Sticky Toffee Pudding

Moist and rich Sticky Toffee Pudding made with dates and topped with a buttery toffee sauce. This classic British dessert is perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or any special occasion. Serve warm with ice cream, custard, or whipped cream for a comforting and crowd-pleasing sweet treat.

Ingredients

Pudding

• 8 ounces Medjool dates, pitted (225 g)
• 1 cup boiling water (240 ml)
• 1/3 cup butter, room temperature (75 g)
• 2/3 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed (145 g)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (10 ml)
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 tablespoons molasses (30 ml)
• 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour (200 g)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder (6 g)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda (5 g)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (1.5 g)

Toffee Sauce

• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream (120 ml)
• 1/2 cup butter (115 g)
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed (160 g)
• 1 pinch salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (10 ml)
• Chopped walnuts, optional

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Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Dates

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin or individual ramekins.
Place the dates in a blender or food processor and pour boiling water over them. Let sit for 5 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Batter

In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in molasses and vanilla.
In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

Step 3: Blend Dates and Combine

Pulse the softened dates with water in the food processor until smooth. Stir in baking soda.
Fold the date mixture into the batter until just combined (avoid overmixing).

Step 4: Bake

Divide batter evenly among muffin cups or ramekins. Bake 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.
(If using a square baking pan, bake 22–25 minutes.)

Step 5: Make the Toffee Sauce

In a saucepan, combine cream, butter, brown sugar, and salt. Cook over low heat, stirring often, until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly (7–10 minutes).
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

Step 6: Serve

Turn out puddings flat-side up and drizzle generously with warm toffee sauce. Garnish with chopped walnuts if desired.

Storage: Store puddings and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat before serving.

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Tips

• Use Medjool dates for the richest flavor and texture.
• Do not overbake, as the pudding should stay moist.
• For extra gooeyness, poke holes in the baked puddings and pour some toffee sauce over them before serving.
• Warm both the puddings and sauce before serving for best results.

Variations and Substitutions

• Pan Choice: Bake in a single large pan instead of individual servings.
• Nuts: Replace walnuts with pecans or omit for a nut-free version.
• Sauce: Add a splash of rum, bourbon, or brandy to the sauce for a festive twist.
• Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil and coconut cream instead of butter and heavy cream.

FAQs

Can I make Sticky Toffee Pudding ahead of time?
Yes, bake the puddings and prepare the sauce in advance. Store separately and reheat before serving.

Can I freeze it?
Yes, wrap individual puddings tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and warm in the oven or microwave.

Why use baking soda in the date mixture?
It helps soften the dates and makes the pudding lighter.

Can I make it less sweet?
Yes, reduce the sugar in the pudding or sauce slightly, but keep enough for the caramel flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Pair with lightly sweetened whipped cream for balance.
• Add fresh berries for a fruity contrast.
• For a classic touch, serve with custard alongside the toffee sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Sticky Toffee Pudding is rich, moist, and bursting with caramel flavor from dates and a buttery toffee sauce. It’s an elegant yet comforting dessert, perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or any time you want a warm, crowd-pleasing sweet treat.