Divine Sticky Date Pudding with Toffee Sauce Recipe

Irresistibly Warm Sticky Date Pudding with Toffee Sauce Recipe

Sticky date pudding is a beloved dessert that tantalizes taste buds with its rich, decadent flavors.

This sweet and indulgent treat comes from traditional British and Australian cooking styles.

The moist cake layers filled with dates create a delicious base for this special dessert.

When warm toffee sauce flows over the pudding, it turns an ordinary dish into something truly extraordinary.

The blend of soft, tender cake and golden caramel sauce offers a comforting and luxurious sensation.

Dessert fans and baking enthusiasts see this elegant yet simple pudding as an ideal end to any meal.

Why Sticky Date Pudding With Toffee Sauce Is Worth It

  • Quick Comfort Dessert: Whip up this nostalgic sticky date pudding that transforms simple ingredients into a decadent treat perfect for cozy nights.
  • Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: Create an impressive dessert with straightforward steps that require basic baking skills and just one mixing bowl.
  • Versatile Serving Style: Bake in a single pan or individual molds, making it ideal for both intimate family dinners and elegant dinner parties.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Indulgence: The rich combination of soft dates, warm toffee sauce, and creamy ice cream guarantees smiles from kids and adults alike.

What Goes In Sticky Date Pudding With Toffee Sauce

Cake Base Ingredients:
  • Dates, Chopped: Sweet and sticky base that provides natural sweetness and soft texture.
  • Water: Helps soften and cook dates, creating a smooth mixture.
Dry Ingredients:
  • Flour: Provides structure and body to the cake.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor balance.
  • Baking Powder: Helps cake rise and become light.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: Creates rich, tender crumb and adds flavor.
  • Sugar: Sweetens and helps with cake's golden color.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients and add moisture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, deep flavor note.
Toffee Sauce Ingredients:
  • Butter: Creates rich, smooth sauce base.
  • Brown Sugar: Provides deep caramel flavor.
  • Golden Syrup: Adds glossy texture and complex sweetness.
  • Heavy Cream: Makes sauce rich and creamy.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances sauce's flavor depth.
Optional Serving Ingredient:
  • Ice Cream: Provides cool contrast to warm pudding.

Simple Steps For Sticky Date Pudding With Toffee Sauce

Simple Steps For Sticky Date Pudding With Toffee Sauce

Step 1: Prepare Date Base

  • Chop dates
  • Combine dates and water in saucepan
  • Bring to boil
  • Reduce heat and simmer for 2 minutes
  • Turn off heat
  • Stir in baking soda
  • Let mixture foam and soften

Step 2: Create Pudding Batter

  • Beat butter and sugar until fluffy
  • Add eggs one at a time
  • Mix in vanilla extract
  • Gradually incorporate flour and salt
  • Fold in warm date mixture
  • Blend in baking powder

Step 3: Bake Pudding

  • Preheat oven to 350°F
  • Grease baking pan or individual molds
  • Pour batter into prepared pan
  • Bake 30-35 minutes for large pan
  • Bake 20-25 minutes for small molds
  • Check doneness with skewer

Step 4: Develop Toffee Sauce

  • Combine butter
  • Add brown sugar
  • Include golden syrup
  • Mix in vanilla extract
  • Heat until sugar dissolves
  • Bring to gentle boil
  • Remove from heat
  • Stir in heavy cream
  • Add pinch of salt

Step 5: Finish and Serve

  • Poke holes in warm cake
  • Pour most of toffee sauce over pudding
  • Allow sauce to soak in
  • Remove cakes from molds if using individual
  • Drizzle remaining sauce
  • Top with vanilla ice cream
  • Serve immediately and enjoy

Tips For Sticky Date Pudding With Toffee Sauce

  • Boost Date Softening: Use boiling water to quickly break down dates, creating a smoother, more integrated texture in your pudding.
  • Prevent Overmixing: Gently fold flour and date mixture into batter to maintain a light, tender cake structure without developing tough gluten.
  • Sauce Temperature Trick: Warm toffee sauce ensures maximum absorption into the pudding, creating a more decadent and moist dessert experience.
  • Customize Serving Style: Experiment with individual ramekins or a large pan based on your preference, allowing flexible presentation for different occasions.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth: Add a splash of dark rum or bourbon to the date mixture for a sophisticated, rich undertone in the pudding.

Best Way To Store Sticky Date Pudding With Toffee Sauce

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover sticky date pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent drying out.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months, preserving the pudding's delicious texture and flavor.
  • Reheat Oven: Warm individual portions at 160°C (325°F) for 10-15 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent over-browning and maintain moisture.
  • Microwave: Heat single servings for 30-45 seconds on medium power. Drizzle with extra toffee sauce before serving to refresh the pudding's rich taste.

Great Pairings For Sticky Date Pudding With Toffee Sauce

  • Pair with Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: The rich, velvety texture of vanilla ice cream perfectly balances the warm, dense pudding and cuts through the intense sweetness of the toffee sauce.
  • Complement with Aged Tawny Port: This fortified wine's caramel and nutty undertones mirror the dessert's deep, complex flavors while providing a smooth, warming finish.
  • Match with Spiced Chai Tea: The aromatic spices in chai – like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger – enhance the pudding's warmth and create a comforting flavor harmony.
  • Serve alongside Salted Caramel Macchiato: The coffee's bold notes and additional caramel undertones elevate the dessert's sweet profile, creating a decadent taste experience.

New Twists For Sticky Date Pudding With Toffee Sauce

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring the same rich texture and flavor.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with mashed bananas or flax eggs, and use dairy-free cream in the toffee sauce for a plant-based alternative.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Use coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener instead of regular sugar, and reduce the amount of toffee sauce to create a less indulgent dessert for health-conscious individuals.
  • Nutty Crunch Variation: Fold chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter before baking, and sprinkle toasted nuts on top for added texture and a nutty flavor profile.

Sticky Date Pudding With Toffee Sauce Common Questions

  • Are dates the key ingredient in this pudding?

Yes, dates are crucial. They provide natural sweetness, moisture, and a rich flavor that makes the pudding soft and delicious. The dates are first boiled and combined with baking soda to help break them down and create a smooth texture.

  • Can I use different types of sugar in this recipe?

Brown sugar and white sugar work well. Brown sugar adds deeper caramel notes to the toffee sauce, while white sugar keeps the pudding lighter. The recipe uses both to balance flavor and texture.

  • Is the toffee sauce complicated to make?

Not at all. The sauce requires just five ingredients: butter, brown sugar, golden syrup, vanilla extract, and heavy cream. Simply heat and stir until smooth and glossy. The process takes about 5-10 minutes and creates a rich, decadent topping.

  • What makes the pudding's texture so unique?

The combination of soft dates, baking soda, and careful mixing creates a super moist and tender cake. Beating butter and sugar until fluffy, then adding eggs gradually, helps develop a light, soft crumb that soaks up the toffee sauce perfectly.

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Divine Sticky Date Pudding with Toffee Sauce Recipe

Divine Sticky Date Pudding with Toffee Sauce Recipe


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4.6 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Indulgent Sticky Date Pudding with Toffee Sauce brings classic Australian dessert comfort straight to your kitchen. Warm, rich caramel notes dance with moist date-infused cake, creating a luxurious sweet experience that delights senses with each spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale

Sticky Date Pudding Ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

  • 340 grams (12 ounces) dates, pitted and roughly chopped
  • 125 grams (4.4 ounces) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 ¼ cups (156 grams) flour
  • 2 eggs, room temperature

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1 ¾ cups (414 milliliters) water
  • ⅓ cup (67 grams) white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 150 milliliters (⅔ cup) heavy cream

Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 ½ tablespoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Toffee Caramel Sauce Ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

  • 100 grams (3.5 ounces) unsalted butter
  • 150 grams (5.3 ounces) dark brown sugar
  • 150 milliliters (⅔ cup) heavy cream

Flavoring Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons golden syrup (or corn syrup)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Gently simmer chopped dates in water until soft and plump, creating a rich, moist base for the pudding.
  2. Remove from heat and introduce baking soda, which will cause a dramatic foaming reaction, helping to break down the dates and create a smoother texture.
  3. Cream butter and sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture transforms into a light, airy consistency that appears almost cloud-like.
  4. Incorporate eggs individually, ensuring each is fully integrated before adding the next, then blend in vanilla extract for a subtle aromatic depth.
  5. Gradually fold in flour and salt, alternating with the warm date mixture to maintain the batter’s delicate structure.
  6. Gently mix in baking powder to ensure a final lift and lightness to the pudding.
  7. Prepare a baking vessel by thoroughly greasing an 8-inch square pan or individual ramekins to prevent sticking.
  8. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly to create a smooth, consistent surface.
  9. Bake in a preheated oven until the pudding turns golden brown and a inserted skewer emerges clean, indicating perfect doneness.
  10. Craft the toffee sauce by melting butter, brown sugar, golden syrup, and vanilla together, creating a rich, glossy base.
  11. Finish the sauce by introducing heavy cream and a whisper of salt, stirring until the mixture becomes silky and luxurious.
  12. While the pudding is still warm, puncture the surface with multiple holes to allow the toffee sauce to penetrate deeply.
  13. Drench the pudding with three-quarters of the prepared sauce, letting it soak and infuse every crevice with caramel richness.
  14. Serve the pudding warm, accompanied by the reserved sauce and a generous scoop of cold vanilla ice cream for a contrasting temperature experience.

Notes

  • Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version, ensuring the texture remains soft and moist.
  • Use alternative milk like almond or oat milk to reduce dairy content without compromising pudding’s richness.
  • Create a vegan adaptation by replacing eggs with mashed bananas or commercial egg replacer, maintaining the pudding’s signature dense texture.
  • Toast chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts and sprink
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: British

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 40g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg
Sophia Rivera

Sophia Rivera

Recipe Developer & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

  • Baking and Pastry Arts
  • Seasonal and Local Ingredient Utilization
  • Dessert Menu Planning
  • Culinary Event Coordination

Education

Austin Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Baking and Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Techniques in baking, pastry creation, and dessert presentation.

San Antonio Culinary Institute

  • Program: Diploma in Farm-to-Table Culinary Practices
  • Focus: Emphasis on utilizing locally sourced ingredients and understanding seasonal flavors.

Sophia’s passion for baking began in her family kitchen, where she spent hours experimenting with new recipes. With a background in baking and pastry arts, she loves making desserts that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. 

Sophia is all about using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create treats that everyone will enjoy. When she’s not creating mouth-watering desserts, you can find her gardening, making new recipes, or enjoying a relaxing afternoon with her family.

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