There is something truly magical about a classic Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe that makes it an irresistible dessert to share with friends and family. This British favorite combines moist, date-studded cake with a rich, buttery toffee sauce that soaks every bite in indulgent sweetness. It’s comfort food at its finest and impressively simple to make, turning everyday ingredients into a decadent treat that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe are delightfully straightforward yet each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and color. From the natural sweetness of dates to the luxurious creaminess of the sauce, these components come together effortlessly.
- Chopped dates: These provide the moist texture and natural sweetness that is signature to the pudding.
- Boiling water: Helps soften the dates, making them perfect for blending into the batter.
- Baking soda: Reacts with the dates and water to help tenderize the cake.
- All-purpose flour: The base of the cake structure, giving it a tender crumb.
- Baking powder: Adds lift for a light texture despite the dense ingredients.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Unsalted butter: Used both in the batter and sauce to create richness and smoothness.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake, contributing to that classic sweet bite.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and help add moisture and structure.
- Vanilla extract: Adds fragrant warmth to both pudding and sauce.
- Brown sugar: Used in the toffee sauce for deep, caramelized sweetness.
- Heavy cream: Makes the toffee sauce luxuriously creamy and luscious.
How to Make Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dates
Start by placing the chopped dates in a bowl and pouring boiling water over them. Then, stir in the baking soda. Let this mixture sit for about 10 minutes so the dates soften and meld with the baking soda, creating a slightly thickened, sweet base that will infuse the pudding with moisture and flavor.
Step 2: Make the Pudding Batter
While the dates soften, whisk together your dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, and salt—in a separate bowl. Next, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until fluffy and pale. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract. Finally, gently fold in the flour mixture and then the softened date mixture until everything is combined without overmixing.
Step 3: Bake the Pudding
Pour the batter into your greased 8×8-inch baking dish, smoothing the top. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This baking step transforms the batter into a tender, moist cake packed with the rich flavor from the dates.
Step 4: Prepare the Toffee Sauce
While the pudding is baking, make your velvety toffee sauce. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then stir in brown sugar and heavy cream. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning and to ensure the sauce thickens beautifully. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract for that extra note of warmth and aroma.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Once the pudding comes out of the oven, use a skewer or fork to poke holes across the surface. Pour half of your warm toffee sauce over the pudding and let it soak in for about 10 minutes. This helps the sauce permeate every bite. Serve the pudding warm, drizzled with the remaining toffee sauce, and if you’re feeling indulgent, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top.
How to Serve Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe presentation, a sprinkling of toasted chopped pecans or walnuts adds a wonderful crunch. Fresh mint leaves can add a pop of color and freshness, while a dusting of powdered sugar gives an elegant, snowy finish.
Side Dishes
This pudding pairs best with simple sides that balance its richness. Vanilla ice cream, freshly whipped cream, or a dollop of crème fraîche complement the toffee sauce beautifully, creating an irresistible contrast of hot and cold, creamy and caramelized.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform this classic dessert into a showstopper by serving individual portions in small ramekins or mason jars with layers of crumbled pudding, toffee sauce, and whipped cream. You could also slice it into squares and stack them on dessert plates with extra sauce drizzled artfully around for a modern twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pudding actually tastes even better after resting, as the flavors continue to meld. Just make sure to keep the toffee sauce separate if possible for the best texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the pudding (without the sauce) for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to protect against freezer burn. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To enjoy your Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe leftovers warm, reheat in the microwave for about 1 to 2 minutes or in a preheated 350°F oven covered with foil until warmed through. Add fresh toffee sauce and toppings just before serving for that freshly-made feel.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of dried fruit instead of dates?
Absolutely! While dates are traditional and give the pudding its classic flavor and texture, chopped figs or prunes can also work well, adding their unique sweetness and moisture.
Is it necessary to poke holes in the pudding before adding the sauce?
Yes, poking holes allows the warm toffee sauce to deeply penetrate the cake, resulting in a moist, flavorful dessert. Skipping this step means the sauce will mostly sit on top instead of infusing every bite.
Can I make this Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend of equal measure. Just be mindful that texture may vary slightly depending on the flour brand.
How long will the toffee sauce keep? Should I make it ahead?
The toffee sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Gently reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving, stirring to bring back its smooth consistency.
What’s the secret to an ultra-moist pudding?
The magic lies in soaking the dates in boiling water and baking soda beforehand and then folding them gently into the batter. Also, allowing the toffee sauce to soak in after baking ensures every bite is delightfully moist.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never made or tasted a Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe, this is the perfect time to give it a whirl. Trust me, the combination of warm, tender cake and luscious toffee sauce creates a dessert experience that stays with you. It’s comforting, rich, and surprisingly easy to make, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to dive in and share this absolute delight with those you love!
Print
Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
This classic Sticky Toffee Pudding features moist date cake soaked with rich, buttery toffee sauce. Perfectly spiced and served warm with a drizzle of extra sauce and optional vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, this comforting British dessert is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
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 and let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to soften and break down the dates.
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish to prevent sticking during baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Make Batter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, creating a creamy base. Add the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition to incorporate air, then stir in the vanilla extract. Gently fold in the flour mixture followed by the softened date mixture, combining until a smooth batter forms.
- Bake the Pudding: Pour the prepared batter into the greased baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating it’s fully cooked.
- Prepare the Toffee Sauce: While the pudding is baking, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and heavy cream, stirring constantly as the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Allow it to cook for 3-4 minutes until thickened slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Assemble and Serve: Once the pudding is out of the oven and still warm, poke holes all over the surface with a skewer or fork. Pour half of the toffee sauce over the pudding allowing it to soak into the holes. Let it absorb for 10 minutes before serving. Drizzle with remaining toffee sauce and serve warm, optionally accompanied by vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent finish.
Notes
- For extra moist pudding, ensure the date mixture is well softened by soaking for the full 10 minutes.
- Use room temperature butter and eggs to help the batter mix smoothly and create a lighter texture.
- To make ahead, the pudding can be baked and stored in the refrigerator; reheat before serving and pour warm toffee sauce on top.
- Serving with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream adds a creamy contrast to the rich toffee flavor.
- Use a skewer to poke holes evenly across the pudding surface to allow better toffee sauce absorption.
