Sticky Toffee Pudding - Decadent British Dessert
Sticky Toffee Pudding is a decadent dessert featuring a moist date cake topped with rich toffee sauce, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth. The caramelized sauce soaks into the cake, creating a gooey, sticky delight that melts in your mouth. This classic British dessert is ideal for special occasions, cold evenings, or whenever you need a cozy, indulgent treat.
Ingredients
-
Cake
- 1 cup (150g) pitted dates, chopped
- 1 cup (240ml) boiling water
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/4 cups (160g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
-
Toffee Sauce
- 1 cup (200g) light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions
Prepare the Dates. Place the chopped dates in a bowl, pour over the boiling water, and add the baking soda. Let it soak for about 10 minutes to soften the dates, then mash lightly with a fork.
Preheat the Oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch (20 cm) square baking pan.
Mix the Batter. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture gradually, alternating with the mashed date mixture. Stir until well combined but don’t overmix.
Bake the Cake. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Make the Toffee Sauce. While the cake bakes, combine the brown sugar, heavy cream, and butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture comes to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer for 5 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Serve. Once the cake is done, let it cool for a few minutes. Cut into squares, pour the warm toffee sauce over each slice, and serve immediately. Optionally, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Recipe tips
For a richer flavor, use Medjool dates; their natural sweetness enhances the pudding. Add a pinch of salt to the toffee sauce to balance out the sweetness. Make ahead by baking the cake in advance and reheating it in the oven. Prepare the sauce fresh to keep it warm and gooey. Serve with a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
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