Name: Sticky Toffee Pudding with Rich Toffee Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 7 oz pitted medjool dates (approximately 7-10 dates); ¾ cup boiling water; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; 2 tablespoons unsulphured molasses; ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed; 2 large eggs, at room temperature; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup unsalted butter; ¾ cup heavy cream; ¾ cup brown sugar, packed; 2 teaspoons unsulphured molasses; pinch salt; ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract; Heavy cream; Whipped cream; Vanilla ice cream; Flaky sea salt

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 11 reviews

If you have a sweet tooth craving something comforting yet decadent, this Sticky Toffee Pudding with Rich Toffee Sauce Recipe will absolutely sweep you off your feet. Imagine a tender, moist cake flecked with sweet dates, all drenched in a warm, buttery toffee sauce that pools luxuriously on your plate. It’s a timeless British classic that’s perfect for cozy evenings or impressing guests with an irresistible homemade dessert. This recipe breaks down every step to ensure your sticky toffee pudding is nothing short of spectacular.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Inside a silver pot, there are three large light yellow butter blocks placed on the right side. On the left side, there is a pile of coarse light brown sugar with a small spot of white salt on top. Below the sugar, some golden syrup pools and flows slightly, mixing with the dry ingredients. The pot sits on a white marbled surface, and part of a silver handle is visible on the right side of the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Sticky Toffee Pudding with Rich Toffee Sauce Recipe is straightforward but essential, combining to create that luscious texture and deep caramel flavor. From the plump medjool dates adding moistness to the buttery richness of the sauce, each component plays a vital role.

7 oz pitted medjool dates: These naturally sweet and chewy fruits give the pudding its signature moistness and depth.
¾ cup boiling water: To soften the dates and activate the baking soda for a tender crumb.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the dessert rise while mellowing the acidity from the dates.
5 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and keeps the cake tender.
2 tablespoons unsulphured molasses: Provides a deep, almost smoky sweetness that complements the toffee.
⅓ cup brown sugar (packed): Enhances caramel notes and sweetness in the cake batter.
2 large eggs (room temperature): Offer structure and moisture to bind everything beautifully.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and balances the intense flavors.
1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives the pudding its tender crumb.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise just right.
¼ teaspoon salt: Heightens all the sweet flavors and prevents blandness.
½ cup unsalted butter: For the toffee sauce, melting into a silky base.
¾ cup heavy cream: Adds creaminess and smoothness to the sauce.
¾ cup brown sugar (packed): Sweetens the toffee sauce with that classic deep caramel glow.
2 teaspoons unsulphured molasses: A small but potent addition to enrich the toffee’s complexity.
Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness in the sauce.
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Rounds out the sauce with fragrant warmth.
Optional toppings: Heavy cream, whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, and/or flaky sea salt to finish.

How to Make Sticky Toffee Pudding with Rich Toffee Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Soften and Prepare the Dates

Start by finely chopping about 7 ounces of medjool dates until you have roughly a loosely packed cup. Place them into a bowl, cover with boiling water, then sprinkle 1 teaspoon of baking soda on top. Stir gently and let this soak quietly for 20 minutes. This step is crucial because it softens the dates and creates a lush, sticky texture that defines the cake’s character.

Step 2: Cream Butter, Molasses, and Sugar

While your dates are soaking, grab your mixer and beat 5 tablespoons of softened butter with ⅓ cup packed brown sugar and 2 tablespoons molasses until it turns creamy and luscious. Then, add the 2 room-temperature eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Don’t forget to scrape the bowl often to ensure every bit is mixed in. Finally, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for a subtle floral depth.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix

In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Gradually fold this dry mix into your buttery batter until just combined, being gentle to keep that soft texture. Scrape the sides and bottom to make sure everything blends nicely but avoid overmixing.

Step 4: Blend the Dates Into the Batter

Your dates should now be beautifully softened. Mash them with a fork or use an immersion blender for a chunkier puree—smooth is not necessary here. Pour this date mixture and all the soaking liquid straight into the batter, folding gently until fully incorporated. This infusion of sweet, sticky dates is what makes this pudding so crave-worthy.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your ramekins or preferred baking vessels thoroughly. Spoon in the batter and smooth the tops with a spatula. Pop them into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool slightly on a wire rack before turning out.

Step 6: Make the Rich Toffee Sauce

While your cakes bake, melt ½ cup of unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add ¾ cup brown sugar, 2 teaspoons molasses, a pinch of salt, and ¾ cup heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a soft simmer, whisking regularly, and keep it bubbling gently for 5 to 8 minutes until thickened into that silky, golden toffee magic. Finish by whisking in ½ teaspoon vanilla extract and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 7: Assemble and Serve

Once the puddings are warm but not too hot, carefully invert them onto a serving plate—if desired, trim the domed tops for a neat presentation and serve them upside down. Brush the cakes generously with the toffee sauce, reserving some extra for drizzling at the table. This final step amplifies the richness and sticky allure of the dish, making every bite unforgettable.

How to Serve Sticky Toffee Pudding with Rich Toffee Sauce Recipe

The image shows a small round dark brown cake placed on a white plate with a slightly raised edge, sitting on a white marbled surface. The cake has a moist texture and is being covered with a thick, shiny golden caramel sauce pouring from a white container above, flowing over the top and dripping down the sides. To the right of the cake, there is a gold fork resting on the plate. In the blurred background, another cake with white cream topping and a white bowl filled with brown dates are visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of rich vanilla ice cream is classic for a reason; the cool creaminess contrasts beautifully with the warmth and caramel flavors. For a modern twist, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the pudding to highlight the toffee’s complexity even more. Each garnish adds an inviting texture and temperature play that elevates the entire experience.

Side Dishes

This dessert can stand majestically on its own, but if you want to balance it out, a light green salad with tangy vinaigrette or even some fresh berries works wonders to cut through the sweetness. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or black tea is the perfect companion, enhancing the toffee and date flavors without overpowering them.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun presentation, serve your Sticky Toffee Pudding with Rich Toffee Sauce Recipe in individual mini ramekins, allowing guests to enjoy personal portions with effortless elegance. Alternatively, layer crumbled pudding pieces into parfait glasses with whipped cream for a deconstructed take on this classic dessert. No matter how you serve it, this pudding always feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, cover them tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. The pudding may firm up a bit but will remain incredibly tasty once reheated.

Freezing

Sticky toffee pudding freezes beautifully. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to two months without losing that moist texture or rich flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, unwrap the pudding and warm it gently in the microwave or oven until heated through, then relaunch your toffee sauce over the top for fresh gooeyness. This method keeps the dessert tasting as divine as the day you made it.

FAQs

Can I use different types of dates for this recipe?

Medjool dates are best for their sweetness and softness, but you can use other dried dates if that’s what you have. Just soak them longer to make sure they get tender enough to blend seamlessly into the batter.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a good quality gluten-free baking flour blend. The texture might vary slightly, but the flavor remains deliciously rich.

Can I prepare the toffee sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the toffee sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Warm it up gently before serving to get that perfect pourable consistency again.

What if I don’t have ramekins? Can I use a different pan?

Definitely! You can bake the batter in a small baking dish or muffin tin. Adjust the baking time accordingly—watch for a clean toothpick test to avoid overbaking.

Is this recipe great for special occasions?

It’s perfect! The rich sauce and tender, sweet cake make it an impressive yet comforting dessert, ideal for holidays, dinner parties, or anytime you want to treat yourself or loved ones.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with this Sticky Toffee Pudding with Rich Toffee Sauce Recipe. It’s heartfelt, homely comfort wrapped in a decadently sticky package that’s bound to become a staple in your dessert rotation. So gather those simple ingredients, dig in, and enjoy every luscious bite—you deserve it!