Description
Heavenly sticky toffee pudding transports dessert lovers straight to British culinary bliss with its rich, caramel-soaked sponge. Warm sauce and creamy accompaniments elevate this classic treat, promising pure comfort and indulgence for anyone craving a sweet escape.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup pitted and chopped dates
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup heavy cream
Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Liquid and Flavoring Ingredients:
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for pudding)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for toffee sauce)
Instructions
- Prepare the date mixture by combining chopped dates with boiling water and baking soda. Allow the mixture to steep and soften for 10 minutes, creating a rich, moist base for the pudding.
- Create the pudding batter by whisking together dry ingredients in one bowl. In a separate larger bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then gradually incorporate eggs and vanilla extract.
- Gently fold the flour mixture and softened dates into the batter, ensuring a smooth and well-integrated consistency without overmixing.
- Transfer the batter to a greased 8×8-inch baking dish, spreading evenly. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 35-40 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick that should emerge clean when inserted into the center.
- While the pudding bakes, craft the toffee sauce by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Incorporate brown sugar and heavy cream, allowing the mixture to simmer and thicken for 3-4 minutes while stirring continuously.
- Remove the sauce from heat and stir in vanilla extract to enhance the flavor profile. Once the pudding is baked, perforate its surface with a skewer or fork.
- Generously drizzle half the warm toffee sauce over the hot pudding, allowing it to seep into the cake’s crevices and infuse with rich, caramel notes. Let it rest for 10 minutes to absorb the sauce.
- Serve the pudding warm, accompanied by the remaining toffee sauce and optional garnishes like vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream for a decadent dessert experience.
Notes
- Soak dates completely in boiling water to ensure they soften and break down, releasing maximum natural sweetness and creating a tender pudding texture.
- Choose Medjool dates for richer flavor and softer consistency, which enhances the overall dessert’s depth and moisture.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent a tough, dense pudding; gently fold ingredients until just combined for a light, delicate crumb.
- Create make-ahead magic by preparing the pudding and sauce in advance, then reheat gently before serving to preserve its rich, decadent qualities.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 498 kcal
- Sugar: 55 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 62 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 93 mg