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A photo showing a sticky toffee pudding with a blob of vanilla ice cream on top.

Sticky Toffee Pudding

A rich date sponge soaked in warm toffee sauce – the ultimate classic British pudding.
Servings 6
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes

Ingredients

For the sponge:

  • 200 g dried dates pitted and chopped
  • 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
  • 250 ml boiling water
  • 85 g unsalted butter softened
  • 150 g light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 180 g self-raising flour
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

For the toffee sauce:

  • 150 g light brown sugar
  • 100 g unsalted butter
  • 250 ml double cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Grease a classic baking dish like this or six individual ramekins like these if you’re going for single portions.
  • Place the chopped dates in a bowl, sprinkle over the bicarbonate of soda, and pour over the boiling water. Leave to soak and soften while you prepare the rest.
  • In a mixing bowl like this, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy — an electric hand mixer like this makes it easier and gives a lovely soft texture. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  • Fold in the flour and salt, then pour in the softened dates along with all the soaking liquid. Stir gently to combine into a thick, smooth batter.
  • Pour into the prepared dish or ramekins and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until risen and springy to the touch.
  • While it bakes, make the sauce. In a saucepan like this, gently heat the brown sugar, butter, and cream until smooth and bubbling. Stir in the vanilla and a pinch of salt, then simmer for 2–3 minutes until glossy.
  • Once baked, poke a few holes in the top of the sponge and pour over some of the warm toffee sauce. Let it soak for a minute or two.
  • Serve warm with extra sauce poured over and a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of cream.
Calories: 729kcal
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: British
Keyword: dessert, sponge, sweet