Classic Sticky Toffee Pudding

Classic Sticky Toffee Pudding featuring tender, date-sweetened sponge cakes drenched in a rich, buttery homemade toffee sauce.

Prep Time: 20 min
Cook Time: 30 min
Total Time: 50 min
Servings: 4
BritishVegetarianPescatarianNut-FreeSoy-FreeShellfish-FreeFish-FreeSesame-Free

Ingredients

  • •1 cup Medjool dates, pitted and finely chopped
  • •0.75 cup boiling water
  • •0.75 teaspoon baking soda
  • •4 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • •0.5 cup dark brown sugar, packed
  • •1 large egg, room temperature
  • •1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • •1 cup all-purpose flour
  • •1 teaspoon baking powder
  • •0.25 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • •0.5 cup unsalted butter (for toffee sauce)
  • •0.75 cup dark brown sugar, packed (for toffee sauce)
  • •0.75 cup heavy whipping cream (for toffee sauce)
  • •0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract (for toffee sauce)
  • •0.25 teaspoon flaky sea salt (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. 1.

    Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease four 6-ounce ramekins with butter and place them on a rimmed baking sheet.

  2. 2.

    Place the chopped dates in a heatproof bowl. Pour the boiling water over the dates, stir in the baking soda, and let stand for 10 to 15 minutes to soften. Mash lightly with a fork to break down larger pieces.

  3. 3.

    In a medium mixing bowl, beat 4 tablespoons of softened butter and 1/2 cup of dark brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.

  4. 4.

    Add the egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the butter mixture, beating until completely combined.

  5. 5.

    Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and fine sea salt in a separate small bowl. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the creamed butter mixture until just combined.

  6. 6.

    Stir the softened date mixture (including any remaining liquid) into the batter until evenly incorporated. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins.

  7. 7.

    Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of a pudding comes out clean.

  8. 8.

    While the puddings bake, make the sauce: Combine 1/2 cup butter, 3/4 cup dark brown sugar, and heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until thickened and glossy. Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.

  9. 9.

    Poke several holes in the tops of the warm baked puddings using a toothpick. Pour a few tablespoons of warm toffee sauce over each pudding and let soak for 5 minutes.

  10. 10.

    Invert the puddings onto serving plates (or serve directly in the ramekins), drizzle generously with the remaining warm toffee sauce, and sprinkle with a pinch of flaky sea salt before serving.

Tips

  • 💡Using dark muscovado sugar instead of regular brown sugar adds a deep, authentic molasses flavor to both the sponge and sauce.
  • 💡Do not drain the water from the dates after soaking; the soaking liquid carries essential moisture and rich date flavor into the sponge batter.
  • 💡Serve warm with a scoop of high-quality vanilla bean ice cream, clotted cream, or double cream to balance the sweetness.

Recipe from TheCookbook.ai

Created by Basil Roux