Sticky Toffee Pudding with Caramel Sauce – A Decadent British Dessert 🍰🍯🇬🇧
This Sticky Toffee Pudding with Caramel Sauce is rich, moist, and utterly irresistible! Soft, buttery date sponge cakes are drenched in warm, silky caramel sauce for a dessert that’s beloved across Britain—and sure to become a favorite in your home too. 💚
Why You’ll Love This Sticky Toffee Pudding 💚
- ✅ Incredibly Moist: Dates create the ultimate tender sponge texture.
- ✅ Decadent Sauce: Rich caramel soaks into every bite.
- ✅ Comforting Classic: Perfect for special occasions or cozy nights in.
- ✅ Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be prepared in advance and rewarmed when ready to serve.
🍰 Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe
Ingredients
-
- For the Pudding:
- 1 cup chopped Medjool dates (about 10 dates) 🌴
- 1 tsp baking soda 🌿
- ¾ cup boiling water 💧
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened 🧈
- ¾ cup brown sugar 🍬
- 2 large eggs 🥚
- 1 tsp vanilla extract 🌿
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour 🌾
- 1½ tsp baking powder 🌿
- ¼ tsp salt 🧂
- For the Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream 🥛
- ½ cup brown sugar 🍬
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter 🧈
- 1 tsp vanilla extract 🌿
- Pinch of salt 🧂
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions (Expanded)
- Prep the dates:
- Place chopped dates in a bowl. Pour boiling water over them and stir in baking soda.
- Let sit for 10 minutes to soften. Mash lightly with a fork after soaking.
- Make the pudding batter:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar together until fluffy.
- Beat in eggs, one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
- Fold in flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the date mixture until fully combined.
- Bake:
Pour the batter into the prepared dish. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. - Make the caramel sauce:
- In a small saucepan, combine heavy cream, brown sugar, butter, vanilla, and a pinch of salt.
- Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly, for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Assemble:
Poke holes all over the warm cake with a skewer or fork. Pour about half of the caramel sauce over the pudding, allowing it to soak in. - Serve:
Slice into squares and serve warm with extra caramel sauce drizzled over top. Optional: top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream! 🍰🍯
💡 Flavor Tips & Creative Variations
- ✨ Add a boozy twist: Stir a splash of rum or bourbon into the caramel sauce.
- ✨ Nutty addition: Fold chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for added texture.
- ✨ Individual servings: Bake in ramekins for cute, personal-sized puddings.
- ✨ Extra indulgence: Top with a dollop of clotted cream for a truly British touch.
🍯 Nutritional Highlights
Dates provide natural sweetness, fiber, and potassium. While rich, this dessert also offers wholesome, real ingredients without preservatives—making every decadent bite worth savoring.
🧊 Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- ✅ Make-ahead: Bake the pudding and prepare the caramel sauce 1–2 days ahead. Reheat gently before serving.
- ✅ Storage: Store covered pudding and sauce separately in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- ✅ Freezing: Freeze slices of pudding (without sauce) for up to 2 months. Thaw and warm before serving with fresh sauce.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
You can, but homemade sauce is much richer and fresher in flavor! Plus, it’s quick and easy to make while the cake bakes.
Can I substitute other fruits for the dates?
Dates are key to the pudding’s texture and sweetness, but prunes or figs could be used for a slightly different twist.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! Use plant-based butter and coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a delicious dairy-free version.
Rich, Buttery & Utterly Irresistible 💚
Treat yourself to this traditional British dessert—Sticky Toffee Pudding with Caramel Sauce! 🍰🍯💬 Share your sweet creations or tag them on Pinterest!
