If there’s one dessert that can transport you to a cozy, comforting place with just one bite, it’s sticky toffee pudding.
This classic British treat combines moist sponge cake with rich toffee sauce, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself to a night in, this sticky toffee pudding recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
For the pudding:
- 1 cup chopped dates
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/2 cups boiling water
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the toffee sauce:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking dish and set aside.
In a small bowl, combine the chopped dates and baking soda. Pour the boiling water over the dates and let them sit for about 5 minutes to soften.
Lightly beat the brown sugar and softened butter in a large mixing bowl until creamy. One egg at a time, add them, beating thoroughly after each addition..
Mix the flour, baking powder, and salt in a another basin. Mixing until just incorporated, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ones.
Incorporate the softened dates and any residual liquid until the batter is evenly mixed.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
While the pudding is baking, prepare the toffee sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together, stirring constantly until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Remove the pudding from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Using a skewer or fork, poke holes all over the top of the pudding.
Pour half of the warm toffee sauce over the warm pudding, allowing it to seep into the holes and soak into the cake. Reserve the remaining sauce for serving.
Serve the sticky toffee pudding warm, drizzled with extra toffee sauce and a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if desired.
FAQs:
Q: Can I make sticky toffee pudding in advance?
A: Yes, you can! Sticky toffee pudding actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld together.
Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat it in the microwave or oven before serving.
Q: Can I use a different type of dried fruit in the pudding?
A: Absolutely! While dates are traditional in sticky toffee pudding, you can experiment with other dried fruits like figs, apricots, or raisins for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
Q: Is it possible to make a gluten-free version of sticky toffee pudding?
A: Yes, you can substitute gluten-free flour for the all-purpose flour in this recipe. Just make sure to check that all of your other ingredients are also gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.