Easy Classic Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe That Warms the Soul

Memories of british comfort food flood my mind when thinking about classic sticky toffee pudding.

Sweet caramel notes dance with rich, moist cake textures that comfort the soul.

Dates provide unexpected depth to this traditional dessert from northwestern england.

Soft, warm pudding arrives dripping with golden toffee sauce that melts instantly on your tongue.

Bakers have perfected this recipe over generations, creating a truly indulgent treat.

Pastry chefs carefully balance sweet and deep flavors in each carefully crafted bite.

Warm this dessert slightly and watch how everyone around the table becomes instantly enchanted.

Let’s uncover the magic behind this irresistible british classic that promises pure culinary bliss.

Sticky Toffee Pudding Ingredient List

• Dates: Sweet and sticky fruit that provides natural sweetness and moisture to the pudding.
• Flour: The base ingredient that gives structure to the cake.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender texture.
• Brown Sugar: Provides deep caramel-like sweetness to the dessert.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the pudding's structure.

• Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Help the pudding rise and create a light, soft texture.
• Salt, Cinnamon: Enhance and balance the overall flavor of the dessert.

• Heavy Cream, Vanilla Extract: Create a rich, smooth toffee sauce with deep, aromatic flavor.
• Water: Used to soften the dates and help blend ingredients.

Making Sticky Toffee Pudding From Scratch

Step 1: Prepare Date Mixture

Chop dates and place them in a bowl.

Pour boiling water over the dates and sprinkle baking soda.

Let the mixture sit and soften for 15-20 minutes, allowing the dates to become wonderfully tender and ready for the pudding.

Step 2: Ready the Oven

Heat the oven to 350F.

Generously grease an 8-inch square baking pan to ensure the pudding won’t stick and will release smoothly after baking.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a mixing bowl.

Create a light and airy dry mixture that will give the pudding its perfect texture.

Step 4: Create Butter Cream Base

Cream butter and brown sugar until the mixture becomes fluffy and light.

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Stir in vanilla extract to enhance the rich flavor profile.

Step 5: Merge Wet and Dry Components

Incorporate the softened date mixture into the butter cream base, including all the liquid.

Gently fold in the dry ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Bake the Pudding

Transfer the batter into the prepared pan.

Bake for 30-35 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick that should come out clean when inserted into the center.

Step 7: Craft Decadent Toffee Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

• Brown sugar
• Heavy cream

Cook until the sauce becomes smooth and glossy.

Finish by stirring in vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Drizzle warm toffee sauce over the freshly baked pudding.

Optional: Complement with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert experience.

Techniques That Help Sticky Toffee Pudding Shine

• Ensure dates are super soft by using boiling water, which helps them break down and create a moist, tender pudding texture.
• Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture to keep the pudding light and fluffy, avoiding a tough, dense result.
• Use the toothpick test – it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not completely clean, to maintain a rich, moist consistency.
• Serve toffee sauce warm for the best flavor and to create a luxurious, glossy coating over the pudding.
• Add a splash of dark rum or brandy to the toffee sauce for a sophisticated, deeper taste that complements the sweet dates.

Store Sticky Toffee Pudding Without Losing Warmth

• Store cooled pudding in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cover toffee sauce separately in a sealed jar to maintain freshness.
• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Place single serving on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 15-second intervals, checking temperature. Drizzle fresh toffee sauce on top to restore moisture and flavor.
• Warm pudding in preheated 325F oven for 10-15 minutes. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying. Add fresh toffee sauce just before serving to revive its delicious taste.

What Complements Sticky Toffee Pudding Well

• Pair with Creamy Caramel Latte: Rich espresso blended with smooth caramel syrup perfectly complements the deep toffee flavors, enhancing the dessert's sweetness and warmth.
• Serve alongside Aged Rum: Smooth, slightly woody Caribbean rum creates a delightful flavor harmony, cutting through the pudding's intense sweetness while adding depth to each bite.
• Match with Vanilla Bean Custard: Silky, pure vanilla custard provides a cool, creamy contrast to the warm sticky pudding, balancing the dessert's intense caramel notes and creating a luxurious texture experience.
• Enjoy with Spiced Chai Tea: Aromatic chai with its blend of cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger wonderfully echoes the pudding's warm spices, creating a comforting and cohesive taste profile.

Cozy Variations for Sticky Toffee Pudding

• Gluten-Free Sticky Toffee Pudding: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend to create a celiac-friendly version that maintains the rich, sweet texture.
• Vegan Sticky Toffee Pudding: Substitute eggs with mashed bananas or flax eggs, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and replace butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Sugar Sticky Toffee Pudding: Use sugar substitutes like stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and reduce the amount of brown sugar in both the pudding and sauce to create a lighter, less caloric dessert.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk, use dairy-free butter alternatives, and ensure all ingredients are free from dairy products for those with lactose intolerance.

FAQs

• Why are dates important in this recipe?

Dates provide natural sweetness, moisture, and a rich, caramel-like flavor that gives sticky toffee pudding its signature taste and soft texture.

• Can I use a different type of sugar?

Brown sugar is recommended because it adds depth and richness, but you can substitute with coconut sugar or dark muscovado sugar for similar caramel notes.

• Is this dessert difficult to make?

Not at all! This classic British dessert is surprisingly simple, requiring basic baking skills and just a few steps to create a deliciously moist pudding with rich toffee sauce.

• How do I know when the pudding is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the pudding – when it comes out clean with just a few crumbs, the pudding is perfectly baked and ready to serve.

Sticky Toffee Pudding That Soothes

• A classic dessert that wraps you in warm, nostalgic flavors perfect for satisfying sweet cravings.
• Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels, delivering restaurant-quality results at home.
• Rich, decadent toffee sauce and moist date-infused pudding guarantee smiles from kids and adults alike, making it ideal for family gatherings and special occasions.
• From start to finish, this recipe requires minimal technical skills and can be prepared quickly, allowing even novice bakers to create an impressive dessert without stress.

Classic Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulgent sticky toffee pudding from England brings warmth and comfort to dessert lovers with its rich caramel sauce and moist date-infused cake. Sweet memories of British culinary traditions melt together, inviting you to savor each luxurious spoonful.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup (200g) pitted dates, chopped
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup (150g) packed brown sugar

Liquid and Moisture Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240ml) boiling water
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Spices and Leavening Agents:

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
• 1 cup (200g) packed brown sugar

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Soak dates in boiling water with baking soda for 15-20 minutes until softened and plump, allowing them to break down and create a rich, moist texture.
2. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and thoroughly coat an 8-inch square baking pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3. Sift together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in a separate bowl, ensuring even distribution of dry ingredients.
4. Cream butter and brown sugar until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy, then incorporate eggs individually, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Blend in vanilla extract for depth of flavor.
5. Combine the softened date mixture with the butter mixture, including all liquid, stirring until evenly integrated. Gently fold in the dry ingredients, mixing just until incorporated to maintain a tender crumb.
6. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, spreading evenly, and bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean and the top is golden brown.
7. Prepare the toffee sauce by melting butter in a saucepan, then whisking in brown sugar and heavy cream. Simmer until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened, finishing with a splash of vanilla extract.
8. Slice the warm pudding and generously drizzle with hot toffee sauce. Optionally complement with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Notes

• Soak dates in boiling water to create a soft, moist texture that helps break down the fruit and infuse the pudding with deep, rich sweetness.
• Use room temperature butter and eggs for smoother mixing and better incorporation of ingredients, ensuring a more consistent and lighter pudding texture.
• Consider substituting gluten-free flour for a celiac-friendly version, which works perfectly with the dense, moist nature of this classic dessert.
• Make ahead and reheat the pudding gently to maintain its soft, tender crumb, allowing the flavors to develop and intensify over time.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 34g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 47g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 95mg