Sticky Toffee Pudding is a beloved British dessert that has captured the hearts of dessert lovers worldwide. This indulgent treat features a rich, moist sponge cake made with finely chopped dates, smothered in a luscious toffee sauce, and often served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It’s the perfect combination of warm, soft cake and sweet, sticky toffee, guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Pudding:

• 1 cup Pitted dates, chopped (about 200g)

• 1 cup Boiling water

• 1 tsp Baking soda

• 1 cup All-purpose flour (125g)

• 1 tsp Baking powder

• ¼ tsp Salt

• ½ tsp Ground cinnamon

• ½ cup Unsalted butter, softened (115g)

• ¾ cup Packed brown sugar (150g)

• 2 Large eggs

• 1 tsp Vanilla extract

For the Toffee Sauce:

• ½ cup Unsalted butter (115g)

• 1 cup Packed brown sugar (200g)

• 1 cup Heavy cream (240ml)

• 1 tsp Vanilla extract

Directions

1. Prepare the Dates:
   Chop 1 cup of pitted dates and place them in a bowl. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over the dates and add 1 tsp of baking soda. Let the mixture sit for 15-20 minutes to soften the dates.

2. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan with butter or cooking spray.

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
   In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup of flour, 1 tsp of baking powder, ¼ tsp of salt, and ½ tsp of cinnamon. Set aside.

4. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
   In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream ½ cup of softened butter and ¾ cup of brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes). Add 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in 1 tsp of vanilla extract.

5. Combine the Mixtures:
   Add the soaked date mixture (with the liquid) to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until combined. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just incorporated.

6. Bake:
   Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. The top should be golden brown.

7. Make the Toffee Sauce:
   In a saucepan, melt ½ cup of butter. Stir in 1 cup of brown sugar and 1 cup of heavy cream. Cook until smooth, then add 1 tsp of vanilla extract.

8. Serve:
   Once the pudding is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Serve warm, drizzled generously with the toffee sauce. For an extra treat, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on the side.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 350 kcal

• Sugar: 30g

• Fat: 15g

• Carbohydrates: 50g

• Protein: 4g

This warm, indulgent dessert is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the delightful flavors of the sticky toffee sauce and moist date cake that make this dessert an irresistible treat!

The History Behind Sticky Toffee Pudding

Sticky Toffee Pudding is said to have originated in the United Kingdom in the 1960s, although its exact origin is debated. One story suggests that it was first created in a Lake District hotel, where the chef accidentally dropped some toffee sauce onto a steamed sponge pudding. Regardless of its origins, Sticky Toffee Pudding has become a beloved classic, enjoyed in homes and restaurants all around the world.

What sets this pudding apart from other desserts is the use of dates, which not only give it a rich, sweet flavor but also contribute to its moist, dense texture. The dates add a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the rich toffee sauce, making it an unforgettable treat.

Why Sticky Toffee Pudding Is So Irresistible

The magic of Sticky Toffee Pudding lies in its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The cake itself is soft, moist, and slightly dense, thanks to the dates and butter. The addition of brown sugar gives the sponge a deep caramel flavor, while the cinnamon adds a hint of warmth. The toffee sauce, made from butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream, is the star of the show. It’s poured over the warm pudding, allowing it to soak into the cake, making every bite a blissful combination of sweet and buttery goodness.

One of the best things about Sticky Toffee Pudding is its versatility. While it’s traditionally served with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, you can also pair it with custard or a dollop of clotted cream for a truly indulgent treat. The warm toffee sauce mixed with the moist cake is the perfect contrast to the cool, creamy topping, making for an irresistible dessert experience.

How to Make Sticky Toffee Pudding at Home

Making Sticky Toffee Pudding at home is easier than you might think. The process involves making a moist date cake, baking it to perfection, and then preparing the rich toffee sauce to pour over the top. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating this classic dessert in your own kitchen.

Step 1: Prepare the Dates

The first step in making Sticky Toffee Pudding is preparing the dates. Chop 1 cup of pitted dates and place them in a bowl. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over the dates and add 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Let the mixture sit for 15-20 minutes to soften the dates. This process helps to break down the dates and makes them easier to incorporate into the cake batter. The baking soda also helps to soften the dates and contribute to the cake’s fluffy texture.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

While the dates are soaking, mix together the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Set the dry ingredients aside for later.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together ½ cup of softened unsalted butter and ¾ cup of packed brown sugar. Beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Once the butter and sugar are well combined, add 2 large eggs, one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for added flavor.

Step 4: Combine the Mixtures

Now it’s time to combine the wet and dry ingredients. Add the soaked date mixture (including the liquid) to the butter and sugar mixture. Stir until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.

Step 5: Bake the Pudding

Pour the cake batter into a greased 8-inch square baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake the pudding in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top of the pudding should be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch. Allow the pudding to cool for about 10 minutes before serving.

Step 6: Make the Toffee Sauce

While the pudding is baking, you can prepare the toffee sauce. In a saucepan, melt ½ cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in 1 cup of brown sugar and 1 cup of heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly, until it’s smooth and thickened. Once the sauce is ready, remove it from the heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Step 7: Serve the Sticky Toffee Pudding

Once the pudding has cooled slightly, serve it warm with a generous drizzle of toffee sauce. For an extra indulgent treat, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side. The warm pudding and toffee sauce combined with the cool creaminess of ice cream or whipped cream creates the perfect dessert experience.

Why You Should Make Sticky Toffee Pudding

Sticky Toffee Pudding is a dessert that’s rich in flavor and history. It’s the perfect way to end any meal, whether you’re enjoying a casual dinner at home or hosting a special gathering. This dessert is easy to make, requires only a few ingredients, and can be made ahead of time to save you time during meal prep. With its decadent toffee sauce and soft, moist cake, it’s sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation.

Conclusion: A Decadent and Comforting Classic

Sticky Toffee Pudding is a timeless dessert that brings warmth, comfort, and sweetness to any occasion. The combination of rich cake made with dates and the indulgent toffee sauce creates a truly memorable treat. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party, for a holiday celebration, or simply enjoying it as a special dessert, Sticky Toffee Pudding is sure to leave a lasting impression.

So, next time you’re craving something sweet and comforting, try making this classic British dessert. The result will be a warm, sticky, and utterly delicious pudding that’s guaranteed to satisfy your dessert cravings.