Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe with Dates and Cream

Warm date sponge cake drenched in a buttery brown-sugar toffee sauce.

Total 55 minMakes 6 to 8 servings
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Sticky toffee pudding is a tender date sponge served warm with a buttery toffee sauce. The source’s “toffee puree” appears to be a mistranslated reference to dates; this recipe uses chopped dates softened in boiling water and baking soda. Fold them into a simple brown-sugar cake batter and bake until a skewer comes out with moist crumbs. Simmer the sauce just long enough to dissolve the sugar and thicken slightly. Pour some over the warm pudding and serve the rest at the table. Put dates in a bowl, pour over boiling water and stir in baking soda. Rest 10 minutes, then mash lightly. Heat oven to 180°C (350°F). Cream 75 g butter and 100 g brown sugar. Beat in eggs one at a time. Fold in flour, vanilla and date mixture.

Recipe card

Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe with Dates and Cream

Prep 20 minCook 35 minTotal 55 minYield 6 to 8 servings
Only numbered ingredient amounts change.

Equipment: Knife, cutting board, measuring spoons, large skillet or saucepan

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Soften dates

    Put dates in a bowl, pour over boiling water and stir in baking soda. Rest 10 minutes, then mash lightly.

  2. Make batter

    Heat oven to 180°C (350°F). Cream 75 g butter and 100 g brown sugar. Beat in eggs one at a time. Fold in flour, vanilla and date mixture.

  3. Bake

    Spread batter in a greased 20 cm square dish. Bake 30 to 35 minutes until a skewer comes out with moist crumbs.

  4. Make sauce

    Melt sauce butter and brown sugar in a saucepan. Stir in cream and simmer gently 3 to 4 minutes until glossy.

  5. Serve

    Pierce warm pudding lightly, spoon over some sauce and serve the remainder alongside.

How to tell when it is ready

The ingredients are tender and evenly cooked; use a food thermometer where indicated.

Tips

  • Measure ingredients before starting.
  • Use the visual doneness cues as well as the timing.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning near the end.
  • Let the dish rest briefly before serving.

Troubleshooting

  • If the mixture is too thick, add liquid a little at a time.
  • If browning too quickly, lower the heat and cover loosely.

Substitutions

  • Use a similar neutral cooking oil.
  • Choose a suitable dairy-free alternative where practical.

Variations

  • Adjust herbs and spices to taste.
  • Add seasonal vegetables that suit the cooking time.

Serving suggestions

  • Serve with vanilla ice cream.
  • Add softly whipped cream.
  • Offer extra warm sauce.
  • Pair with strong tea.

Make ahead

Prepare components ahead where practical. Refrigerate leftovers promptly and reheat until hot throughout.

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours in a covered container and use within 3 days. Reheat gently until hot throughout.

Food safety

Contains dairy, eggs and gluten. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and use within 3 days; reheat portions until hot.

Frequently asked questions

Can I prepare this ahead?

Prepare components as described, chill promptly and finish shortly before serving.

How should I store sticky toffee pudding?

Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours in a covered container and use within 3 days. Reheat gently until hot throughout.

Serve with vanilla ice cream. Refrigerate leftovers promptly.

About the author

Savva Loginov

Savva Loginov writes about traditional Ukrainian cooking, including regional dishes, heritage baking and the customs behind familiar recipes. His English guides explain each dish’s context alongside clear, practical cooking instructions.

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