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Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe

4.9 from 144 reviews

Sticky Toffee Pudding is a classic British dessert featuring a moist date sponge cake drenched in a rich, buttery toffee sauce. This indulgent treat offers a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth, making it a beloved comfort food ideal for dessert lovers.

Ingredients

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Sponge Cake

  • 200g pitted dates, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 175g all-purpose flour
  • 100g unsalted butter, softened
  • 175g brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 120ml boiling water

Toffee Sauce

  • 200g brown sugar
  • 100g unsalted butter
  • 240ml heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare Dates: Place the chopped dates and baking soda in a bowl, then pour boiling water over them. Let this mixture soak while you prepare the batter to soften the dates and intensify their flavor.
  2. Make Sponge Batter: In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract. Gradually fold in the flour, mixing gently, followed by the soaked date mixture including any remaining liquid.
  3. Bake the Sponge: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Pour the batter into a greased baking tin or ovenproof dish. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the sponge is fully cooked.
  4. Prepare Toffee Sauce: While the sponge is baking, combine the brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves, then simmer gently for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
  5. Serve: Once the sponge cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool briefly. Pour the warm toffee sauce generously over the pudding to soak in before serving. Optionally, serve with vanilla ice cream or custard.

Notes

  • Soaking the dates in boiling water and baking soda softens them for a tender texture.
  • Use unsalted butter for better control of saltiness in the recipe.
  • The toffee sauce is best served warm to enhance the sticky texture of the pudding.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently before serving.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend.

Keywords: Sticky Toffee Pudding, British dessert, date sponge cake, toffee sauce, traditional pudding