120g) unsalted butter
1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch square baking dish.
Place the chopped dates in a bowl and pour the boiling water over them. Stir in the baking soda and let sit for 10 minutes.
In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
Stir in the softened date mixture.
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.
While the pudding is baking, prepare the toffee sauce by combining brown sugar, butter, and cream in a saucepan over medium heat.
Bring to a gentle boil and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Once the pudding is baked, poke small holes in the surface and pour half of the warm toffee sauce over the top. Let it soak in for 10 minutes.
Serve warm with the remaining toffee sauce drizzled on top.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes

Kcal: 450 kcal per serving | Servings: 6

Sticky Toffee Pudding: The Ultimate Comfort Dessert

Sticky Toffee Pudding is a beloved British dessert that combines a rich, moist sponge cake made with dates and a luscious toffee sauce. This indulgent treat has a history dating back to the 20th century and remains a staple on menus in the UK and beyond. Its deep caramel flavor, tender texture, and irresistibly gooey sauce make it a favorite for anyone with a sweet tooth.

The History Behind Sticky Toffee Pudding

The exact origins of Sticky Toffee Pudding are debated, but it is widely believed to have been developed in the 1970s by Francis Coulson, a chef at the Sharrow Bay Country House Hotel in England. Some say that the recipe was inspired by a Canadian version, which was then refined into the dessert we know and love today.

What sets this dessert apart is its unique use of dates, which add a natural sweetness and moisture to the cake. The sponge itself is light yet rich, perfectly complementing the warm, buttery toffee sauce that soaks into it. Traditionally served warm, often with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, Sticky Toffee Pudding is the perfect ending to a meal.

Why This Recipe is the Best

This Sticky Toffee Pudding recipe is truly exceptional for several reasons:

Perfectly Moist Texture – The combination of dates and boiling water softens the fruit, making the cake incredibly tender and ensuring a rich, moist texture in every bite.
Balanced Sweetness – The deep, caramelized flavors of dark brown sugar and dates make this dessert naturally sweet without being overpowering.
Homemade Toffee Sauce – Unlike store-bought versions, this rich and buttery toffee sauce is made from scratch, allowing you to control the flavor and consistency.
Easy to Make – While the pudding looks and tastes like a gourmet dessert, it’s surprisingly simple to prepare with basic ingredients found in most kitchens.
Crowd-Pleaser – Whether served at a family gathering, holiday dinner, or casual get-together, this dessert always impresses.

The Benefits of Sticky Toffee Pudding

While Sticky Toffee Pudding is undoubtedly an indulgence, it offers some surprising benefits:

Natural Sweetness from Dates – Dates are a good source of fiber, antioxidants, and natural sugars, making them a healthier alternative to refined sweeteners.
Comforting and Satisfying – The warm, rich flavors make this a perfect dessert for colder months or whenever you need a comforting treat.
Pairs Well with Many Toppings – Whether you enjoy it with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even a dollop of custard, this pudding is versatile and customizable.
Perfect for Make-Ahead – The cake can be baked in advance and reheated before serving, making it convenient for dinner parties and special occasions.

How to Serve Sticky Toffee Pudding

This dessert is best enjoyed warm, allowing the toffee sauce to soak into the sponge and create a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Here are a few ways to serve it:

With Vanilla Ice Cream – The contrast between warm pudding and cold ice cream enhances the dessert’s flavors.
With Whipped Cream – A light and airy topping balances the richness of the pudding.
With Custard – A traditional British accompaniment, custard adds a creamy texture to each bite.
With Extra Sauce – Drizzling extra toffee sauce over the top makes the dessert even more decadent.

Tips for Making the Perfect Sticky Toffee Pudding

Use Fresh Dates – If your dates are dry, soak them in warm water for a few minutes before chopping.
Don’t Overmix the Batter – Stir until just combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
Poke Holes in the Cake – Pouring toffee sauce over the warm cake allows it to soak in and enhance the flavor.
Reheat Gently – If making ahead, reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire pudding in the oven before serving.

Conclusion

Sticky Toffee Pudding is a timeless dessert that delivers indulgence in every bite. It’s rich, satisfying, and surprisingly simple to make at home. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or just craving a comforting treat, this recipe guarantees a delicious experience. Try it once, and you’ll see why it remains one of the most beloved desserts worldwide.