Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe

If you have a soft spot for comfort desserts that wrap you up in warmth and sweetness, Sticky Toffee Pudding is going to become your new best friend. This classic British dessert features a moist sponge cake, generously soaked in a luscious homemade toffee sauce that’s just begging to be devoured with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of cream. Every bite feels like a cozy hug on a chilly day, and it’s surprisingly simple to make with everyday ingredients that combine into something truly magical.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for Sticky Toffee Pudding is a breeze, but each one plays a starring role in creating the perfect balance of texture and flavor. From the rich sweetness of dates to the creamy butter in the sauce, every element matters in crafting this crowd-pleaser.

• Pitted dates (200 g): These give the pudding its signature moist texture and deep, natural sweetness.
• Baking soda (1 tsp): Reacts with the dates to tenderize the sponge and keep it light.
• Boiling water (250 ml): Used to soak the dates, softening them for the batter.
• Butter (100 g for cake): Adds richness and a tender crumb to the sponge.
• Sugar (150 g): Sweetens the cake just right without overpowering the date flavor.
• Eggs (2 large): Bind all the ingredients together and give structure.
• Flour (150 g): The base for the sponge’s light, airy texture.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Infuses the pudding with a lovely fragrant warmth.
• Brown sugar (1/2 cup): The key to that sticky, gooey toffee sauce.
• Butter (100 g for sauce): Creates a silky, indulgent sauce when melted with sugar.
• Cream (1/2 cup): Makes the toffee sauce luxuriously smooth and rich.

How to Make Sticky Toffee Pudding

Step 1: Soak the Dates

Start by preheating your oven to 180°C so it’s ready when your batter is done. Then, pour the boiling water over the chopped pitted dates along with the baking soda and let them soak for about 10 minutes. This softens the dates and starts to break them down, ensuring they melt into the sponge during baking instead of remaining chunky.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

While your dates are soaking, cream together 100 grams of butter and 150 grams of sugar in a mixing bowl until pale and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into your batter, helping your pudding rise beautifully and achieve that tender, moist crumb we all love.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time with the vanilla extract. Adding eggs slowly helps keep your mixture smooth and prevents it from curdling. The vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile, pairing wonderfully with the natural caramel notes from the dates.

Step 4: Fold in Flour and Soaked Dates

Gently fold the flour into the batter, just until combined so you don’t knock out the air you worked so hard to create. Next, fold in the soaked dates along with their soaking liquid for maximum moistness. The batter will be thick but wonderfully soft thanks to the fruit.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Pour the batter into a greased baking dish and bake in your preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The sponge should spring back when gently pressed.

Step 6: Make the Toffee Sauce

While the pudding is baking, combine the brown sugar, 100 grams of butter, and cream in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until everything melts together into a velvety, glossy toffee sauce. Keep it warm so you can pour it generously over the pudding once it’s out of the oven.

How to Serve Sticky Toffee Pudding

Garnishes

The best part about Sticky Toffee Pudding is how you elevate it with simple yet luscious toppings. A scoop of vanilla ice cream provides a cold contrast to the warm pudding, melting slightly to add creaminess. Alternatively, a dollop of whipped cream adds extra richness that melts delightfully into every bite. For a little crunch, try a sprinkle of toasted chopped nuts or a few caramel shards.

Side Dishes

This dessert stars on its own, but if you want to pair it with something else, lightly spiced mulled wine or a smooth black coffee complements the sweet, sticky flavors beautifully. Some fresh berries on the side can add a refreshing tartness that balances the dessert’s sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve individual portions in ramekins topped with the sauce and garnish. You can also layer pieces of the pudding in glasses with whipped cream for a trifle-like treat. Or get fancy by drizzling extra toffee sauce artistically on the plate and garnishing with edible flowers for a special occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Sticky Toffee Pudding keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain that moist cake texture. It’s just as delicious cold or gently warmed up the next day, making it an ideal make-ahead dessert for busy schedules.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked pudding before adding the toffee sauce. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge and gently reheat before pouring over freshly made toffee sauce.

Reheating

The best way to reheat Sticky Toffee Pudding is in the oven at a low temperature, around 150°C, until warmed through. This helps preserve the sponge’s moisture better than a microwave. Pour over warm toffee sauce after reheating for that melt-in-your-mouth experience.

FAQs

What makes Sticky Toffee Pudding so moist?

The combination of soaked dates and the toffee sauce flooding into the sponge keeps the pudding incredibly moist and tender. The soaking liquid helps soften the dates before baking, and the sauce seeps into the cake, adding richness and moisture.

Can I make Sticky Toffee Pudding gluten free?

Absolutely! You can easily substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum to help hold the pudding together.

Is there a vegan version of Sticky Toffee Pudding?

Yes, by swapping butter for vegan margarine, eggs for flax eggs, and using coconut cream instead of dairy cream, you can make a delicious vegan Sticky Toffee Pudding that is just as comforting and indulgent.

How long does Sticky Toffee Pudding keep in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, it will stay fresh for up to three days. For best taste, reheat gently and add fresh toffee sauce before serving.

Can I prepare the toffee sauce in advance?

You can prepare the sauce a day ahead and rewarm gently on the stove when ready to serve. This makes serving much faster without sacrificing that rich toffee flavor.

Final Thoughts

Sticky Toffee Pudding holds a special place in so many hearts, and once you try making it yourself, you’ll understand why. The perfect marriage of moist, fruity sponge and that indulgent sticky sauce creates a dessert experience that’s both nostalgic and utterly irresistible. So go on, make it your next go-to winter treat — your friends and family will be asking for seconds before you know it!