Save to Pinterest A cozy, rustic dessert with a deep caramel flavor, luscious dates, and a rich toffee sauce — perfect for fireside gatherings or indulgent cabin weekends.
This recipe evokes warm memories of weekend cabin stays where the aroma of sticky toffee pudding filled the air and brought everyone together.
Ingredients
- For the Pudding: 225 g (1 1/2 cups) pitted Medjool dates, chopped, 250 ml (1 cup) boiling water, 1 tsp baking soda, 85 g (6 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened, 175 g (3/4 cup + 2 tbsp) dark brown sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 tsp pure vanilla extract, 200 g (1 1/3 cups) all purpose flour, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
- For the Sticky Toffee Sauce: 200 g (1 cup) dark brown sugar, 200 ml (3/4 cup + 1 tbsp) heavy cream, 100 g (7 tbsp) unsalted butter, 1 tbsp black treacle or molasses (optional, for depth), Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Butter a 23 cm (9 inch) square or round baking dish.
- Step 2:
- Place chopped dates in a bowl. Pour over boiling water and sprinkle with baking soda. Stir and let sit for 10 minutes to soften.
- Step 3:
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
- Step 4:
- Mash the softened dates (with liquid) lightly with a fork, then fold into the batter.
- Step 5:
- Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Step 6:
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 35 40 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 7:
- While the pudding bakes, make the sauce Combine brown sugar, cream, butter, treacle (if using), and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until smooth and slightly thickened (about 5 7 minutes).
- Step 8:
- Once the pudding is done, poke holes all over the surface with a skewer. Pour about half of the hot toffee sauce over the pudding. Let it soak for 10 minutes.
- Step 9:
- Serve warm, cut into squares, with extra toffee sauce drizzled over each portion. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
Save to Pinterest This dessert always brings the family together, sharing smiles and warm stories around the table on cold cabin nights.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, electric mixer or sturdy whisk, 23 cm (9 inch) baking dish, saucepan, wooden spoon or silicon spatula, skewer or toothpick
Allergen Information
Contains gluten (wheat flour), eggs, dairy (butter, cream). May contain traces of nuts if substituting or as processed. Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 470, total fat: 21 g, carbohydrates: 67 g, protein: 4 g per serving
Save to Pinterest This sticky toffee pudding is the perfect way to end a cozy meal and impress your guests with minimal effort.
Recipe FAQs
- → What gives this dessert its rich caramel flavor?
The deep caramel notes come from the dark brown sugar in both the batter and toffee sauce, along with optional black treacle which adds depth.
- → How do the dates affect the texture?
Soaked chopped dates add moisture and a luscious, tender bite that complements the fluffy base of the dessert.
- → Can I add nuts for extra texture?
Yes, chopped pecans or walnuts can be mixed in to provide a delightful crunchy contrast.
- → What is the purpose of poking holes after baking?
Poking holes allows the warm toffee sauce to soak deeply into the baked pudding, enhancing flavor and moisture.
- → What are good pairings for this dish?
Strong black tea or a glass of tawny port beautifully complement the dessert’s rich and sweet profile.
- → How can I add a smoky touch to the sauce?
A pinch of smoked sea salt stirred into the sauce before simmering imparts a subtle smoky note.