Decadent Sticky Toffee Pudding

Decadent Sticky Toffee Pudding is a rich, moist dessert made with dates and covered in a buttery toffee sauce that soaks into every bite. It’s warm, indulgent, and deeply comforting—a true classic British dessert that I love serving during the colder months or for special gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this pudding combines deep, caramel-like flavors with a tender sponge cake texture. The dates melt right into the batter, adding natural sweetness and moisture, while the toffee sauce adds a luxurious finish. It’s a show-stopping dessert that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple to make. I usually serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the perfect contrast.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pitted dates, chopped
• Boiling water
• Baking soda
• Unsalted butter
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Vanilla extract

For the toffee sauce:

• Unsalted butter
• Brown sugar
• Heavy cream
• Vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Directions

1. I start by soaking the chopped dates in boiling water and stir in the baking soda, letting it sit to soften.
2. In a bowl, I cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. I add the eggs one at a time, mixing well, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. I blend in the flour, baking powder, and salt, then fold in the softened date mixture, including the liquid.
5. I pour the batter into a greased baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. While it bakes, I make the toffee sauce by melting butter and brown sugar together in a saucepan, then whisking in the cream, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth and bubbling.
7. Once the pudding is out of the oven, I poke holes in the top and pour some of the warm toffee sauce over it, letting it soak in.
8. I serve slices with extra sauce drizzled on top and often pair it with ice cream or whipped cream.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6–8 people. Prep time takes about 20 minutes, and baking takes 30–35 minutes. I can have it on the table in under an hour.

Variations

For a nutty twist, I sometimes add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter. If I want a deeper flavor, I swap part of the brown sugar for dark muscovado sugar. I’ve also made individual puddings using ramekins for a more elegant presentation. And when I’m feeling adventurous, I splash a little bourbon into the toffee sauce for an extra layer of warmth.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also freezes well—just wrap individual portions tightly and thaw overnight before reheating. To reheat, I microwave a slice for 30–40 seconds or warm it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through. I always reheat the toffee sauce separately and pour it over before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this pudding ahead of time?

Yes, I often bake the cake a day in advance and store it covered. I reheat it and the sauce separately before serving.

What kind of dates should I use?

I prefer Medjool dates because they’re soft and naturally sweet, but any pitted dates work as long as I chop them finely.

Can I make it without eggs?

I’ve had success using a flax egg or an egg replacer, but the texture may be slightly denser.

Is the pudding supposed to be soaked in sauce?

Yes, I always pour some toffee sauce over the warm cake so it soaks in—it’s what gives it that sticky, decadent texture.

What should I serve with it?

I usually serve it with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even a dollop of clotted cream for an extra rich finish.

Conclusion

Decadent Sticky Toffee Pudding is one of those desserts I keep coming back to whenever I want something warm, sweet, and truly comforting. The rich toffee flavor, tender sponge, and creamy sauce come together beautifully in every bite. Whether it’s for a dinner party or just a cozy night in, this pudding never fails to impress.

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