Name: Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 1 cup pitted dates, chopped; 1 cup hot water; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1 cup flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup butter, softened; 2 eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Pinch of salt; 1/2 cup butter; 1 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 tsp vanilla extract

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If you have a sweet tooth that craves comfort and a dessert that feels like a warm hug from the inside, this Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe is exactly what you need. It features a moist date sponge cake soaked in a rich, buttery toffee sauce that melts in your mouth and leaves you wanting more. This classic British dessert is not only deliciously indulgent but also incredibly approachable, making it perfect for holidays, cozy winter nights, or any time you want to treat yourself with something truly special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a thick, light brown cake batter mixed with small darker brown bits spread in a single even layer inside a white Bundt pan. The batter fills the pan about one-third full, and it has a smooth, slightly shiny surface with some bubbles. The white Bundt pan sits on a baking tray lined with shiny aluminum foil, all placed on a white marbled countertop. In the background, there is a metal meat grinder and some kitchen tools. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from the natural sweetness and moisture that the dates bring to the buttery richness of the toffee sauce, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

1 cup pitted dates, chopped: Adds natural sweetness and keeps the sponge delightfully moist.
1 cup hot water: Softens the dates to create that luscious texture throughout the pudding.
1/2 tsp baking soda: Helps tenderize the dates and promotes a light texture in the cake.
1 cup flour: The backbone of the sponge that holds everything together perfectly.
1 tsp baking powder: Gives the cake just the right lift for softness and sponginess.
1/2 cup brown sugar: Deepens the flavor with a caramel note and enhances the toffee taste.
1/4 cup butter, softened: Adds a luscious richness and tender crumb.
2 eggs: Bind the ingredients and add structure, making the pudding light yet sturdy.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Brings warmth and a sweet aroma that complements the toffee beautifully.
Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and amplifies all the other flavors.
For the Toffee Sauce: 1/2 cup butter, 1 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 tsp vanilla extract – each ingredient works in harmony to create that glossy, rich sauce that transforms this pudding into a showstopper.

How to Make Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dates

Start by soaking the chopped dates in hot water along with the baking soda for about 10 minutes. This softens the dates completely and adds that signature moistness to the pudding. Once softened, lightly mash the dates to distribute their flavor evenly throughout the cake batter.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Then beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract to infuse the batter with a sweet warmth that complements the dates and toffee sauce.

Step 3: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gently fold in the flour, baking powder, pinch of salt, and the date mixture. Be careful not to overmix here; you want the batter just combined to maintain a tender crumb in the finished pudding.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into a greased baking dish or individual molds. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 35 minutes until the top is just firm and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. This gives you a beautifully moist cake that’s ready to soak up the toffee sauce.

Step 5: Make the Toffee Sauce

While the cake is baking, prepare the toffee sauce by simmering butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream together on low heat for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly. Stir in the vanilla extract at the end to capture that irresistible aroma and flavor.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Once the cake is out of the oven, pour the warm toffee sauce generously over the pudding so it’s soaked through and dripping with sticky sweetness. Serve immediately for the best experience.

How to Serve Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe

The image shows a round, brown cake with a glossy caramel sauce covering the top and dripping down the sides, placed on a white plate with a red pattern, which sits on a wooden board with bark edges. A knife is stuck into the cake, revealing a moist and textured inside with a warm orange-brown color and small dark spots. In front, a slice of the cake is served on a clear glass plate, covered in the same shiny caramel sauce pooling around its base. The background features a clean white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

This Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe deserves some lovely finishing touches. A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of softly whipped cream perfectly complements the warm, sticky cake with a cool contrast. Alternatively, pour some custard over the top for an extra creamy layer.

Side Dishes

Keep it simple with a hot cup of tea or coffee on the side. If you want to elevate your dessert, try pairing it with fresh berries to cut through the richness or toasted nuts that add an appealing crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe in individual ramekins or jars for a charming and personal touch. For an adult twist, drizzle a little rum or bourbon over the sauce right before serving to add some extra warmth and depth to the dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This dessert keeps wonderfully well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The toffee sauce will continue soaking into the sponge, making it even more delicious when reheated.

Freezing

Want to save some for later? You can freeze portions of the cake without sauce wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag for up to a month. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the pudding gently in the microwave or oven, and add a little extra warm toffee sauce to bring it back to its gloriously sticky state. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out the cake.

FAQs

Can I use fresh dates instead of dried dates?

Dried dates are ideal for this recipe since they have the concentrated sweetness and texture needed to create the perfect sponge and sauce. Fresh dates might add too much moisture and alter the consistency.

Is this Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes! The ingredients used, including butter, cream, and eggs, are all vegetarian-friendly. Just be sure to check your specific ingredient brands if you want to be certain.

How can I make this pudding vegan?

You can substitute butter with vegan margarine, use a plant-based cream alternative, and replace eggs with flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer to make a vegan version while maintaining the rich flavor.

Can I make the toffee sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The toffee sauce can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Warm it gently before pouring it over the pudding to restore its silky texture.

What’s the secret to making the sponge so moist?

Soaking the dates in hot water with baking soda is key. This not only softens the dates but also helps the sponge stay tender and moist after baking, making the whole dessert lush and sticky as it should be.

Final Thoughts

This Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe is a beautiful celebration of comforting flavors and textures that never fail to impress. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday treat or indulging yourself on a quiet evening, it feels like a cozy culinary hug in every bite. I genuinely encourage you to give it a try—you’ll quickly understand why this classic dessert remains a beloved favorite for generations.