Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, indulgent dessert on a chilly evening. For me, sticky toffee pudding epitomizes this comfort—a moist, rich cake infused with dates and enveloped in a luscious toffee sauce.

This classic British dessert has become a favorite in my household, and I’m excited to share my take on this delectable treat with you.

Ingredients

For the Pudding:

• 225g dried dates, pitted and chopped
• 200ml boiling water
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 85g unsalted butter, softened
• 140g light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 200g self-raising flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Toffee Sauce:

• 200g light brown sugar
• 200ml double cream
• 85g unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare the Dates:
Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a baking dish—preferably a 20cm square pan—or individual ramekins.

Place the chopped dates in a bowl and pour the boiling water over them. Stir in the baking soda; this helps to soften the dates and enhances their sweetness. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes.

Make the Batter:
In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, ensuring a lighter pudding.

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to maintain a smooth consistency. Stir in the vanilla extract for added depth of flavor.

Gently fold in the self-raising flour until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense pudding, so mix until you no longer see dry flour.

Combine Dates and Batter:
Mash the soaked dates with a fork until they form a rough paste. This doesn’t have to be perfectly smooth; small chunks add texture to the pudding. Fold the date mixture into the batter, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.

Bake the Pudding:
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish or ramekins, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes (or 20-25 minutes for ramekins). The pudding is ready when a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

Prepare the Toffee Sauce:
While the pudding bakes, make the toffee sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the light brown sugar, double cream, and butter. Stir continuously until the butter has melted and the sugar has dissolved.

Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 3-4 minutes, which will thicken the sauce slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Serve:
Once the pudding is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. Then, pour some of the warm toffee sauce over the top, allowing it to seep into the sponge. Serve the pudding warm, accompanied by additional toffee sauce.

For an extra indulgent touch, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

FAQs

Can I prepare sticky toffee pudding in advance?

Absolutely. You can bake the pudding and prepare the sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the pudding in the oven and warm the sauce on the stovetop. Pour the warm sauce over the heated pudding just before serving.

How should I store leftovers?

Leftover sticky toffee pudding should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or until heated through.

Can I freeze sticky toffee pudding?

Yes, this dessert freezes well. Once the pudding has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to two months. To serve, thaw the pudding in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as mentioned above.

What can I use instead of dates?

If you’re not a fan of dates or don’t have them on hand, you can substitute with dried figs or prunes. These fruits offer a similar sweetness and texture, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.

Is it possible to make a gluten-free version?

Certainly. Substitute the self-raising flour with a gluten-free self-raising flour blend. Ensure that all other ingredients used are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.

Can I add nuts to the pudding?

Yes, adding nuts can provide a delightful crunch. Chopped pecans or walnuts make excellent additions. Fold about 50g of nuts into the batter along with the dates.

What’s the best way to reheat the toffee sauce?

Reheat the toffee sauce gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until it reaches your desired temperature. Avoid boiling the sauce, as this can alter its consistency.

Can I make individual servings instead of a large pudding?

Yes, you can divide the batter into greased muffin tins or individual ramekins. Adjust the baking time to 20-25 minutes, checking for doneness with a skewer.

What can I serve alongside sticky toffee pudding?

Sticky toffee pudding is a rich and indulgent dessert that pairs wonderfully with various accompaniments to enhance its flavors and textures. Here are some delightful options to serve alongside:

Vanilla Ice Cream – The cold, creamy texture of vanilla ice cream provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, sticky pudding, balancing its sweetness and adding a smooth finish. citeturn0search2

Custard – Pouring warm custard over the pudding adds a comforting, velvety layer that complements the dessert’s rich toffee flavors.

Whipped Cream – A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream introduces an airy lightness, offsetting the pudding’s density and enhancing its overall taste.

Clotted Cream – For a traditional British touch, serve the pudding with a spoonful of clotted cream. Its thick, luxurious consistency pairs well with the dessert’s moist sponge and rich sauce.

Fresh Fruits – Adding a side of fresh fruits, such as berries or sliced apples, introduces a tartness that balances the pudding’s sweetness, providing a refreshing contrast.

Caramel Sauce – Drizzling additional caramel sauce over the pudding intensifies its toffee richness, making each bite even more indulgent.

Coffee or Tea – Pairing the dessert with a cup of strong coffee or tea can help balance its sweetness. The slight bitterness of coffee or the robustness of English breakfast tea complements the rich flavors of the pudding.

Dessert Wine – A glass of dessert wine, such as Sauternes or a late-harvest Riesling, can enhance the dining experience. The wine’s sweetness and acidity can complement the pudding’s flavors without overwhelming the palate.

How can I prevent the pudding from becoming too dense?

To maintain a light texture, ensure you don’t overmix the batter after adding the flour. Mixing until just combined helps keep the pudding tender. Additionally, make sure your baking soda is fresh,