Sticky Date Pudding with Toffee Sauce

Ah, Sticky Date Pudding with Toffee Sauce—it’s the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Imagine the perfect balance of soft, spiced cake drenched in rich, luscious toffee sauce, with just the right amount of sweetness. It’s a treat that will melt in your mouth and leave you coming back for seconds (or thirds, no judgment here!). Trust me, once you’ve tried it, you’ll be dreaming about it long after the last bite.

Why You’ll Love Sticky Date Pudding with Toffee Sauce

This dessert is the definition of comfort food, but it’s also so indulgent that it will wow your friends and family at any gathering. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:

Incredibly Moist and Flavorful:

The date-filled sponge cake is incredibly moist, with a slight caramel flavor that pairs perfectly with the rich toffee sauce. It’s a dessert that’s both cozy and elegant, and one that people will rave about for weeks!

Decadent Toffee Sauce:

The toffee sauce is pure magic—it’s silky, creamy, and has that irresistible buttery sweetness that perfectly complements the pudding. Drizzle it generously (or pour it all over, we won’t judge!).

A Classic Comfort Dessert:

It’s the perfect dessert for chilly nights, festive meals, or whenever you’re craving something warm and comforting. It’s an instant crowd-pleaser and one of those timeless recipes that never goes out of style.

Easy to Make:

Despite how indulgent it sounds, this sticky date pudding is surprisingly easy to prepare. A few simple ingredients, a little time, and you’ve got yourself a stunning dessert!

Ingredients in Sticky Date Pudding with Toffee Sauce

Here’s what you’ll need to make this decadent dessert:

For the Pudding:

• Medjool Dates: These dates are the star of the show, giving the pudding its rich sweetness and moist texture.
• Boiling Water: To help soften the dates and create a lovely, gooey texture for the pudding.
• Baking Soda: To help the pudding rise and give it a light, fluffy texture.
• Butter: For richness and to create that melt-in-your-mouth softness.
• Brown Sugar: Adds depth of flavor and caramel notes.
• Eggs: These help bind everything together and provide structure to the pudding.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cake, giving it the right amount of texture.
• Baking Powder: To help the pudding rise and become fluffy.
• Vanilla Extract: For a lovely aromatic flavor that pairs so well with the dates.

For the Toffee Sauce:

• Butter: For a rich, creamy base.
• Brown Sugar: Adds that perfect deep, molasses-like sweetness.
• Heavy Cream: For a luscious, smooth texture.
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla adds a lovely warmth to the sauce.
• Salt: To balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Dates

Begin by removing the pits from the Medjool dates and chopping them roughly. In a heatproof bowl, pour the boiling water over the chopped dates. Add the baking soda and stir. Let the dates soak for about 5-10 minutes until they’re softened and the water turns a lovely golden color.

Step 2: Make the Pudding Batter

While the dates are soaking, in a separate bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until smooth and light. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, and then stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually fold in the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt until everything is combined.

Step 3: Combine the Dates and Batter

Once the dates have softened and the water has cooled slightly, use a spoon or a fork to mash the dates into a chunky paste. Stir the mashed dates into the batter, making sure to incorporate them evenly.

Step 4: Bake the Pudding

Grease a baking dish or ramekins, depending on how you want to serve the pudding. Pour the batter into the prepared dish. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The pudding should be golden on top and slightly springy to the touch.

Step 5: Make the Toffee Sauce

While the pudding is baking, prepare the toffee sauce. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the brown sugar and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the sugar is dissolved and the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the pudding is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Cut it into portions and drizzle the warm toffee sauce generously over the top. Serve immediately with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

How to Serve Sticky Date Pudding with Toffee Sauce

This dessert is perfect on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with:

Ice Cream:

A scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the warm pudding is heaven in a bowl. The creaminess balances out the sweetness and richness of the toffee sauce.

Whipped Cream:

For a lighter touch, a dollop of freshly whipped cream makes a lovely contrast to the dense, moist pudding and the rich toffee sauce.

Fresh Fruit:

A few fresh berries, like raspberries or blackberries, add a nice tart contrast to the sweet and rich pudding.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you make the perfect Sticky Date Pudding with Toffee Sauce:

Be Careful Not to Overmix the Batter:

When you’re adding the flour and other dry ingredients, make sure to fold them gently into the wet mixture. Overmixing can make the pudding dense instead of light and fluffy.

Let the Pudding Cool Slightly Before Serving:

While it’s tempting to dive in right away, letting the pudding cool for a few minutes will give it a better texture, and the toffee sauce will be more manageable to pour.

Make the Toffee Sauce in Advance:

You can prepare the toffee sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply heat it up in the microwave or on the stove until warm.

Customize the Pudding:

Add a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the pudding batter for a crunchy contrast to the soft, gooey texture.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 slice (based on 12 servings)

• Calories: 330
• Total Fat: 17g (26% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 10g (50% DV)
• Cholesterol: 65mg (22% DV)
• Sodium: 160mg (7% DV)
• Total Carbohydrates: 42g (14% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 2g (8% DV)
• Sugars: 32g
• Protein: 3g
• Vitamin A: 12% DV
• Vitamin C: 0% DV
• Calcium: 4% DV
• Iron: 8% DV

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 50-55 minutes

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this pudding ahead of time?

A1: Yes! You can prepare the pudding ahead of time, then reheat it gently in the oven before serving. The toffee sauce can also be made in advance and stored in the fridge.

Q2: Can I use a different type of sugar for the pudding?

A2: You can try using white sugar instead of brown sugar, but it will alter the flavor slightly. Brown sugar gives the pudding its deep, caramel-like taste.

Q3: Can I use another type of fruit instead of dates?

A3: Dates are key to this recipe’s flavor and texture, so substituting them with another fruit would change the pudding significantly. However, you could try figs as a close alternative.

Q4: How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

A4: You can swap the butter and heavy cream for dairy-free versions, such as coconut oil and coconut cream. Use a dairy-free vanilla ice cream or whipped cream as a topping.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?

A5: Store leftover pudding in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently in the microwave or oven, and don’t forget to warm up the toffee sauce!

Q6: Can I freeze this pudding?

A6: Yes, you can freeze the pudding without the toffee sauce. Wrap the individual portions tightly and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Reheat in the oven when ready to serve.

Q7: How do I make the toffee sauce thicker?

A7: To make the sauce thicker, simply simmer it for a longer period to reduce the liquid. Be sure to stir constantly to prevent it from burning.

Q8: Can I add nuts to the pudding?

A8: Yes, feel free to add chopped walnuts or pecans to the pudding batter for an extra crunch and depth of flavor.

Q9: Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?

A9: You could reduce the sugar and butter slightly, or swap out the heavy cream for a lower-fat option, but this dessert is best enjoyed as an indulgent treat in moderation.

Q10: Can I serve this with something other than ice cream?

A10: Absolutely! Serve it with whipped cream, fresh berries, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness.

Conclusion

Sticky Date Pudding with Toffee Sauce is the ultimate cozy dessert that’s perfect for special occasions or simply to satisfy a sweet craving. It’s warm, comforting, and decadently delicious, with the perfect balance of sweetness and richness. Whether you’re enjoying it with a scoop of ice cream or simply on its own, it’s a dessert that’s sure to impress and delight. Go ahead, treat yourself!

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