Recipe

If you’re looking for a warm, comforting dessert to finish off your holiday meal, look no further than the Sticky Toffee Pudding. This classic British dessert is beloved for its rich, moist date cake drenched in a decadent caramel sauce, making it the perfect sweet ending to your Christmas feast or any winter gathering.

Not only is it a Serious Eats editor’s pick, but Sticky Toffee Pudding was also the No.1 baking search trend in December. If you haven’t tried this iconic dessert yet, I’ll guide you through every step of making this irresistible treat right at home. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

What is Sticky Toffee Pudding?

Sticky Toffee Pudding is a traditional British dessert that’s simple yet incredibly satisfying. It consists of a soft date sponge cake topped with a rich, buttery toffee sauce that soaks into the cake, making it moist and flavorful. Unlike regular cakes, this pudding has a higher moisture content, which makes it extra indulgent.

Sticky Toffee Pudding is a popular choice for holiday meals, Christmas gatherings, and cozy family dinners. It’s a dessert that can be served year-round, but its warm, comforting flavors make it especially perfect for colder months.

Ingredients & Steps for Making Sticky Toffee Pudding

Ingredients:

To make this indulgent dessert, you will need the following ingredients:

• Dates: 200g pitted dates (chopped into small pieces)
• Flour: 200g self-raising flour
• Sugar: 150g light brown sugar (ideally soft brown sugar)
• Butter: 100g softened butter
• Eggs: 2 large eggs
• Milk: 200ml full-fat milk
• Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
• For the Toffee Sauce: 200g light brown sugar, 100g butter, 200ml double cream

Method:

Making Sticky Toffee Pudding is simple and doesn’t require any fancy equipment. Follow these easy steps to prepare your pudding:

1. Prepare the Dates: Place the chopped dates into a small saucepan and add about 200ml of water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and stir occasionally until the dates soften and start to break down. Turn off the heat and mash the dates into a smooth paste.

1. Make the Batter: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the mashed date mixture, followed by the vanilla extract.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: Sift the self-raising flour and baking powder into the wet mixture. Gradually add the milk, mixing until smooth and well combined.
3. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into a greased baking dish and place it in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F). Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
4. Make the Toffee Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter and sugar together over low heat. Once melted, stir in the double cream and bring to a simmer, cooking for about 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens.
5. Serve and Enjoy: After the cake has baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Pour the toffee sauce generously over the top of the cake, ensuring it soaks in. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

How to Elevate Your Sticky Toffee Pudding

Sticky Toffee Pudding is already delicious on its own, but there are a few ways you can make it even better:

• Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream: The warmth of the pudding combined with the cold, creamy ice cream creates an irresistible contrast in textures.
• Top with chopped nuts: Chopped walnuts or almonds add a nice crunch to the soft pudding and enhance the flavor.
• Serve with whipped cream: For an extra indulgent touch, serve your pudding with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream.

Why You Should Make Sticky Toffee Pudding This Holiday Season

Sticky Toffee Pudding is the ultimate comforting dessert for holiday gatherings. Its rich, moist texture and buttery toffee sauce make it a crowd-pleaser at Christmas dinners, winter parties, and family get-togethers.

With simple ingredients and an easy baking process, it’s a recipe that’s perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Plus, it’s an opportunity to share a beloved British classic with friends and family, creating memories around the dessert table.

So, why not try your hand at making this decadent dessert today? Your taste buds will thank you, and it’s sure to be a hit at your next holiday gathering.

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