If you’re looking for a dessert that wraps you in a warm, comforting hug, then this Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe is your new best friend. This classic British treat combines moist, tender cake studded with soft dates and drenched in a luscious, buttery toffee sauce that’s irresistibly rich and sticky. Every spoonful bursts with deep caramel sweetness and a hint of vanilla, perfect for cozy evenings or special occasions. Once you try it, this pudding will quickly earn a special place in your dessert rotation, turning simple ingredients into a truly unforgettable indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of well-chosen ingredients, this Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe proves that simplicity is key to creating a dessert that’s both decadent and deeply satisfying. Each component plays a vital role—the dates provide moisture and a natural sweetness, the butter adds richness, and the perfect blend of flour and leavening agents ensures a tender crumb with just enough lift.
- 1 1/2 cups pitted dates, chopped: Adds natural sweetness and gives the pudding its signature moist texture.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Reacts with dates and baking to lighten the batter and help the pudding rise.
- 1 1/4 cups boiling water: Softens the dates and moistens the batter for a luscious finish.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and tender crumb.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: Brings a deep, caramel flavor and sweet balance.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor with a warm aromatic note.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base for the cake, giving it body and texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Adds extra lift and fluffiness to the pudding.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances out the sweetness for depth.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (for sauce): Creates a rich, creamy toffee sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Essential for the decadent, silky sauce.
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed (for sauce): Gives the toffee sauce its sticky, sweet intensity.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for sauce): Pulls all the flavors together with a fragrant finish.
- Pinch of salt (for sauce): Balances the sauce’s sweetness beautifully.
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (optional): Perfect for serving, adding a cool, creamy contrast.
How to Make Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Soften the Dates
Start by combining the chopped dates with baking soda, then pour boiling water over them. Letting this mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes allows the dates to soften beautifully, which is crucial for achieving that signature moist, tender texture in your pudding. This simple step works magic, transforming humble dried fruit into a luscious component that melds seamlessly into your batter.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
While the dates do their thing, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until fluffy and light. This process incorporates air, which helps create a tender crumb while infusing the cake with that irresistible caramel undercurrent. Take your time here; a well-creamed base is a cornerstone of this Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe’s success.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure everything combines smoothly. Then pour in the vanilla extract, which will lend a warm, inviting aroma that’s hard to resist. These ingredients bind the pudding together and build a flavor foundation that’s full and comforting.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This combination ensures the pudding rises just enough to be tender but not airy. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into your wet batter to avoid overmixing, keeping your pudding delightfully soft and dense.
Step 5: Incorporate Date Mixture
Gently fold in the softened dates and their soaking liquid. This step is where the pudding’s signature richness and stickiness start to come alive. The dates distribute throughout the batter, infusing every bite with sweetness and depth.
Step 6: Bake Until Perfect
Pour the batter evenly into a greased 9-inch round pan and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 30 to 35 minutes. You’re looking for a firm top and a toothpick that comes out clean, signaling your pudding is perfectly baked with that tender crumb beneath the surface.
Step 7: Make the Toffee Sauce
While the pudding bakes, melt butter, cream, brown sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the mixture simmers and then let it gently bubble for 5 to 7 minutes, thickening into a glossy, irresistibly sticky toffee sauce. This luscious sauce is what truly elevates your dessert to gourmet status.
Step 8: Serve Warm and Drizzle
After the pudding comes out of the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Generously drizzle the warm toffee sauce over each slice and serve immediately with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance that richness and bring the dish all together in perfect harmony.
How to Serve Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe
Garnishes
Adding whipped cream or vanilla ice cream on top is like adding the finishing touch to a masterpiece. The cold creaminess contrasts beautifully with the warm, sticky toffee sauce, creating a delightful play of textures and temperatures. For a bit of color and crunch, sprinkle some toasted pecans or a dusting of cinnamon, enhancing both presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe shines as a dessert star, but pairing it with a light side like fresh berries or a tangy berry coulis cuts through the sweetness and brightens the plate. A cup of strong tea or robust coffee also complements the rich toffee notes perfectly, making your dessert experience complete and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant twist, you can serve individual puddings in ramekins topped with whipped cream and garnished with a mint leaf or edible flowers. Another fun idea is to layer cubes of sticky toffee pudding with mascarpone in glass parfaits for a show-stopping dessert. The gooey sauce can also be captured in little shot glasses as a drizzle option, letting everyone customize their level of decadence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers of this incredible Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe, store them covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pudding actually holds moisture well, so it remains just as tender after chilling. Keep the toffee sauce in a separate jar to reheat gently when ready to serve again.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover pudding for up to 2 months. Wrap individual portions tightly with plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it up gently. Freezing does not compromise the moist, sticky texture, so you can enjoy that comforting taste anytime without fuss.
Reheating
To reheat, place a portion of pudding in a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely with a damp paper towel; microwave in short bursts until warm. Alternatively, reheat in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) covered with foil to prevent drying out. Warm the toffee sauce separately and pour it over the pudding just before serving for that fresh-from-the-oven indulgence again.
FAQs
Can I make Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend of your choice. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to keep the pudding’s structure intact. The results will still be wonderfully moist and sticky.
What’s the best type of dates to use?
Medjool dates are ideal because they are plump, sweet, and soft, which enhances the pudding’s texture and flavor. If you have another variety on hand, soaking them longer in the boiling water will help achieve the same softness.
Can I prepare the toffee sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The toffee sauce can be made a day or two in advance and refrigerated. Gently reheat it on the stove or in the microwave, stirring frequently to bring back its luscious texture before serving.
Is this Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe suitable for freezing before baking?
You can freeze the batter after combining all ingredients and pour it directly from frozen into the pan, adding extra baking time. However, it’s often simpler to bake first and freeze the finished pudding for best results.
How sticky is the toffee sauce supposed to be?
The sauce should be rich and glossy but still pourable, coating the pudding generously. If it becomes too thick after cooling, gently warm it and stir in a splash of cream or milk to loosen it up for perfect drizzling.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the cozy joy that a warm slice of sticky toffee pudding brings, and this Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe is a brilliant way to make it at home with ease and impressive results. Whether you’re treating family, impressing guests, or simply craving a classic indulgence, this recipe rewards with every sticky, buttery bite. Give it a go—you’ll want to make it again and again.
Print
Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
This classic Sticky Toffee Pudding is a rich and indulgent British dessert featuring a moist date cake drenched in a luscious homemade toffee sauce. Perfectly sweet and comforting, it is often served warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups pitted dates, chopped
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/4 cups boiling water
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Toffee Sauce Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Optional Serving
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan to ensure the pudding does not stick.
- Soften Dates: In a bowl, combine the chopped dates with baking soda, then pour over the boiling water. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the dates to soften and absorb moisture.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat the softened butter with the brown sugar until the mixture becomes fluffy and light, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution.
- Combine Batter: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, avoiding overmixing. Then gently fold in the softened date mixture.
- Bake the Pudding: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until the cake is firm to the touch and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare Toffee Sauce: While the pudding bakes, melt the butter, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture begins to simmer.
- Thicken Sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Rest the Pudding: Once baked, let the pudding set for 5 minutes in the pan to firm up slightly.
- Serve: Slice the pudding, drizzle generously with the warm toffee sauce, and serve topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if desired.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the dates are finely chopped to help them blend well in the batter.
- Use fresh heavy cream for a richer toffee sauce.
- To enhance flavor, the pudding can be made a day ahead and reheated gently before serving.
- Ensure not to overbake the pudding to keep it moist and sticky.
- Vanilla ice cream is a classic accompaniment but whipped cream offers a lighter alternative.
