Sticky Toffee Pudding

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Introduction

Sticky Toffee Pudding is a rich, moist sponge cake made with finely chopped dates and covered in a luscious toffee sauce. This classic British dessert is indulgent, comforting, and perfect for cozy evenings or festive gatherings. Served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, Sticky Toffee Pudding is a timeless treat that brings pure joy to the table.

I remember the first time I made this dessert for a holiday dinner. The sweet, buttery aroma of the toffee sauce filled the kitchen, and the moment I served it, everyone’s faces lit up with delight. What makes Sticky Toffee Pudding truly special is how it balances deep, caramelized flavors with the moist, tender texture of the sponge. Adding a touch of sea salt to the toffee sauce takes it to another level, enhancing the sweetness and creating a perfect harmony of flavors.

This dessert is surprisingly simple to make despite its decadent appearance. With basic pantry staples, a handful of dates, and a little patience for the toffee sauce, you can create a show-stopping dish that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re celebrating a festive occasion or indulging in a cozy night at home, Sticky Toffee Pudding is a dessert that never fails to wow!

Perfect for:

  • Holiday celebrations
  • Dinner parties
  • Cozy nights in
  • Dessert lovers
  • Traditional British cuisine enthusiasts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Sticky Toffee Pudding is an irresistible dessert:

  • Rich and Moist Sponge: The cake is soft, flavorful, and infused with the natural sweetness of dates.
  • Decadent Toffee Sauce: The buttery, caramel-like sauce takes the dessert to another level.
  • Warm and Comforting: Best served warm, it’s the ultimate comfort food.
  • Easy to Make: Despite its impressive flavor, it’s surprisingly simple to prepare.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by everyone, from kids to adults, it’s perfect for any occasion.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 25 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 50 minutes
  • Servings: 8 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 6g, Carbs: 60g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make Sticky Toffee Pudding:

For the Sponge Cake:

  • 1 ½ cups (200g) pitted dates, finely chopped
  • 1 cup (240ml) boiling water
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup (150g) brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Toffee Sauce:

  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup (200g) brown sugar
  • ¾ cup (180ml) heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Ingredient Highlights

  • Dates: The natural sweetness and texture of dates are the backbone of the pudding.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds depth and a caramel-like flavor to both the sponge and sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a rich, velvety toffee sauce.
  • Baking Soda: Helps soften the dates and ensures a tender sponge.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the dessert.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Sticky Toffee Pudding:

Prepare the Sponge Cake:

  1. Soften the Dates: Place the chopped dates in a bowl, pour the boiling water over them, and stir in the baking soda. Let it sit for 10 minutes to soften.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture. Gently stir in the softened dates, including any remaining liquid.
  6. Pour into Pan: Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish and pour the batter into it, spreading evenly.

Bake the Sponge Cake:

  1. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Prepare the Toffee Sauce:

  1. Melt Butter and Sugar: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and cook until it dissolves.
  2. Add Cream and Vanilla: Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 3-4 minutes, or until thickened slightly.

Serve and Garnish:

  1. Pour Sauce Over Cake: Once the cake is baked and slightly cooled, poke holes in the top with a skewer. Pour half the toffee sauce over the cake, letting it soak in.
  2. Slice and Serve: Cut the cake into squares or slices, drizzle with the remaining sauce, and serve warm. Optionally, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

How to Serve

  • With Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of ice cream balances the warmth and richness of the pudding.
  • For Festive Occasions: Ideal for Christmas or holiday celebrations.
  • As a Decadent Dessert: Perfect for dinner parties or romantic evenings.
  • Topped with Fresh Fruit: Garnish with sliced bananas or berries for added freshness.

Additional Tips

  • Soak the dates properly for a smooth texture.
  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
  • Allow the toffee sauce to thicken slightly before serving.
  • Serve warm for the best experience.

Recipe Variations

  1. Sticky Toffee Pudding Cupcakes
  2. Sticky Toffee Pudding with Chocolate Sauce
  3. Vegan Sticky Toffee Pudding
  4. Gluten-Free Sticky Toffee Pudding
  5. Spiced Sticky Toffee Pudding (with cinnamon and nutmeg)
  6. Salted Caramel Sticky Toffee Pudding
  7. Sticky Toffee Banana Pudding
  8. Sticky Toffee Pudding with Rum Sauce
  9. Sticky Toffee Pudding Cheesecake
  10. Sticky Toffee Pudding Trifle

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Special Equipment

  • Electric mixer
  • 8×8-inch baking dish
  • Saucepan for the toffee sauce

FAQ Section

  1. Can I make this dessert ahead of time? Yes, it reheats beautifully.
  2. Can I use other dried fruits instead of dates? Dates are traditional, but prunes or figs could work.
  3. Can I make this gluten-free? Substitute with gluten-free all-purpose flour.
  4. What’s the best way to reheat it? Warm in the oven or microwave, covered, to keep it moist.
  5. Can I make a larger batch? Yes, double the recipe and use a larger pan.

Conclusion

Sticky Toffee Pudding is the ultimate comfort dessert, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with its rich, indulgent flavors. This classic treat features a moist, spongy cake made with dates, topped with a luscious toffee sauce that soaks into every bite. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate dessert experience.

Whether you’re enjoying it on a cozy evening or sharing it as a show-stopping holiday treat, Sticky Toffee Pudding promises to impress. It’s a timeless dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious, ensuring it becomes a favorite in no time.

I’d love to see how your Sticky Toffee Pudding turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy baking!

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