Homemade sticky toffee pudding

Homemade Sticky Toffee Pudding: A Decadent British Classic

Sticky toffee pudding is a beloved British dessert known for its rich, moist sponge cake soaked in a luscious toffee sauce. Perfect for cozy evenings, holiday gatherings, or any special occasion, this dessert combines the deep flavor of dates with the warmth of caramelized sugar and butter. Serve it with vanilla ice cream or custard for the ultimate indulgence.

Ingredients

For the Sponge Pudding:

250g (1 cup) pitted dates, chopped
250ml (1 cup) boiling water
1 teaspoon baking soda
60g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, softened
150g (3/4 cup) brown sugar
2 large eggs
175g (1 1/3 cups) self-raising flour
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Toffee Sauce:

200g (1 cup) brown sugar
100g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
250ml (1 cup) heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Serving (Optional):

Vanilla ice cream or custard
Fresh mint or grated chocolate for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 20cm (8-inch) square baking dish or similar ovenproof dish, and lightly dust with flour or line with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the Dates

Place the chopped dates in a heatproof bowl and pour over the boiling water. Stir in baking soda and let the mixture sit for 10 minutes. The dates will soften and break down slightly, creating a naturally sweet, sticky base for the sponge.

3. Make the Sponge Batter

In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
Fold in the self-raising flour until just combined.
Gradually stir in the soaked dates and liquid. The batter will be thick but pourable.

4. Bake the Pudding

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the sponge is firm to the touch and a skewer inserted comes out clean.

5. Prepare the Toffee Sauce

While the sponge bakes, combine the brown sugar, butter, and cream in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to simmer. Reduce the heat and cook for 5–7 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in vanilla extract at the end.

6. Assemble and Serve

Remove the sponge from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.
Pour half of the hot toffee sauce over the pudding while it’s still warm. Let it soak in for a few minutes.
Cut the pudding into squares or scoop portions onto plates.
Drizzle with the remaining toffee sauce and serve immediately with vanilla ice cream or custard. Garnish with mint or grated chocolate if desired.

Tips for the Perfect Sticky Toffee Pudding

Dates: Medjool dates are ideal for their sweetness and texture, but any pitted variety works.
Toffee sauce: Make it as rich and thick as you like; a little extra sauce never hurts!
Make ahead: The sponge can be baked a day in advance. Reheat gently in the oven and pour over fresh toffee sauce.
Moisture check: If your sponge seems dry, poke holes with a skewer and pour over a little extra cream or milk before serving.
Serving ideas: Add a splash of coffee or bourbon to the sauce for an adult twist.

Variations

Chocolate Sticky Toffee Pudding: Add 50g of cocoa powder to the sponge and top with chocolate ganache.
Mini Puddings: Bake in individual ramekins for personal servings.
Nutty Twist: Sprinkle toasted walnuts or pecans on top before baking for a crunchy contrast.
Fruit Mix: Add chopped figs or prunes along with the dates for a more complex flavor.

Why This Dessert Is So Special

Sticky toffee pudding combines several textures and flavors in one bite:

Moist, tender sponge that’s naturally sweetened with dates
Rich, buttery toffee sauce that soaks into the cake
Warm, comforting dessert perfect for cold weather or celebrations
Easy to adapt with variations like chocolate, nuts, or alcohol-infused sauces

It’s no wonder this classic British dessert has become a favorite around the world—it’s indulgent without being overly complicated.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with vanilla ice cream for a temperature contrast between warm pudding and cold cream.
Serve with custard for a traditional British twist.
Dust lightly with cocoa powder or icing sugar for an elegant presentation.
Add a few fresh berries on the side for color and tartness.

Storage

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Freezer: The baked sponge freezes well without sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and adding fresh toffee sauce.

Conclusion

Homemade Sticky Toffee Pudding is the ultimate comfort dessert—rich, sweet, and irresistibly moist. By combining soft, date-studded sponge with a luscious toffee sauce, you create a treat that’s perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or simply indulging yourself.

With this recipe, you can enjoy a classic British favorite at home, complete with a homemade sauce that elevates every bite. Whether served with ice cream, custard, or fresh berries, this sticky toffee pudding is sure to impress and delight anyone at the table.