Name: Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 8 ounces pitted dates, rough chopped; 1 cup boiling water; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda; ½ teaspoon fine sea salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; ½ cup Demerara sugar; ½ cup dark brown sugar, packed; 3 large eggs, room temperature; ½ cup unsalted butter; 2 ¼ cups heavy cream; 3 cups dark brown sugar, packed; ½ teaspoon fine sea salt; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; Whipped cream

Print Recipe·4 from 13 reviews

If you have a sweet tooth and love a classic dessert that feels like a warm hug, you are going to adore this Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe. This beloved British dessert brings together the rich flavors of moist date cake with a luscious, buttery toffee sauce that seeps into every bite. It’s a perfect combination of sticky, sweet, and comforting, ideal for any occasion where you want to impress friends or simply treat yourself to something scrumptious. This recipe is straightforward enough for a weeknight but special enough to share at celebrations.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a top view of various baking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. There is a white bowl with flour in the top left, a glass filled with a light beige liquid in the top right, and a small white bowl with dark brown sugar below it. To the right center, two sticks of pale yellow butter lie on a white plate with brown speckles. Below the flour, a small measuring cup with a dark liquid is placed near a wooden measuring spoon. At the bottom center, a white bowl holds shiny, dark brown dates, and to the left of this, three white eggs rest on the surface. A small white cup with amber liquid and a white ceramic pitcher sit at the bottom right corner. The whole scene has soft, natural light with gentle shadows, emphasizing the textures of the ingredients. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe is in its simplicity. The ingredients are easy to find but each plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture that make this dish unforgettable. From the tender dates that offer natural sweetness and moisture to the rich, buttery toffee sauce that brings everything together, you’ll appreciate how every component shines.

Pitted dates (8 ounces, rough chopped): These provide the signature sweetness and moist texture that makes the pudding irresistibly tender.
Boiling water (1 cup): Soaks the dates, softening them to blend smoothly into the cake batter.
All-purpose flour (2 cups): The foundation of the cake, lending structure without weighing it down.
Baking powder (1 ½ teaspoons): Helps the cake rise and stay light.
Baking soda (1 ½ teaspoons): Works with the dates and sugars to activate the cake’s fluffy texture.
Fine sea salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Unsalted butter (½ cup softened + ½ cup for sauce): Adds richness both in the cake and the luscious sauce.
Demerara sugar (½ cup): Its coarse crystals bring a mild caramel note and depth.
Dark brown sugar (½ cup for cake + 3 cups for sauce): Essential for that deep, molasses-like flavor in both cake and sauce.
Large eggs (3, room temperature): Provide structure and help everything come together smoothly.
Heavy cream (2 ¼ cups): Creates the ultra-rich, creamy texture of the toffee sauce.
Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Rounds out the sauce with warm, aromatic sweetness.
Whipped cream (optional): The perfect light and airy complement to the dense pudding and rich sauce.

How to Make Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dates

Start by pouring boiling water over the chopped dates and let them soak. This softens the dates so they blend seamlessly into the cake, ensuring every bite is moist and delectably sweet. Give them about 15 minutes to soak and absorb the warmth.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

While the dates are soaking, combine your all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Having these dry ingredients ready allows you to smoothly mix the batter when the time comes.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using an electric mixer, cream the softened unsalted butter with both demerara and dark brown sugars until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This step creates air pockets to help give your pudding a nice, tender crumb.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Dry Mix

Add the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully mixed in before adding the next. Then fold in the dry ingredients, scraping down the sides as needed to get every bit incorporated without overmixing.

Step 5: Blend Dates and Combine

Use an immersion blender to puree the softened dates into a smooth paste. Then add this paste to the cake batter, mixing it thoroughly. This is the magic touch that makes this pudding so rich and sticky.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Transfer the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, smoothing out the top. Bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes or until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 7: Make the Toffee Sauce

While the cake bakes, melt butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat, then whisk in brown sugar, heavy cream, and salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring steadily, then cook for 2 more minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract for that extra flavor boost.

Step 8: Combine and Broil

Once your cake is out of the oven, gently prick it all over with a fork. Pour half the toffee sauce over the warm cake and let it soak for about 15 minutes. Then, place the cake under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes to produce a sticky, bubbly caramelized top. Keep a close eye so it caramelizes without burning.

How to Serve Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe

A close-up of a moist brown cake with a shiny glazed top layer, showing a soft, crumbly texture inside with tiny air holes. The cake is cut into square pieces, and one piece is removed, revealing the inside and a bit of syrup pooling at the bottom in a clear white baking dish. The surface underneath is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Serving Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream is absolutely heavenly. The creaminess cuts through the richness, balancing each bite perfectly. A sprinkle of finely chopped toasted nuts or a few fresh berries can add delightful textures and bright pops of flavor.

Side Dishes

Although this pudding is wonderful on its own, it pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of clotted cream to elevate the experience. If you prefer a lighter touch, a fresh fruit salad alongside can refresh your palate.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to make an impression, serve the pudding in individual ramekins with the sauce drizzled artistically on top. Or, for a cozy family-style presentation, serve it right from the baking dish allowing everyone to dig in and savor the gooey toffee magic. Garnish with edible flowers or a dusting of cinnamon to give it a rustic charm.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Because Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe is rich and moist, it keeps beautifully in the refrigerator. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days, and the flavors will actually deepen as it rests.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, this pudding freezes well. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

Reheating

To bring your leftovers back to life, warm portions gently in the microwave or in a low oven until heated through. Add extra toffee sauce before serving to recapture that fresh-from-the-oven indulgence.

FAQs

Can I use other dried fruits instead of dates?

While dates give the classic Sticky Toffee Pudding its signature flavor and texture, you could experiment with dried figs or prunes for a slightly different, yet still delicious, spin.

Is it possible to make this dessert gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Make sure it includes xanthan gum for the best texture.

How do I prevent the pudding from becoming too soggy?

The trick is to allow the sauce to soak in but not drown the cake. Poking holes helps the sauce seep through evenly without oversaturating. Also, broiling the top quickly caramelizes the sauce, creating a delightful sticky crust.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely, the toffee sauce can be made a day ahead and reheated gently when ready to serve. This makes assembling the dessert quick and stress-free.

Why does the recipe use both baking powder and baking soda?

The combination helps the cake rise appropriately while neutralizing acidity from the dates and sugars, creating a perfect texture that is light yet moist.

Final Thoughts

This Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe is one of those timeless treasures that warms the heart and satisfies the soul. It’s such a joy to make and even greater to share. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a cozy night in, this pudding promises comfort and delight in every luscious forkful. Give it a try and watch how it becomes your new favorite indulgence!