Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe: A Warm, Moist, and Indulgent British Classic
Sticky Toffee Pudding is a rich, tender dessert cake made with dates and drenched in a buttery toffee sauce. This beloved British classic is served warm, often with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, making it the perfect comfort dessert for cold evenings. Its deep caramel flavor, moist texture, and irresistible sauce combine to create a dessert experience that’s truly unforgettable. This pudding isn’t your average cake. It’s baked soft and spongy, yet has a dense richness thanks to the sweet dates and molasses-like sauce. Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday feast or a cozy family dinner, Sticky Toffee Pudding always makes a memorable finale to any meal.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
What sets Sticky Toffee Pudding apart is its luxurious balance of moist cake and silky toffee sauce. The dates add natural sweetness and depth without making it overly sugary. Once the warm toffee is poured over the freshly baked pudding, it soaks into the sponge, ensuring every bite is melt-in-your-mouth soft and flavorful. It’s comfort food with a sophisticated twist.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Bake Time: 30–35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 6–8
Ingredients
For the Pudding:
- 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Toffee Sauce:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Soak the Dates
Place chopped dates in a bowl and pour boiling water over them. Stir in baking soda and let sit for 10–15 minutes to soften.
2. Prepare the Pudding Batter
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch baking dish. In a mixing bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and stir to combine. Finally, stir in the softened date mixture (including the liquid).
3. Bake the Pudding
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 baking, prepare the toffee sauce.
4. Make the Toffee Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and add brown sugar, stirring until dissolved. Slowly stir in heavy cream, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened slightly.
Variations
- Individual Servings: Bake in ramekins for elegant, personal-size puddings.
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter.
- Bourbon Sauce: Add a splash of bourbon to the toffee sauce for extra warmth.
- Spiced Version: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter.
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Saucepan
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 8-inch baking dish or ramekins
- Spatula
- Whisk
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~400
- Carbs: 55g
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 42g
Values vary depending on portion size and ingredients used.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave or oven and pour fresh toffee sauce on top before serving.
- Freezing: Freeze the pudding (without sauce) for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
My Cooking Experience
With over 4 years in the kitchen, I’ve made Sticky Toffee Pudding for everything from holiday dinners to rainy day treats. It’s a dessert that always impresses, even with its simple ingredients. The key is letting the dates soften fully and simmering the toffee sauce until silky. Trust me—this one’s a showstopper.
Conclusion
Sticky Toffee Pudding is the ultimate comfort dessert. Its combination of warm, moist cake and luscious toffee sauce makes it a timeless classic that’s as elegant as it is satisfying. Whether you’re serving guests or enjoying a quiet evening in, this dessert will bring a little extra warmth and joy to the table.
Sticky Toffee Pudding
Ingredients
Method
- Place chopped dates in a bowl and pour boiling water over them. Stir in baking soda and let sit for 10–15 minutes to soften.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch baking dish. In a mixing bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and stir to combine. Finally, stir in the softened date mixture (including the liquid).
- 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 baking, prepare the toffee sauce.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and add brown sugar, stirring until dissolved. Slowly stir in heavy cream, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened slightly.
Notes
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave or oven and pour fresh toffee sauce on top before serving.
Freezing: Freeze the pudding (without sauce) for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
