Description
A classic British dessert featuring moist date sponge cake drenched in rich, buttery toffee sauce. Sticky, sweet, and indulgently comforting—perfect for holidays or cold winter nights.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 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
Toffee Sauce:
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish or individual molds to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Soak Dates: Soak the chopped dates in hot water mixed with baking soda for 10 minutes to soften them, then lightly mash the mixture to create a chunky paste.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, which helps incorporate air for a tender cake.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract, ensuring a smooth and well-combined batter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients and Date Mixture: Gently fold in the flour, baking powder, salt, and the prepared date mixture until just combined, avoiding overmixing which can toughen the cake.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the greased baking dish and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the cake is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Prepare Toffee Sauce: While the cake bakes, combine butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Serve: Pour the warm toffee sauce generously over the freshly baked pudding. Serve immediately, optionally with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or custard.
Notes
- This pudding can be made ahead of time and reheated with extra toffee sauce for convenience.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or custard to enhance the dessert experience.
- For an adult twist, add a splash of rum or bourbon to the toffee sauce while simmering.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Dessert, Holiday
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
