Experience the ultimate comfort dessert with this Sticky Toffee Pudding, a beloved British classic known for its moist, sponge-like texture and luxuriously rich toffee sauce. Infused with dates that add a natural sweetness and a wonderfully deep flavor, this dessert is finished with a homemade toffee sauce that seeps into the pudding, creating an irresistibly sticky, sweet treat.
Why You’ll Love This
Sticky Toffee Pudding offers a perfect blend of textures and flavors, from the soft, moist cake to the warm, buttery toffee sauce. The combination of chopped dates within the sponge adds a chewy contrast, while the vanilla and creamy sauce bring a comforting richness that makes this dessert a crowd-pleaser. It’s a delightful end to any meal, especially when served warm with a scoop of ice cream.
Perfect Occasion
This pudding is an excellent choice for festive occasions, holiday dinners, or any time you need a dessert that feels extra special. It’s particularly suited for cold weather months, providing a warm, sweet escape from the chill. Serve it at gatherings, family dinners, or as a treat after a Sunday roast to impress your guests with minimal effort.
Decoration Tips
- Serve each portion with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to complement the warmth of the pudding.
- Drizzle additional toffee sauce over the top for a gourmet touch.
- Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar or a pinch of ground cinnamon for a festive look.
- Garnish with fresh berries or a mint leaf for a pop of color and a fresh contrast to the rich flavors.
Ingredients:
For the Toffee Sauce:
- 135g Brown Sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
- 40g Butter: Provides richness and a velvety texture.
- 40g Cream: Enhances the sauce with creamy, luxurious body.
- Pinch of Salt: Balances the sweetness.
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract: Offers a subtle, aromatic flavor.
For the Pudding:
- 165ml Water
- 120g Dates (stoned and roughly chopped): Adds moisture and natural sweetness.
- 3/4 tsp Baking Soda: Helps the sponge rise and become fluffy.
- 40g Butter (softened)
- 85g Sugar
- 1-1/2 Eggs
- 105g Flour
- 3/4 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
Instructions:
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a pan, melt the butter with the brown sugar until the sugar dissolves.
- Stir in the cream, vanilla, and salt, cooking for a few minutes until thickened.
- Pour one-third of this sauce into the bottom of a 6-inch baking dish and place in the freezer to set.
- Cook the Dates:
- In a small pot, bring the dates and water to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes on low heat.
- Remove from heat and stir in the baking soda. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Make the Pudding:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Beat the butter and sugar together until fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs and vanilla until well combined.
- Sift in the flour, baking powder, and salt, folding to just combine.
- Fold in the date mixture gently until well incorporated.
- Bake the Pudding:
- Pour the batter over the set toffee sauce in the baking dish.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Finish with Sauce:
- Once baked, poke holes in the top of the pudding and pour the remaining toffee sauce over.
- Let sit for 10 minutes to absorb the sauce.
- Serve:
- Serve the pudding warm, ideally with ice cream on the side for a delightful contrast.
Indulge in this sumptuous Sticky Toffee Pudding, where every bite is packed with rich flavors and a delightful sweetness that will keep you coming back for more.
