Name: Sticky Toffee Pudding: A Classic British Dessert Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 12 oz (2 ¼ cups) dried dates, chopped; 2 ¼ cups boiling water; 1 ½ tsp baking soda; 8 tbsp (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted; ¾ cup granulated sugar; 2 tbsp light brown sugar; 2 large eggs; ¼ tsp salt; 1 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour; 8 tbsp (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup + 2 tbsp brown sugar; 2 tsp vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe

Sticky Toffee Pudding: A Classic British Dessert is one of those magical treats that transforms humble ingredients into pure, nostalgic comfort. Imagine a cloud-like cake bursting with rich dates, soaking up a river of warm, buttery toffee sauce. It’s decadent, but not fussy; simple, but impossibly luxurious. Every bite brings cozy warmth and a touch of old-fashioned British charm to your kitchen. If you’ve never experienced Sticky Toffee Pudding: A Classic British Dessert before, you’re in for a dessert that truly lives up to its glowing reputation.

Sticky Toffee Pudding: A Classic British Dessert Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Sticky Toffee Pudding: A Classic British Dessert calls for simple pantry ingredients, but every component makes a real difference—from the plump dates bringing sweetness and moisture to the lush cream that makes the toffee sauce sing. Don’t be tempted to skip or skimp; each part creates that note-perfect flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Dried dates: Their natural sweetness and rich flavor set the cake apart; chop them small for even distribution.
Boiling water: Softens the dates beautifully, ensuring a luscious, moist crumb.
Baking soda: Helps the dates break down and keeps the cake ultra-tender.
Unsalted butter (cake and sauce): Melted for easy mixing and a gorgeously rich flavor base in both the cake and the toffee sauce.
Granulated sugar: Gives the cake its structure and a bit of lift.
Light brown sugar: Adds caramel notes to the cake, complementing the toffee sauce.
Eggs: Provide structure and help the cake rise, keeping it soft and airy.
Salt: Essential for balance; a pinch makes the flavors pop.
All-purpose flour: The backbone that ties everything together with just the right crumb.
Heavy cream (for sauce): Gives the toffee sauce its impossibly velvety texture.
Brown sugar (for sauce): Melts into the cream and butter for a deep, smoky caramel taste.
Vanilla extract (for sauce): Adds warmth and aromatic depth—it’s the finishing touch that lifts the sauce to new heights.

How to Make Sticky Toffee Pudding: A Classic British Dessert

Step 1: Soften the Dates

Start by pouring boiling water over your chopped dates in a heatproof bowl, then stir in the baking soda. Cover and set aside for 30 minutes. The dates should become soft and plump, and the water will take on a syrupy sweetness—this is crucial for the pudding’s signature moist texture.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan

While the dates are soaking up all that goodness, set your oven to 350°F and generously butter a 9×13-inch baking pan. This step guarantees your pudding releases effortlessly and develops that coveted golden edge.

Step 3: Blend the Date Mixture

Once the dates are soft, transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. This puree ensures every bite of Sticky Toffee Pudding: A Classic British Dessert stays melt-in-your-mouth tender without chunky bits breaking the spell.

Step 4: Mix the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and salt until everything is blended and glossy. Gently stir in the flour, just until incorporated—don’t overmix! Finally, fold in the warm date puree, marbling the sweetness throughout the batter.

Step 5: Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and pop it into the oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake should be springy, with a tantalizing aroma promising delicious things to come.

Step 6: Make the Toffee Sauce

While your cake bakes, combine the butter, heavy cream, brown sugar, and vanilla extract in a saucepan. Simmer and whisk for about 10 minutes, until the sauce thickens and turns irresistibly glossy. This rich, golden sauce is what makes Sticky Toffee Pudding: A Classic British Dessert truly unforgettable.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Cut a generous slice of pudding, drizzle with lots of warm toffee sauce, and if you’re feeling extra-indulgent, crown it with a billow of whipped cream. Serve immediately for maximum comfort and happiness!

How to Serve Sticky Toffee Pudding: A Classic British Dessert

Garnishes

A dollop of softly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream is the classic pairing—both play beautifully with the pudding’s warm, sticky richness. For a touch of elegance, scatter over a few chopped toasted pecans or a pinch of flaky sea salt, and watch your guests swoon.

Side Dishes

Sticky Toffee Pudding: A Classic British Dessert stands brilliantly on its own, but if you want to add a little contrast, serve with tart berries or a few slices of poached pear. Their lightness is the perfect foil to the luxurious toffee sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform individual portions into showstoppers by baking the batter in ramekins or muffin molds. For a festive gathering, try layering cubes of pudding with sauce and cream in parfait glasses. Or drizzle warmed sauce over leftovers and reheat under the broiler for an instant sticky-toffee-brûlée effect!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover any leftover Sticky Toffee Pudding: A Classic British Dessert tightly and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The cake stays delightfully moist, and the flavors get even cozier after a day or two.

Freezing

Both the cake and the toffee sauce freeze wonderfully. Wrap cooled squares of pudding in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Store the sauce separately in an airtight container—thaw both overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to indulge.

Reheating

To reheat, warm portions (sauce and cake) separately in the microwave or gently in a 300°F oven. If microwaving, sprinkle the cake with a tiny bit of water to keep it soft. Pour that glossy toffee sauce over just before serving for fresh-from-the-oven lusciousness.

FAQs

Can I make Sticky Toffee Pudding: A Classic British Dessert ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, it’s even better the next day. Simply bake, cool, and store the cake and sauce separately, then reheat and assemble when you’re ready to serve.

Can I substitute another dried fruit for dates?

Dates are traditional and provide both flavor and texture, but in a pinch, soft prunes or figs also work. Keep in mind the classic taste is all about the dates!

Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

Yes, Sticky Toffee Pudding: A Classic British Dessert freezes beautifully. Cool everything first, wrap well, and thaw and reheat as needed. The sauce might need a little whisking after reheating to regain its smoothness.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Definitely! Swap in your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend. The result will still be deliciously moist and just as indulgent.

Why is my toffee sauce grainy?

This usually happens if the sugar isn’t fully dissolved. Be sure to simmer the sauce gently and whisk often—once it’s smooth and glossy, you’re there!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an unforgettable dessert to share or just a little something special on a quiet night in, Sticky Toffee Pudding: A Classic British Dessert is pure joy in every bite. It’s cozy, rich, and sure to be a new favorite—give it a try and see why this classic never goes out of style!