There’s something truly magical about Sticky Toffee Pudding—that rich, moist cake drenched in a decadent toffee sauce that somehow manages to make everything feel just a little bit more special. And now, you don’t need to make a huge batch to enjoy it! This recipe is made for two servings, so you can share the indulgence without the leftovers (unless you want them, of course). Whether you’re sharing it with a loved one or treating yourself, this dessert is the perfect mix of cozy, comforting, and utterly irresistible. Trust me, once you dig into that warm, gooey cake and sauce combo, you’ll be hooked.
Why You’ll Love Sticky Toffee Pudding for Two
This dessert is a total winner in more ways than one. Here’s why you’re going to fall in love with it:
Perfectly Sized
You’ll make just enough for two people—no waste, no guilt, just the right amount of decadence. It’s the perfect serving size when you want something sweet but don’t want to be overwhelmed by a huge dessert.
Irresistibly Gooey and Decadent
The cake is rich and moist, and when you pour the warm toffee sauce over it, it turns into a dreamy, sticky indulgence. It’s like a warm hug in every bite.
Easy and Quick
Despite its fancy, show-stopping reputation, this pudding is surprisingly simple to make. You’ll have it ready in under an hour, making it a perfect choice for when you want something special but don’t have a ton of time.
Customizable
Feel free to add a little twist! You could toss in some chopped nuts for crunch, or even splash in a bit of bourbon to the sauce for a deeper flavor. You can make it as simple or as extra as you want.
Crowd-Pleasing
It’s hard not to love this one. Whether it’s a romantic night in or a solo dessert craving, this Sticky Toffee Pudding has “winner” written all over it.
Ingredients in Sticky Toffee Pudding for Two
You’ll need just a few ingredients to create this indulgent dessert:
- Medjool Dates: These soft, sweet dates are key to the pudding’s rich flavor. They create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s a must in this recipe.
- Butter: For that deliciously moist cake and smooth toffee sauce.
- Flour: The base of the cake, providing structure without being too heavy.
- Baking Soda: Helps the pudding rise to create that perfect, airy texture.
- Brown Sugar: Deep, molasses-sweetness adds that classic toffee flavor.
- Egg: Adds richness and moisture to the cake.
- Milk: Keeps the batter smooth and soft.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the cake and the toffee sauce.
- Heavy Cream: A must for a luscious toffee sauce.
- Golden Syrup: This golden goodness makes the toffee sauce sticky and rich.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance out all the sweetness and bring out the flavors.
(Note: Full ingredients list with measurements is provided in the recipe card below!)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this sticky, indulgent dessert:
Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two small ramekins (or a single medium-sized dish) with butter or non-stick spray to ensure the pudding comes out easily.
Prepare the Dates
Chop the dates and remove any pits. Place them in a small saucepan with 1/4 cup of water and simmer for about 5 minutes, until softened. Mash the dates into a smooth paste. Set them aside to cool slightly.
Make the Pudding Batter
In a large bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, and beat until combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, until you have a smooth batter. Stir in the mashed dates.
Bake the Pudding
Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared ramekins, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pudding is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Make the Toffee Sauce
While the puddings are baking, prepare the toffee sauce. In a small saucepan, combine butter, heavy cream, golden syrup, and brown sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
Assemble and Serve
Once the puddings are done, remove them from the oven and poke a few small holes in the center of each one using a skewer or toothpick. Pour half of the warm toffee sauce over each pudding, letting it soak in and make the cake extra gooey and delicious.
Let the puddings sit for a minute or two to absorb the sauce. Serve them warm with a dollop of whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or even a drizzle of extra toffee sauce for an extra treat.
Enjoy!
Sit back, relax, and enjoy this perfectly indulgent, sticky, and sweet dessert!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 2
Calories per serving: [Approximate calorie count]
How to Serve Sticky Toffee Pudding for Two
This Sticky Toffee Pudding is already pretty perfect on its own, but here are a few ideas to make it even more special:
- Whipped Cream: A cloud of fresh whipped cream on top adds a light, creamy contrast to the warm pudding.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The combination of hot pudding and cold ice cream is irresistible. Let the ice cream melt slightly over the warm cake—it’s a little slice of heaven.
- Extra Toffee Sauce: Drizzle more toffee sauce on top for a seriously decadent experience.
- A Cup of Tea: Pair it with a hot cup of black tea to balance out the sweetness and add a cozy touch to your dessert experience.
Additional Tips
- Make Ahead: Prepare the pudding ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it before serving and add the fresh toffee sauce.
- Storage Tips: Leftovers (if there are any!) can be stored in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven for the best results.
- Spice It Up: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake batter for a cozy, spiced twist.
- For Extra Crunch: Top with chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for added texture and flavor.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make this Sticky Toffee Pudding for more than two?
A1: Absolutely! You can double or triple the recipe, just be sure to adjust the baking time as needed depending on the size of your dish.
Q2: Can I use a different type of sugar?
A2: Yes, you can substitute brown sugar with white sugar, but brown sugar gives the pudding a deeper, more caramel-like flavor that you’ll want to keep if possible.
Q3: Can I make the toffee sauce ahead of time?
A3: Yes! You can make the toffee sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat it before serving.
Q4: Can I substitute the heavy cream in the sauce?
A4: You can use whole milk or a dairy-free alternative, but the sauce will be a little less rich without the heavy cream.
Q5: Can I use dried dates instead of Medjool dates?
A5: Yes, but make sure to soak the dried dates in hot water for 10-15 minutes before using them to soften them up.
Q6: Can I make this Sticky Toffee Pudding without ramekins?
A6: Yes! You can use a small baking dish or even a muffin tin if you prefer individual servings.
Q7: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A7: Yes! Simply use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the regular flour, and the result will be just as delicious.
Q8: Can I freeze this pudding?
A8: Yes, you can freeze the baked pudding (without the sauce) for up to a month. Just thaw and reheat, then pour the warm toffee sauce on top when ready to serve.
Q9: How long do leftovers last?
A9: Leftovers will keep in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
Q10: Can I add other flavors to the toffee sauce?
A10: Yes, you can experiment with adding a splash of bourbon, rum, or vanilla to the sauce for extra depth of flavor.
Conclusion
This Sticky Toffee Pudding for Two is the perfect dessert for when you want something indulgent, but not too overwhelming. It’s rich, gooey, and comforting, with just the right amount of sweetness to make every bite unforgettable. Whether you’re sharing it with someone special or enjoying it solo, this dessert is guaranteed to impress. Enjoy!
PrintSticky Toffee Pudding for Two
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This indulgent Sticky Toffee Pudding for Two is the perfect dessert for a cozy night in. With a rich, moist cake soaked in a decadent toffee sauce, it’s a little slice of heaven that’s easy to make in small portions. Topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, it’s a sweet ending to any meal.
Ingredients
For the Pudding:
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- ⅛ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup finely chopped dates (about 4–5 dates, pitted)
- 2 tbsp boiling water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Toffee Sauce:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup dark brown sugar
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 6-ounce ramekins or small baking dishes and set aside.
- In a small bowl, add the chopped dates and pour the boiling water over them. Let the dates soak for 5 minutes, then mash them with a fork or spoon to form a thick paste. Set aside.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon (if using). Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Stir in the date paste until evenly distributed in the batter.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared ramekins, filling each about ¾ full.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the puddings cool slightly while you make the toffee sauce.
- For the toffee sauce, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir constantly until the sauce is smooth and bubbly, about 3-4 minutes.
- Once the puddings are baked, poke a few holes in the top of each one with a fork and pour about half of the toffee sauce over each pudding, letting it soak in.
- Serve warm with extra toffee sauce and a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk in the toffee sauce.
- If you prefer, you can serve the puddings with a little bit of extra sauce on the side, so everyone can drizzle more on top!
- This recipe is best enjoyed the same day, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat in the microwave before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British, European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pudding
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 52g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 95mg