Name: Sticky Toffee Pudding
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 1 cup pitted dates, finely chopped; 1 tsp baking soda; 1 cup boiling water; 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened); 3/4 cup brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 cup self-rising flour (or 1 cup all-purpose flour + 1 1/2 tsp baking powder); 1 tsp vanilla extract; Toffee Sauce: 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup brown sugar; 1 cup heavy cream

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Sticky Toffee Pudding is a classic British dessert that is as comforting as it is indulgent. This moist sponge cake is made with finely chopped dates, giving it a rich sweetness, and it is topped with a luscious toffee sauce that soaks into the cake. I like to serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of cream for the ultimate treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it feels like pure comfort in every bite. The sponge is light yet incredibly moist, and the toffee sauce is rich, buttery, and irresistible. I enjoy how simple the ingredients are, yet the final dessert tastes like something special enough for a dinner party. I also like that I can prepare parts of it ahead of time, making it perfect for entertaining without stress.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Pitted dates (chopped)
Baking soda
Boiling water
Unsalted butter
Brown sugar
Eggs
Self-rising flour (or all-purpose flour with baking powder)
Vanilla extract
Heavy cream
Additional butter and brown sugar for the toffee sauce

Directions

I soak the chopped dates in boiling water with baking soda and let them soften for about 10 minutes.
I cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, then beat in the eggs and vanilla.
I fold in the flour and the softened date mixture to make a smooth batter.
I pour the batter into a greased baking dish or individual ramekins.
I bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
While the pudding bakes, I make the toffee sauce by simmering butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream until smooth and glossy.
I poke holes in the hot cake and pour some of the sauce over it to soak in.
I serve the pudding warm with extra toffee sauce on top and a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of cream.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 6–8 people. I usually need 20 minutes for preparation, 30–35 minutes for baking, and 10 minutes for making the sauce.

Variations

Sometimes I add a splash of dark rum to the sauce for a boozy twist. I also like making individual puddings in ramekins for elegant presentation. If I want a slightly lighter version, I replace part of the heavy cream with whole milk, though the sauce will be less rich.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 4 days. To reheat, I microwave portions with a spoonful of sauce until warm, or I cover the baking dish with foil and warm it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 15 minutes. The sauce can also be made ahead and stored in a jar in the fridge, then gently reheated on the stove.

FAQs

Can I make Sticky Toffee Pudding ahead of time?

Yes, I often bake the sponge in advance and then reheat it with fresh toffee sauce when I’m ready to serve.

Do I need to use dates in this recipe?

Yes, the dates add sweetness and keep the sponge moist. They don’t give a strong flavor, so even people who don’t usually like dates enjoy this dessert.

Can I freeze Sticky Toffee Pudding?

Yes, I can freeze the baked sponge for up to 3 months. I wrap it tightly, then reheat and serve it with freshly made sauce.

What can I serve with Sticky Toffee Pudding?

I like it with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or custard. Each adds a different balance to the rich sauce.

How do I prevent the pudding from being too dense?

I make sure to cream the butter and sugar well and avoid overmixing once I add the flour. This keeps the sponge light.

Conclusion

Sticky Toffee Pudding is one of those desserts I can never resist. I enjoy the way the sweet sponge soaks up the buttery toffee sauce, and I love how warm and comforting it feels on a chilly evening. Whether I make it for a family gathering or a special dinner, it always disappears quickly and leaves everyone asking for more.

Sticky Toffee Pudding