Step-by-Step Recipe for Traditional British Sticky Toffee Pudding
Sticky Toffee Pudding is one of Britain’s most cherished desserts and often found on menus across the UK. This rich and comforting treat features a moist sponge cake made with dates, topped with a luscious toffee sauce and served with vanilla ice cream or custard. The pudding is perfect for cozy nights, family meals, or any special occasion. In this blog, I’ll walk you through an easy step-by-step recipe so you can make this classic dessert at home.
Ingredients
For the sponge cake:
– 200g (1 cup) pitted dates, chopped
– 300ml (1¼ cups) boiling water
– 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
– 85g (⅓ cup) butter, softened
– 175g (¾ cup) brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 200g (1⅔ cups) self-raising flour
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the toffee sauce:
– 125g (½ cup) butter
– 200g (1 cup) brown sugar
– 250ml (1 cup) double cream (heavy cream)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional for serving:
– Vanilla ice cream, custard, or whipped cream
Step 1: Prepare the Dates
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a square or rectangular baking dish with butter and line it with parchment paper if you’d like for extra ease when removing the pudding.
Take your chopped dates and place them in a bowl. Pour the boiling water over them and let them sit for about 10 minutes to soften. Then, add the bicarbonate of soda to the date mixture. Stir well—you’ll notice the mixture bubbles slightly, which helps break down the dates and adds airiness to the pudding.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Use an electric mixer if you have one, but a wooden spoon will also do the trick.
Next, beat in the eggs, one at a time. Make sure they’re fully combined before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for extra flavor.
Gradually fold in the self-raising flour. Be gentle here; you don’t want to overmix. Finally, add the softened dates (including all the liquid) to the batter. Mix everything until you have a smooth, slightly runny mixture.
Step 3: Bake the Sponge
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared baking dish. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
Once baked, set the pudding aside to cool slightly while you prepare the toffee sauce.
Step 4: Create the Toffee Sauce
The sauce is the heart of this pudding—it’s what makes it gooey and irresistible!
In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Then, stir in the brown sugar, ensuring there are no lumps. Slowly pour in the double cream and mix well. Cook the sauce for about 5 minutes, allowing it to gently bubble and thicken. Stir in the vanilla extract for a touch of sweetness.
Step 5: Assemble the Pudding
Using a fork or skewer, poke small holes all over the top of the sponge cake to allow the sauce to soak in. Pour about half of the toffee sauce over the pudding, spreading it evenly so it sinks into the sponge.
If you want to take your pudding to the next level, return the dish to the oven for another 5 minutes to heat through and caramelize slightly.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Cut the sticky toffee pudding into portions and serve warm. Drizzle each portion with extra toffee sauce and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a generous helping of custard on the side.
The combination of the warm, gooey pudding and the creamy topping creates a dessert that everyone will love.
Tips for Success
- Don’t skip the dates: They are essential for the pudding’s moist texture and signature flavor. Even if you’re not a fan of dates, you’ll likely enjoy them in this recipe.
- Use good-quality butter and cream: Since the toffee sauce is a major component of the dish, rich ingredients will make a big difference.
- Prepare in advance: Both the sponge and the sauce can be made ahead of time. Just heat them up when you’re ready to serve!
Conclusion
Traditional British Sticky Toffee Pudding is a dessert that’s simple to make but feels indulgent and sophisticated. The sweet sponge paired with the rich toffee sauce is a match made in heaven, making it a favorite for many. Whether you’re hosting guests or treating yourself to something special, this classic recipe will not disappoint.
Try it out, and let us know how it turns out! Happy cooking!
