Name: Sticky Toffee Pudding: A Classic British Dessert Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 12 oz (2 ¼ cups) dried dates, chopped; 2 ¼ cups boiling water; 1 ½ tsp baking soda; 8 tbsp (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted; ¾ cup granulated sugar; 2 tbsp light brown sugar; 2 large eggs; ¼ tsp salt; 1 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour; 8 tbsp (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup + 2 tbsp brown sugar; 2 tsp vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe

Say hello to pure dessert magic with Sticky Toffee Pudding: A Classic British Dessert! This lush, comforting bake wraps soft, date-studded cake in a rich toffee sauce that soaks into every crumb, creating an irresistible combination of warmth, sweetness, and nostalgia. Whether you’re new to classic British baking or looking to wow friends at your next dinner party, this is a showstopper that feels both homey and elegant. With a flavor that’s deep, buttery, and gently spiced from the dates, each bite truly melts in your mouth. Prepare for happy sighs all around!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Sticky Toffee Pudding: A Classic British Dessert Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

While Sticky Toffee Pudding: A Classic British Dessert tastes like a bakery-level creation, the ingredients are humble and easy to find. Each plays a starring role, from the gooey dates that give the cake its signature stickiness to the dreamy toffee sauce that ties it all together. Here’s what you’ll need, plus tips for truly unforgettable results.

Dried Dates: The soul of this dessert, giving both sweetness and moisture—make sure to chop them well for even distribution.
Boiling Water: Softens the dates, transforming them from chewy into a luscious, spreadable base for the cake.
Baking Soda: Helps soften the dates further and gently lifts the cake, preventing it from being too dense.
Unsalted Butter (Melted): Adds rich flavor and tenderness to both the cake and toffee sauce (no substitutions if you want that classic texture!).
Granulated Sugar: Brings clean, sweet flavor to the cake, balancing the deeper notes from the dates and brown sugar.
Light Brown Sugar: Offers a hint of caramel flavor and added moisture—critical for that soft crumb.
Eggs: Bind everything together and provide just the right amount of lift.
Salt: Enhances every bite, making both the cake and toffee sauce pop with flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: The sturdy backbone of the cake; don’t overmix to keep things light!
Heavy Cream: For the toffee sauce—a must for that dreamy, velvety consistency.
Brown Sugar (More for Sauce): Deep, molasses-y sweetness that makes the toffee sauce absolutely irresistible.
Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the toffee sauce with a luxurious, sweet aroma.

How to Make Sticky Toffee Pudding: A Classic British Dessert

Step 1: Soften the Dates

Start your journey to the perfect pudding by transforming humble dried dates into a soft, luscious base. Place the chopped dates in a heatproof bowl, pour the boiling water right on top, and then stir in the baking soda. The baking soda begins to break the dates down immediately, and after covering and letting the mixture sit for 30 minutes, you’ll have a sticky, caramel-scented mixture that’s ready to add moisture and an irresistible flavor to your cake.

Step 2: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Now’s the time to heat things up—literally! Preheat your oven to 350°F to ensure even baking. Then butter a 9×13-inch baking pan generously, making sure to get into the corners and up the sides. This prevents sticking and even helps create those beautiful golden edges that make Sticky Toffee Pudding: A Classic British Dessert extra special.

Step 3: Puree the Dates

Once the dates are soft and velvety, blend the mixture until smooth. You want a uniform, glossy puree, as this will disappear seamlessly into your cake batter, keeping every bite moist and rich. If you don’t have a blender, a food processor or even an immersion blender will do the trick!

Step 4: Make the Cake Batter

Grab a large bowl and mix together the melted butter, both sugars, eggs, and salt until fully combined. Gently stir in the flour to avoid overworking the batter, then fold in your silky date puree. This is the moment everything comes together—the aroma alone will hint at how good the finished pudding will be!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour your batter into the prepared pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula for even baking. Place in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake will turn a beautiful golden brown and your kitchen will smell amazing!

Step 6: Whip Up the Toffee Sauce

While the cake bakes, it’s time to make that gorgeous, glossy toffee sauce. In a saucepan, combine melted butter, heavy cream, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Bring everything to a simmer while whisking constantly. After about 10 minutes, you’ll have a thick, bubbling sauce that’s utterly irresistible and ready for drizzling.

Step 7: Serve and Swoon

Cut a generous slice of warm cake, place it on a plate, and pour over the toffee sauce while everything’s still warm. Serve as-is, or go over the top with a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The result: Sticky Toffee Pudding: A Classic British Dessert that’s every bit as satisfying as the best café you’ve ever visited!

How to Serve Sticky Toffee Pudding: A Classic British Dessert

Garnishes

A classic swipe of lightly whipped cream is pure heaven, but why stop there? Try a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a sprinkling of chopped toasted pecans, or even a little orange zest to brighten things up. Each garnish adds another dimension, elevating Sticky Toffee Pudding: A Classic British Dessert from delicious to unforgettable.

Side Dishes

This pudding is rich and moist on its own, but it absolutely shines alongside fresh raspberries, a bowl of softly stewed apples, or a dish of contrasting sharp cheese after a meal. The freshness of fruit balances the sweetness, making every bite feel new and exciting.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to wow at your next gathering? Try baking Sticky Toffee Pudding: A Classic British Dessert in individual ramekins for charming single servings. Or cut the cake into rounds with a biscuit cutter and stack them with sauce and cream for a restaurant-style look. Serve in a warm bowl or on a wooden board for extra cozy vibes—the options are as fun as your imagination.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply cover the pan with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Sticky Toffee Pudding: A Classic British Dessert will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days. The cake soaks up even more flavor from the sauce as it rests—hello, upgraded midnight snack!

Freezing

Sticky Toffee Pudding: A Classic British Dessert is surprisingly freezer-friendly. Let the cake and sauce cool completely, then portion into slices or small containers. Wrap tightly with foil or cling film and store up to three months. Defrost overnight in the fridge or at room temperature—so you’re never far from a comforting treat.

Reheating

To bring everything back to that fresh-from-the-oven magic, reheat slices in the microwave (just 30 seconds for a quick fix) or in the oven, covered, at 300°F until warmed through. Warm the leftover toffee sauce separately and pour generously over the cake for maximum gooeyness.

FAQs

Can I make Sticky Toffee Pudding: A Classic British Dessert ahead of time?

Absolutely! The cake actually improves as it sits, soaking up the toffee flavors. Bake and cool the cake, store the sauce separately, and reheat everything just before serving for the best taste and texture.

What can I use instead of dates?

Dates are essential for that classic flavor and sticky richness, but if needed, dried figs or prunes can step in. The flavor will vary slightly but the texture stays similar, so your pudding will still be deliciously moist.

How do I prevent my cake from turning out dense?

The key is gentle mixing—fold in the flour and date puree just until combined. Overmixing develops gluten and leads to heaviness, so use a light hand for a soft, tender crumb.

Is it necessary to serve with whipped cream or ice cream?

It’s not a requirement, but it does make the dessert extra special! The cold creaminess balances the warm, sticky sweetness, so consider it the cherry on top.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! For parties or big family gatherings, simply double all ingredients and use two pans or a larger baking dish. Be sure to adjust baking time as needed—check for doneness with a toothpick.

Final Thoughts

Make this once and you’ll see why Sticky Toffee Pudding: A Classic British Dessert holds a cherished spot in so many hearts (and recipe boxes!). From cold winter nights to festive family dinners, there’s nothing quite like the buttery cake and sweet toffee sauce to bring everyone together. Don’t wait—give it a try and share a little bit of British comfort at your own table!

Sticky Toffee Pudding: A Classic British Dessert Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 5 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of Sticky Toffee Pudding, a beloved classic British dessert that combines moist date cake with a decadent toffee sauce. This recipe will surely become a favorite for any occasion.

Instructions

Prepare the Dates: Pour boiling water over the chopped dates in a heatproof bowl, stir in baking soda, cover, and let sit for 30 minutes.
Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F, butter a 9×13 baking pan.
Blend Dates: Blend the softened date mixture until smooth.
Mix Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine melted butter, sugars, eggs, and salt. Stir in flour, then fold in the date puree.
Bake: Pour batter into the pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Make Toffee Sauce: In a saucepan, combine butter, cream, sugar, and vanilla. Simmer and whisk for 10 minutes until thickened.
Serve: Cut a slice of the cake, drizzle with warm toffee sauce, and enjoy! Top with whipped cream if desired.

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: British