Sticky Toffee Pudding – A Rich & Indulgent British Classic
Sticky Toffee Pudding is a warm, moist sponge cake infused with sweet, caramelized dates and drenched in a buttery toffee sauce. This traditional British dessert is incredibly soft, rich, and utterly irresistible, making it a perfect choice for a comforting treat after dinner. Served with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, this pudding is a crowd-pleaser that melts in your mouth with every bite.
Whether you’re making it for a holiday gathering, special occasion, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this homemade sticky toffee pudding is surprisingly easy to prepare and will quickly become a favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist and flavorful sponge cake with a deep caramel-like richness.
- Buttery toffee sauce adds the perfect amount of indulgence.
- A classic British dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.
- Perfect for any occasion – holiday dinners, family gatherings, or a cozy night in.
- Pairs beautifully with ice cream, whipped cream, or custard.
Ingredients
For the Pudding Cake:
- 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ cup boiling water
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Sticky Toffee Sauce:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Date Mixture
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a small bowl, combine chopped dates and baking soda.
- Pour boiling water over the dates, stir, and let sit for 10 minutes.
2. Make the Pudding Batter
- In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
- Fold in the softened date mixture.
3. Bake the Pudding
- Grease a 9-inch square or round baking dish.
- Pour the batter into the dish and smooth the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
4. Make the Sticky Toffee Sauce
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and brown sugar together.
- Stir in heavy cream, vanilla, and salt.
- Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens.
5. Assemble & Serve
- Poke holes in the warm cake with a toothpick.
- Pour half of the toffee sauce over the cake and let it soak in.
- Serve warm with extra toffee sauce drizzled on top.
- Pair with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or custard.
Tips for the Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe
- Don’t skip the dates – They add natural sweetness and moisture to the sponge.
- For a deeper caramel flavor, use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar.
- Let the cake rest for a few minutes after adding the first layer of sauce for better absorption.
- Make it ahead – The pudding tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
- Want extra indulgence? Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before serving.
What to Serve with Sticky Toffee Pudding
- Vanilla Ice Cream – The cold ice cream melts into the warm pudding.
- Whipped Cream – A light and airy contrast to the rich dessert.
- Custard Sauce – A traditional British pairing.
- Chopped Nuts – Walnuts or pecans add a delicious crunch.
- A Dusting of Powdered Sugar – A simple finishing touch.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
Storing:
- Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Reheating:
- Microwave: Heat individual servings for 30-40 seconds.
- Oven: Warm at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes.
- Stovetop: Reheat toffee sauce separately and drizzle over the pudding before serving.
Freezing:
- Freeze the pudding cake and sauce separately for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe :
Can I make Sticky Toffee Pudding in advance?
Yes! The cake and sauce can be made a day ahead. Store them separately and warm before serving.
Can I make this without dates?
You can, but the cake won’t have the same depth of flavor and texture. You can substitute raisins or figs if desired.
What’s the best way to serve Sticky Toffee Pudding?
It’s best served warm with extra sauce and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Can I bake this in individual ramekins?
Yes! Divide the batter into greased ramekins and bake for 20-25 minutes.
What if I don’t have heavy cream for the sauce?
You can use half-and-half or coconut cream for a slightly different texture but still delicious results.
Final Thoughts
Sticky Toffee Pudding is the ultimate indulgent dessert – soft, rich, and soaked in a buttery caramel sauce. Whether you’re making it for a holiday gathering, dinner party, or cozy night in, this classic British treat is sure to impress.
Give this recipe a try and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of homemade Sticky Toffee Pudding!
Sticky Toffee Pudding – The Ultimate Rich & Indulgent Dessert
Description
Sticky Toffee Pudding is a warm, moist sponge cake infused with sweet, caramelized dates and drenched in a buttery toffee sauce. This traditional British dessert is incredibly soft, rich, and utterly irresistible, making it a perfect choice for a comforting treat after dinner. Served with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, this pudding is a crowd-pleaser that melts in your mouth with every bite.
Whether you’re making it for a holiday gathering, special occasion, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this homemade sticky toffee pudding is surprisingly easy to prepare and will quickly become a favorite!
Ingredients
For the Pudding Cake:
- 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ cup boiling water
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Sticky Toffee Sauce:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Prepare the Date Mixture
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a small bowl, combine chopped dates and baking soda.
- Pour boiling water over the dates, stir, and let sit for 10 minutes.
2. Make the Pudding Batter
- In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
- Fold in the softened date mixture.
3. Bake the Pudding
- Grease a 9-inch square or round baking dish.
- Pour the batter into the dish and smooth the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
4. Make the Sticky Toffee Sauce
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and brown sugar together.
- Stir in heavy cream, vanilla, and salt.
- Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens.
5. Assemble & Serve
- Poke holes in the warm cake with a toothpick.
- Pour half of the toffee sauce over the cake and let it soak in.
- Serve warm with extra toffee sauce drizzled on top.
- Pair with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or custard.
Notes
- Don’t skip the dates – They add natural sweetness and moisture to the sponge.
- For a deeper caramel flavor, use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar.
- Let the cake rest for a few minutes after adding the first layer of sauce for better absorption.
- Make it ahead – The pudding tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
- Want extra indulgence? Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before serving.
I’m Billy, a classically trained culinary school graduate from The Culinary Institute of America with over 12 years in the restaurant industry and over 19 years of cooking experience.
