Description: Sticky Toffee Pudding is a classic dessert with rich, moist sponge cake made from dates, drenched in a luscious toffee sauce. This indulgent treat is a British and Irish favorite, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth, ideal for a cozy after-dinner dessert.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Serving Size: Serves 6
Ingredients:
For the pudding:
- 200g (7 oz) pitted dates, chopped
- 300ml (10 fl oz) boiling water
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 100g (3.5 oz) unsalted butter, softened
- 150g (5 oz) brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 200g (7 oz) self-raising flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the toffee sauce:
- 200g (7 oz) brown sugar
- 100g (3.5 oz) unsalted butter
- 200ml (6.8 fl oz) heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
Preheat oven:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a baking dish or individual ramekins.
Prepare the dates:
- In a bowl, combine the chopped dates, boiling water, and baking soda. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until the dates soften, then mash them slightly with a fork.
Make the batter:
- In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Combine:
- Gently fold in the flour and the softened date mixture until well combined. Pour the batter into the prepared dish or ramekins.
Bake:
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Prepare the toffee sauce:
- While the pudding is baking, make the toffee sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, butter, and cream. Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Serve:
- Once the pudding is baked, pour half of the toffee sauce over the top and return to the oven for another 5 minutes. Serve warm with the remaining toffee sauce drizzled over, along with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Enjoy the sweet, gooey goodness of Sticky Toffee Pudding for an indulgent end to your meal!