Name: Sticky Toffee Pudding Trifle
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 3 h 10 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 1 cup pitted dates, chopped; 1 cup boiling water; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 2 cups heavy whipping cream; 2 tbsp powdered sugar (optional, for whipped cream); 2 cups prepared custard or vanilla pudding; 1 cup toffee sauce (homemade or store-bought); 1/4 cup crushed toffee bits or chopped pecans (optional, for garnish)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This trifle is the ultimate fusion of two beloved British desserts. It offers multiple textures in every spoonful—from the soft cake soaked in toffee sauce to the airy whipped cream and silky custard. It’s a make-ahead-friendly dessert that looks impressive in a trifle dish and feeds a crowd, making it ideal for gatherings, especially during the holidays.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Pitted dates
Boiling water
Baking soda
Unsalted butter
Brown sugar
Eggs
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Vanilla extract
Heavy whipping cream
Prepared custard or homemade custard
Toffee sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Crushed toffee bits or chopped pecans (optional, for topping)

Directions

Make the sticky toffee cake: Soak chopped dates in boiling water with baking soda. Cream butter and brown sugar, then add eggs and vanilla. Stir in the flour and soaked dates mixture. Bake until golden and set. Let cool completely.
Prepare the custard: You can use store-bought or make your own. Chill until ready to assemble.
Whip the cream: Beat heavy cream until soft peaks form. Sweeten slightly if desired.
Cut the cake: Slice the cooled sticky toffee cake into cubes.
Layer the trifle: In a trifle dish or individual glasses, layer as follows:
- Cubes of sticky toffee cake
- A drizzle of toffee sauce
- A layer of custard
- A layer of whipped cream
  Repeat the layers until the dish is full, finishing with whipped cream and a final drizzle of toffee sauce.
Chill: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld.
Garnish: Sprinkle crushed toffee bits or nuts on top just before serving.

Servings and timing

This Sticky Toffee Pudding Trifle serves 10 to 12 people. Prep and assembly time is approximately 30 minutes, with an additional 30 to 40 minutes for baking the cake and at least 2 hours of chilling time.

Variations

Bourbon toffee sauce: Add a splash of bourbon to your toffee sauce for a grown-up twist.
Salted caramel: Use salted caramel instead of classic toffee for a salty-sweet flavor.
Spiced cake: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice to the cake for extra warmth.
Individual servings: Assemble the trifle in small jars or glasses for individual portions.
Nutty crunch: Add a layer of chopped pecans or walnuts between the custard and cream for texture.

Storage/Reheating

Store the assembled trifle in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. It’s best enjoyed within 24–48 hours for the freshest texture. Do not freeze the trifle, as the custard and cream do not thaw well. This dessert is served cold and does not require reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this trifle ahead of time?

Yes, this dessert is ideal for making ahead. Prepare and assemble it the day before and refrigerate until ready to serve.

What type of dates should I use?

Medjool dates are preferred for their soft texture and natural sweetness, but any pitted dates will work well.

Can I use store-bought sticky toffee pudding?

Absolutely. If you’re short on time, use pre-made sticky toffee pudding and cube it for layering.

Is it necessary to chill the trifle before serving?

Yes, chilling allows the flavors to meld and gives the layers time to set, making it easier to serve.

Can I substitute the custard?

Yes. You can use vanilla pudding or pastry cream if custard isn’t available.

Can I use caramel sauce instead of toffee sauce?

Yes, but the flavor will be slightly different. Toffee sauce has a richer, deeper caramel flavor due to the brown sugar and butter base.

How do I keep the cake from getting too soggy?

Let the cake cool completely before layering, and avoid oversaturating it with sauce. Layer the trifle just a few hours before serving for best texture.

Can I make this trifle alcohol-free?

Yes. Simply omit any alcohol from the sauce or cake for a kid-friendly, alcohol-free version.

What kind of dish should I use for the trifle?

A traditional glass trifle dish is ideal to showcase the layers, but any large glass bowl will work.

Can I freeze leftover sticky toffee cake?

Yes. The cake portion (before assembling the trifle) can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw and use as needed.

Conclusion

Sticky Toffee Pudding Trifle is a luscious, crowd-pleasing dessert that brings together the best of warm, spongy cake and cool, creamy layers. Its make-ahead ease and irresistible flavor make it a perfect addition to any celebration. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or a holiday feast, this trifle is sure to leave a lasting impression.