Sticky Toffee Pudding – Traditional British Dessert Recipe
Learn how to make sticky toffee pudding from scratch. A beloved British dessert with moist sponge cake, dates, and rich toffee sauce. Perfect for holidays or Sunday roast!
Introduction
Few desserts capture the heart of British baking like Sticky Toffee Pudding. Made with tender sponge cake filled with chopped dates and smothered in warm toffee sauce, it’s a comfort food classic loved across the UK. Whether you’re making it for a Sunday roast, Christmas dinner, or just a cozy treat, this recipe ensures perfect results every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic British flavour with simple ingredients
- Moist, rich sponge and silky toffee sauce
- Freezer-friendly and perfect for making ahead
Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
For the Sponge:
- 200g dried dates, chopped
- 250ml boiling water
- 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
- 85g unsalted butter, softened
- 175g light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 175g self-raising flour
For the Toffee Sauce:
- 200ml double cream
- 100g light brown sugar
- 100g unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp black treacle or golden syrup (optional, for depth)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Dates
- Place chopped dates in a bowl and pour over boiling water.
- Stir in bicarbonate of soda and let it sit for 10 minutes.
Step 2: Make the Sponge
- Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan) / 350°F.
- Grease and line a square baking dish or individual pudding molds.
- Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.
- Fold in flour, then add soaked dates with their liquid.
- Mix to a soft batter and pour into prepared dish.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes (or 20–25 mins for individual puddings), until springy.
Step 3: Make the Toffee Sauce
- In a saucepan, combine cream, butter, sugar, and treacle.
- Heat gently until butter melts, then simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened.
Step 4: Serve
- Poke holes in the sponge and pour some sauce over while warm.
- Serve individual portions with extra sauce and optional vanilla ice cream or custard.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with clotted cream, custard, or vanilla ice cream
- Drizzle warm sauce just before serving
- Garnish with a sprinkle of sea salt or chopped pecans for texture
Tips for Perfect Sticky Toffee Pudding
- Don’t skip soaking the dates—they give the sponge its rich texture.
- For extra indulgence, bake in individual ramekins and flip before serving.
- Make the sauce ahead and reheat just before use.
FAQs
Can I freeze Sticky Toffee Pudding?
Yes! Freeze sponge and sauce separately. Reheat in oven or microwave and warm the sauce before pouring.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use plant-based butter and cream alternatives. Coconut cream works well in the sauce.
Is it the same as treacle pudding?
No, treacle pudding uses syrup in the sponge. Sticky toffee pudding is date-based and has a toffee sauce.
Conclusion
Sticky Toffee Pudding is a timeless British dessert—rich, moist, and unforgettable. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this recipe lets you enjoy a pub-style pudding in the comfort of your home.
Comments
Post a Comment