Sticky Toffee Pudding is the ultimate comfort dessert, perfect for chilly evenings when you crave something warm and indulgent. This classic British treat boasts a rich, moist cake made with dates and drenched in a buttery toffee sauce. It’s simple yet spectacular, with flavors that wrap you in a cozy hug.
Dates give this pudding its signature moist texture and natural sweetness. They’re like nature’s candy, helping the cake remain soft and flavorful. Boiling water softens the dates, making them easier to blend into the batter. A touch of baking soda helps with this process, breaking down the dates even further.
Unsalted butter, when creamed with granulated sugar, forms the base of the cake, providing a rich, creamy texture. Eggs add structure and richness, while vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor.
All-purpose flour forms the structure of the cake, with baking powder helping it rise to perfection. A pinch of salt balances out the sweetness.
For the toffee sauce, butter and light brown sugar melt together to create a caramel-like base. Heavy cream adds a luxurious creaminess, and vanilla extract rounds out the flavor.
Sticky Toffee Pudding pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a touch of contrast, serve it with a sprinkle of sea salt on top. It’s also delightful with a cup of strong English breakfast tea to cut through the richness.
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch square baking dish. This ensures nothing sticks and cleanup is a breeze. Next, in a small bowl, combine your dates with boiling water, then stir in the baking soda. Let this sit for 20 minutes — a perfect opportunity to prepare other ingredients.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before moving on. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the batter with a hint of warmth.
Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt, then gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix, as we want the cake to remain tender. Finally, stir in the softened date mixture until everything is well combined.
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. While the cake bakes, it’s time to make the toffee sauce.
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, then stir in the brown sugar, cream, and vanilla. Keep stirring until the sauce is smooth and thickened, about 5 minutes. Once the cake is baked, slice it warm and pour the luscious toffee sauce over each piece before serving.
Share