Deserts

Sticky Toffee Pudding with Caramel Sauce

Name: Sticky Toffee Pudding with Caramel Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 1 ¼ cups; 1 tsp baking soda; 1 ¼ cups; 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; ½ cup; ¾ cup; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ cup; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

Servings: 6 Total Time: 55 mins Difficulty: Beginner

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Introduction

Sticky Toffee Pudding with Caramel Sauce is a beloved British dessert that has earned worldwide fame. It features a moist, tender sponge cake made with finely chopped dates, giving it a natural sweetness and rich depth of flavor. What makes it irresistible is the warm caramel or toffee sauce that’s poured generously over the top, soaking into the sponge and creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

This dessert is indulgent yet comforting, striking the perfect balance between elegance and homeliness. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or enjoying it after a cozy family meal, Sticky Toffee Pudding is the ultimate treat that always impresses.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it embodies pure comfort in dessert form. The sponge is rich, moist, and full of flavor from the dates, while the buttery caramel sauce transforms every bite into something decadent. I adore how it’s served warm, making it feel like a hug on a plate.

Another reason I love it is its versatility—you can serve it plain, with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or even custard. Plus, the recipe is surprisingly simple and forgiving, so even beginner bakers can achieve spectacular results.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Iconic dessert: A British classic that everyone should experience.
Rich and indulgent: Perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth.
Crowd-pleaser: Always impresses guests at gatherings or dinner parties.
Make-ahead friendly: Can be baked in advance and reheated before serving.
This is a must-try because it’s luxurious, comforting, and timeless, making it one of those desserts everyone remembers long after the last bite.

Recipe Info

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Calories (per serving): ~420 kcal
Cuisine: British
Course: Dessert

Ingredients

For the Pudding:

1 ¼ cups (200 g) pitted dates, finely chopped
1 cup (240 ml) boiling water
1 tsp baking soda
1 ¼ cups (160 g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup (150 g) brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Caramel Sauce:

½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter
1 cup (200 g) brown sugar
1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Quick Directions

Soak chopped dates in hot water with baking soda.
Mix batter with butter, sugar, eggs, flour, and soaked dates.
Bake until sponge is cooked through.
Prepare caramel sauce with butter, sugar, and cream.
Pour sauce over warm pudding and serve.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Dates

Place chopped dates in a bowl.
Pour boiling water over them, stir in baking soda, and set aside to soften.

Step 2: Make the Batter

In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in eggs, one at a time, then add vanilla.
In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
Fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients.
Stir in the softened date mixture until combined.

Step 3: Bake the Pudding

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour a baking dish (about 8×8-inch).
Pour batter into dish and bake for 30–35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 4: Make the Caramel Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
Stir in brown sugar and cook for 2 minutes.
Add heavy cream, vanilla, and salt. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.

Step 5: Serve

Pour warm caramel sauce over baked pudding.
Slice into squares and serve with ice cream, custard, or whipped cream.

How to Serve

Serve warm, drizzled generously with caramel sauce.
Pair with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or custard for extra indulgence.
Garnish with chopped nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt for a gourmet touch.

Additional Recipe Tips

Don’t skip soaking the dates—it makes the pudding moist and flavorful.
For extra richness, poke holes in the pudding and pour sauce over it before slicing.
Double the caramel sauce recipe—you’ll always want more!

Variations

Sticky Toffee Cupcakes: Bake the batter in muffin tins for individual servings.
Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter.
Boozy Pudding: Add a splash of rum or brandy to the caramel sauce.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour blend.

Freezing & Storage

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Warm in the microwave or oven before serving.
Freezing: Wrap baked pudding tightly (without sauce) and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

Baking dish (8×8-inch or similar)
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer (optional, for creaming butter and sugar)
Saucepan for caramel sauce

Conclusion

Sticky Toffee Pudding with Caramel Sauce is the epitome of comfort dessert—moist, rich, and luxuriously sweet. With its tender sponge cake and luscious caramel drizzle, it’s a dessert that’s both rustic and elegant, perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or cozy nights at home. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

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