Decadent Sticky Toffee Pudding

Decadent sticky toffee pudding is a rich, moist dessert made with sweet dates, a tender sponge cake base, and a buttery toffee sauce that soaks into every bite. It’s warm, comforting, and undeniably indulgent—one of those classic British desserts I love pulling out for special occasions, holidays, or whenever I’m craving something extra cozy and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this pudding because it’s deeply flavorful, with hints of caramel, brown sugar, and warm spices. The sponge is incredibly soft thanks to the dates, and the toffee sauce takes it over the top. It’s easy to make ahead, feeds a crowd, and tastes even better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. This is one of those desserts that never fails to impress.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the pudding:

• Pitted dates (chopped)

• Boiling water

• Baking soda

• Unsalted butter (softened)

• Brown sugar

• Eggs

• Vanilla extract

• All-purpose flour

• Baking powder

• Salt

For the toffee sauce:

• Unsalted butter

• Brown sugar

• Heavy cream

• Vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

Directions

1. I start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a square or round baking dish (about 8×8 inches or similar).

2. I place the chopped dates in a bowl, pour over boiling water, stir in the baking soda, and let them sit for 10–15 minutes to soften.

3. In a separate bowl, I cream the butter and brown sugar until fluffy. I beat in the eggs and vanilla.

4. I stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt, then fold in the softened date mixture, including the liquid.

5. I pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

6. While the pudding bakes, I make the sauce by melting butter and brown sugar in a saucepan. I stir in the cream, vanilla, and a pinch of salt, then simmer for 3–5 minutes until thickened slightly.

7. When the pudding is done, I poke holes in the top with a skewer and pour half the warm toffee sauce over it. I let it soak for a few minutes before serving.

8. I serve warm slices with extra toffee sauce drizzled over the top and a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 to 8 people.
Total time is around 50 minutes:

• 15–20 minutes for preparation

• 30–35 minutes for baking

Variations

Sometimes I add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a spiced version. For a more elegant twist, I bake the pudding in individual ramekins. I’ve also made it with chopped nuts or a splash of dark rum in the sauce for added depth. If I want it dairy-free, I use coconut cream and plant-based butter—it still turns out beautifully.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover pudding covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm slices in the microwave or oven and reheat the sauce gently on the stove. It also freezes well—just wrap individual portions tightly and thaw before warming up.

FAQs

Can I make sticky toffee pudding ahead of time?

Yes, I often make the cake and sauce a day in advance. I reheat and assemble right before serving for the best texture.

Do I have to use dates?

Yes, dates are essential for the classic texture and rich flavor. I soak them first to make them soft and blend in perfectly.

What’s the best pan to use?

An 8×8-inch square pan or similarly sized baking dish works best. I’ve also used ramekins for individual servings.

Can I use light brown sugar?

Yes, but I prefer dark brown sugar for a deeper toffee flavor in both the sponge and sauce.

How do I know when the pudding is done?

I look for a golden top and use a toothpick—it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.

Conclusion

Decadent sticky toffee pudding is the kind of dessert that makes everyone pause after the first bite—rich, soft, and drenched in warm toffee sauce. It’s the perfect combination of simple ingredients and indulgent flavor. Whether I’m serving it at a dinner party or curling up with a warm slice at home, this dessert always delivers pure comfort and joy.

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