Sticky Toffee Pudding – sweetydreamz

Sticky toffee pudding is a classic British dessert featuring a deeply moist date sponge soaked in warm, buttery toffee sauce. Served with melting vanilla ice cream, this comforting treat delivers rich caramel notes, soft texture, and indulgent warmth in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultra-Moist Texture – Soaked dates and warm sauce create a sponge that stays tender and luscious.
Deep Caramel Flavor – Brown sugar and butter combine to produce a complex, buttery toffee richness.
Classic Comfort Dessert – A timeless British favorite perfect for cozy evenings or festive meals.
Make-Ahead Friendly – The pudding reheats beautifully, making entertaining easier.
Balanced Sweetness – Creamy ice cream tempers the richness for a harmonious finish.
Impressive Yet Simple – Straightforward techniques yield bakery-quality results at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Date Sponge Cake

1½ cups Medjool dates, pitted and chopped – Provide natural sweetness, moisture, and signature flavor.
1¼ cups boiling water – Softens the dates and helps form a smooth batter.
1 teaspoon baking soda – Breaks down the dates and contributes to the sponge’s tenderness.
1¾ cups all-purpose flour – Gives structure while keeping the crumb soft.
1 teaspoon baking powder – Adds lift for a light yet moist texture.
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened – Creates richness and improves crumb softness.
¾ cup packed dark brown sugar – Deepens caramel flavor and enhances moisture retention.
2 large eggs – Bind ingredients and provide structure.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Rounds out sweetness with aromatic warmth.

Toffee Sauce

1 cup heavy cream – Forms the silky base of the sauce.
1 cup light brown sugar – Sweetens while delivering classic toffee notes.
½ cup unsalted butter – Adds gloss, richness, and smooth body.

For Serving

Vanilla ice cream – Provides cool contrast to the warm pudding and sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Soften the Dates
Combine chopped dates, boiling water, and baking soda in a heatproof bowl. Let sit for 15–20 minutes until softened and slightly cooled.

Prepare Dry and Wet Bases
Whisk flour and baking powder in one bowl. In another, cream butter and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy, then beat in eggs one at a time followed by vanilla.

Form the Batter
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, then incorporate the softened date mixture with its liquid until smooth without overmixing.

Bake the Sponge
Spread batter into a lined 9×9-inch pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40–45 minutes, until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cook the Toffee Sauce
Heat cream, light brown sugar, and butter in a saucepan, stirring until melted and smooth. Simmer 4–5 minutes until slightly thickened and golden.

Soak and Serve
Poke holes in the hot pudding and pour over half the warm sauce, letting it absorb for 10 minutes. Slice, drizzle with remaining sauce, and top with vanilla ice cream before serving warm.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Use Medjool Dates – Their softness and sweetness create the best texture and flavor.
Do Not Skip the Soaking Step – Baking soda and heat ensure the sponge becomes signature-level moist.
Avoid Overmixing Batter – Gentle folding prevents a dense pudding.
Serve Sauce Warm – Maintains smooth pourable consistency and richer flavor.
Reheat Gently – Warm pudding at 300°F for about 15 minutes to restore softness.
Extra Sticky Option – Soak the pudding with sauce ahead of time, then reheat before serving.

Nutritional Information

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 70 minutes
Servings: 8 generous dessert portions
Calories: Approximately 420–520 calories per serving (estimated)

Perfect Pairings

Strong Black Tea – Cuts through sweetness with gentle bitterness.
Espresso or Coffee – Enhances caramel depth and richness.
Lightly Whipped Cream – Adds airy contrast to the dense sponge.
Salted Caramel Drizzle – Intensifies toffee flavor for extra indulgence.

Ideal Occasions

Holiday Gatherings – Warm, nostalgic dessert perfect for celebrations.
Winter Dinner Parties – Comforting finish to hearty meals.
Sunday Family Meals – Crowd-pleasing and satisfying.
Special Treat Nights – Ideal when craving something rich and cozy.

Storage & Serving Tips

Refrigerate Up to 3 Days – Store covered to maintain moisture.
Freeze for Longer Storage – Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months.
Reheat with Extra Sauce – Prevents dryness and restores stickiness.
Serve Warm, Not Hot – Ensures best texture and flavor balance.

Creative Variations to Try

Orange-Infused Toffee Sauce – Add citrus zest for brightness.
Spiced Date Sponge – Incorporate cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth.
Nutty Crunch Topping – Sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts before serving.
Lighter Cream Option – Substitute part of the cream with milk for reduced richness.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Dense or Heavy Sponge – Likely overmixed; fold ingredients gently next time.
Dry Texture – Ensure adequate soaking with warm sauce before serving.
Sauce Too Thin – Simmer slightly longer to thicken.
Sauce Too Thick After Cooling – Reheat with a splash of cream until smooth.

Why This Recipe Works

Sticky toffee pudding relies on the natural sugars and fiber in dates to retain moisture while creating a soft, cohesive crumb. Baking soda breaks down the fruit’s structure, allowing it to blend seamlessly into the batter, while brown sugar and butter generate complex caramelization during baking. The warm toffee sauce then permeates the sponge through pierced holes, ensuring every bite is saturated with flavor and tenderness. Though indulgent at roughly 420–520 calories per serving, the dessert’s richness means a modest portion feels deeply satisfying.

Final Thoughts

Sticky toffee pudding is the definition of comforting elegance—simple ingredients transformed into a luxuriously moist, sauce-soaked dessert. Its warmth, depth of flavor, and make-ahead convenience make it a reliable centerpiece for gatherings or cozy evenings alike. With options for lighter cream, smaller portions, or fruit-forward variations, it can be adapted while still preserving its beloved character.