Description
Sticky Toffee Pudding is a warm, comforting British dessert made with a moist date sponge cake and drenched in a rich, buttery toffee sauce. It’s perfect for cozy nights, holidays, or any time you crave something sweet and nostalgic.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Toffee Sauce:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Add-ins: 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, or a pinch of cinnamon for warmth.
Substitutions: Use raisins or figs instead of dates, coconut oil for butter, or coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
Instructions
- Soften the Dates: Combine chopped dates and boiling water in a bowl. Stir in baking soda and let sit for 10 minutes to soften.
- Mix the Batter: Cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.
- Add Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients until just combined. Fold in the date mixture.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into a greased 8×8-inch pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Make the Toffee Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter, brown sugar, and cream. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened. Stir in vanilla.
- Assemble: Poke small holes in the warm cake and pour half of the toffee sauce on top. Let it soak for 10 minutes before serving.
- Serve and Enjoy: Spoon warm pudding into bowls, drizzle with extra toffee sauce, and top with whipped cream or ice cream.
Notes
Serve Sticky Toffee Pudding warm for the best flavor and texture. You can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat before serving. For a make-ahead version, bake the cake a day early and prepare the sauce just before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pudding)
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 95mg