Description
Sticky Toffee Pudding is a classic British dessert featuring a moist, rich sponge cake made with dates and served under a decadent, buttery toffee sauce. This warm and comforting treat is perfect for chilly evenings and pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Ingredients
For the Pudding:
- 1 cup chopped pitted dates
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Toffee Sauce:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish to prepare it for the batter.
- Prepare dates: Place chopped dates in a bowl, sprinkle with baking soda, and pour boiling water over them. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to soften the dates and create a flavorful base.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, forming the base of the cake batter.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Incorporate eggs one at a time into the butter mixture, blending well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract for added aroma.
- Mix dry ingredients: Combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in another bowl to ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
- Combine ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the creamed butter mixture, mixing gently to maintain aeration.
- Incorporate dates: Stir in the softened date mixture thoroughly until evenly blended throughout the batter.
- Bake the pudding: Pour the completed batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 30–35 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean when the pudding is fully cooked.
- Make the toffee sauce: While the pudding bakes, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add brown sugar and heavy cream, stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth.
- Simmer the sauce: Let the sauce gently simmer for 3–5 minutes until it thickens slightly, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add vanilla to sauce: Stir in vanilla extract to enhance the toffee flavor.
- Serve: Once the pudding is baked, pour the warm toffee sauce generously over it before serving. Enjoy warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a perfect finish.
Notes
- Serve the pudding warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for added indulgence.
- Any extra toffee sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheated gently before use.
- Ensure the baking dish is well-greased to prevent sticking and aid in even baking.
- If dates are not available, finely chopped dried figs can be used as a substitute, although the flavor will slightly differ.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
