Name: Sticky Toffee Pudding with Toffee Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 8 ounces medjool dates, pitted (225 g); 1 cup boiling water (240 ml); 1/3 cup butter, room temperature (75 g); 2/3 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed (145 g); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (10 ml); 2 large eggs, room temperature; 2 Tablespoons molasses (30 ml); 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour (200 g); 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder (6 g); 1 teaspoon baking soda (5 g); 1/4 teaspoon salt (1.5 g); 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream (120 ml); 1/2 cup butter (115 g); 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed (160 g); 1 pinch salt; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (10 ml); Chopped walnuts, optional for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 21 reviews

If you have a craving for a dessert that feels like a warm hug, look no further than this Sticky Toffee Pudding with Toffee Sauce Recipe. It’s a beloved classic that combines moist, date-studded sponge cakes with a rich, buttery toffee sauce that drips decadently over every bite. Whether you’re serving it at a cozy dinner party or simply indulging yourself after a long day, this dessert is guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfied sighs. The harmony of deep caramel flavors, sticky sweetness, and a tender crumb makes it truly unforgettable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Two muffin trays each with 12 muffins, shown side by side. The left tray has raw muffin batter filled in all 12 slots. The batter is light brown with visible dark spots and a smooth but slightly lumpy texture. The right tray shows the same muffins baked, with a darker brown color all over and round, slightly cracked tops. Both trays are light beige with small speckles, placed on a white marbled surface with a light cloth in the corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Sticky Toffee Pudding with Toffee Sauce Recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that come together to create a luscious, comforting dessert. Each item is thoughtfully chosen to contribute to the moist texture, the vibrant sweetness, and the classic rich color that you expect from a perfect sticky toffee pudding.

Medjool dates (8 ounces, pitted): These are the star sweetener providing natural caramel-like richness and moisture.
Boiling water (1 cup): Softens the dates, intensifying their flavor and ensuring a tender crumb.
Butter (1/3 cup + 1/2 cup): Adds creaminess and richness to both the batter and the toffee sauce.
Light brown sugar (2/3 cup + 3/4 cup): Brings deep molasses notes that balance the sweetness with a hint of complexity.
Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances all the flavors with its warm, aromatic touch.
Large eggs (2): Provide structure and lift to the sponge.
Molasses (2 tablespoons): Intensifies the toffee flavor and darkens the pudding’s color beautifully.
All-purpose flour (1 2/3 cups): Forms the cake’s tender base that soaks up the sauce so well.
Baking powder (1 1/2 teaspoons): Helps the cake to rise gently making it airy yet moist.
Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Reacts with the dates for a light texture and the classic sticky crumb.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
Heavy whipping cream (1/2 cup): Makes the toffee sauce luxuriously smooth and creamy.
Chopped walnuts (optional): A crunchy textural contrast that adds a nutty finish to your pudding.

How to Make Sticky Toffee Pudding with Toffee Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Soften the Dates

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and greasing a 12-cup muffin tin or ramekins. Then, place the pitted medjool dates in a bowl and pour boiling water over them. Let the dates soak for about five minutes to soften thoroughly, which will infuse their sweet, caramel essence into the pudding.

Step 2: Create the Batter Base

While the dates soak, cream together 1/3 cup of room-temperature butter and 2/3 cup light brown sugar until fluffy. This process is crucial because it incorporates air into the mixture, giving your pudding a delicate texture. Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in molasses and vanilla extract. This blend creates a beautifully rich and fragrant base for your batter.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Integrate

Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure an even, clump-free distribution. Gently fold these dry ingredients into your batter, taking care not to over-mix, as that could make the pudding dense instead of tender.

Step 4: Blend the Date Mixture

Pulse the soaked dates in a food processor until coarsely chopped, then stir in baking soda. Add this mixture directly into the batter without straining, folding it in gently. The soda reacts with the dates creating lift and tiny bubbles, ensuring that classic sticky texture is perfectly achieved.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour your batter into the prepared muffin tin or ramekins and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake, as that will dry out the pudding. Once baked, allow them to cool just enough before adding the sauce.

Step 6: Make the Toffee Sauce

In a saucepan over low heat, combine the heavy cream, 1/2 cup butter, 3/4 cup light brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens slightly, which usually takes 7 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract for that classic warm, sweet aroma.

Step 7: Serve Warm with Toffee Sauce

Serve your sticky toffee puddings flat-side up and generously spoon warm toffee sauce over each. If you like a bit of crunch, sprinkle chopped walnuts on top for a delightful contrast. This is the moment where the dessert truly comes alive — each bite is pure indulgence.

How to Serve Sticky Toffee Pudding with Toffee Sauce Recipe

A close-up image shows a small, dark brown cake with a soft texture on a white plate with a white marbled surface underneath. A light brown sauce is being poured from a transparent container, covering the top of the cake and slowly dripping down the sides in thick streams. In the background, there are three more similar cakes, slightly out of focus, creating depth. The overall setting is clean and bright, with a soft light that highlights the moistness of the cake and the glossy texture of the sauce. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of chopped walnuts adds texture and visual appeal. Toasted nuts, especially walnuts, add a lovely crunch that cuts through the sweetness and enhances that lovely toffee depth.

Side Dishes

Sticky toffee pudding pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream, which balances the warm sticky sweetness with cool creaminess. Alternatively, a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of clotted cream makes for a wonderfully decadent accompaniment that keeps the focus on the pudding’s rich flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the pudding in individual ramekins with the sauce poured tableside for dramatic effect. Another charming presentation is to cut the pudding into squares and stack them, layering with toffee sauce in between for a mini trifle-style dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover puddings and toffee sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The pudding will stay moist and delicious for up to five days, making it an easy dessert to prepare ahead for gatherings or meal prep.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked puddings without the sauce for up to one month. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and adding fresh toffee sauce.

Reheating

To reheat, place the puddings in a warm oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. Warm the toffee sauce gently on the stove or microwave before pouring over the pudding for that freshly made indulgence every time.

FAQs

Can I use other types of dates instead of Medjool?

While Medjool dates are preferred for their large size and natural softness, you can substitute with other varieties like Deglet Noor if needed. Just ensure they’re pitted and soak them a bit longer to soften fully.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that measures like regular flour. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious and sticky, perfect for gluten-sensitive diets.

Can I prepare the toffee sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely. The toffee sauce can be made in advance and refrigerated in an airtight container. Gently rewarm it on the stovetop before serving to restore its creamy texture.

What’s the best way to achieve a sticky texture?

The key is to not overbake your pudding and to fold in the date mixture gently without overmixing. The balance of baking soda reacting with the dates also creates those lovely sticky pockets throughout.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, by substituting butter with vegan margarine or coconut oil and using coconut cream in place of heavy cream, you can enjoy a dairy-free version that still delivers rich flavor and luscious sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Sticky Toffee Pudding with Toffee Sauce Recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a warm, comforting experience that feels like a little celebration all on its own. Simple ingredients come together to create layers of deep, rich flavors and moist textures that will have you coming back for seconds. Trust me, once you try this pudding, it will become your go-to dessert to wow family and friends with minimal effort and maximum reward. So go ahead, treat yourself and loved ones today!