Sticky Toffee Pudding is one of the most iconic desserts in British cuisine. Served warm and generously smothered in a glossy toffee sauce, this comforting pudding has been a staple in high-end gastropubs and family homes for decades.
Mastering the Art of the Perfect Date Sponge
The appeal of a Sticky Toffee Pudding lies in its unique contrast of flavors—a deep, dark sweetness from dates balanced by a buttery, caramelized sauce. In professional British kitchens, the secret to a world-class sponge is the preparation of the dates. By softening them in boiling water with a touch of bicarbonate of soda, you break down the fibers, creating a “melt-in-the-mouth” texture that is light yet incredibly moist. This method ensures the sponge acts as a sponge for the sauce, absorbing the rich toffee notes without becoming heavy or dense.
The magic of this dessert lies in its texture and flavour. The sponge is light yet moist, thanks to finely chopped dates that melt into the batter during baking. The toffee sauce is rich, buttery, and deeply caramelised, soaking into the sponge and creating a melt-in-the-mouth experience. Whether served after a family dinner or as a highlight of a special occasion, Sticky Toffee Pudding never fails to impress.
Professional Secrets for a Velvety Toffee Sauce
A high-standard Sticky Toffee Pudding requires a sauce that is thick, glossy, and smooth. To achieve this, professional bakers focus on the emulsification of the butter, cream, and sugar. By simmering the sauce gently, you allow the flavors to deepen and the sugar to caramelize slightly, providing that signature “toffee” profile. Pouring a portion of the sauce over the pudding while it is still warm from the oven allows it to penetrate the sponge, ensuring a gourmet experience in every spoonful.
Serves: 6
Total Time: 60 minutes
Flavour Profile: Sweet, rich, buttery, and warmly comforting
Ingredients
- For the sponge:
- 200 g pitted dates, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup boiling water
- 85 g unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups plain flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- For the toffee sauce:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 100 g unsalted butter
- ¾ cup double cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the dates:
- Place the chopped dates in a bowl and pour over the boiling water. Stir in the baking soda and set aside for 10 minutes until softened.
- Make the sponge batter:
- In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
- Combine ingredients:
- Fold in the flour and baking powder, followed by the softened date mixture, including the liquid. Mix gently until just combined.
- Bake the pudding:
- Pour the batter into a greased baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 30–35 minutes, or until a skewer inserted comes out clean.
- Prepare the toffee sauce:
- While the pudding bakes, melt butter and brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the cream and simmer gently for 5 minutes until thick and glossy. Add vanilla and stir well.
- Serve:
- Pour warm toffee sauce over the baked pudding and serve immediately.
🍽 Serving
Sticky Toffee Pudding is best enjoyed warm, allowing the sauce to soak deeply into the sponge. Serve it with custard, vanilla ice cream, or lightly whipped cream for contrast. This dessert is ideal for colder evenings, festive meals, or whenever a comforting sweet treat is needed. Leftovers can be reheated gently and remain just as delicious.
Nutrition*
- Per serving:
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Protein: 5 g
- Carbohydrates: 72 g
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Potassium: 480 mg
- Fiber: 4 g
- Calcium: 120 mg
- Iron: 2.4 mg
Try our other traditional British desserts like Apple Crumble for a comforting sweet treat
*Nutrition data is calculated by an automated system and may vary, so it is provided as an estimate.
Sticky Toffee Pudding remains a timeless favourite because it offers warmth, sweetness, and comfort in every spoonful. The combination of tender sponge and rich toffee sauce creates a dessert that feels both nostalgic and indulgent. Easy to prepare and deeply satisfying, it continues to hold a special place in British dessert culture.