Sticky Toffee Pudding
There’s something about Sticky Toffee Pudding that brings everyone to the table with smiles on their faces. I remember the first time I made this dessert for my family—it was a cold Sunday afternoon, and I wanted to surprise them with something warm, indulgent, and nostalgic. Little did I know, this recipe would become a staple in our household, reserved for celebrations, cozy weekends, and those moments when a little extra sweetness is exactly what we need.
What I love most about this recipe is how it strikes the perfect balance between rich, gooey indulgence and comforting familiarity. The dates in the batter add a natural sweetness and moist texture, while the toffee sauce ties everything together in a glorious caramel hug. And the clotted cream ice cream? That’s the cherry on top—a creamy, slightly tangy contrast to the warm pudding.
When I set this dessert on the table, it never lasts long. The kids dive in, savoring every bite, and my husband always asks for seconds (sometimes thirds!). It’s a crowd-pleaser through and through, and the best part is that it’s deceptively easy to make. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or impressing guests, this Sticky Toffee Pudding is sure to earn you rave reviews.
So, let’s get started, shall we? This recipe is about to become your go-to for turning ordinary evenings into extraordinary ones.
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Can I make this pudding ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the pudding a day in advance and store it in an airtight container. Reheat it gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
What can I use instead of clotted cream ice cream? If clotted cream ice cream isn’t available, vanilla bean ice cream or even lightly whipped cream works wonderfully.
Can I skip the dates? Dates are essential for the authentic texture and flavor of Sticky Toffee Pudding, but you can substitute them with figs or raisins if necessary.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing? Yes! Both the pudding and the sauce freeze well. Just make sure to cool them completely before storing in airtight containers. Defrost and reheat as needed.
How do I avoid a soggy pudding? Be sure to bake the pudding until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Over-saturating with sauce while serving can also make it too soggy, so pour with care!
What You Need to Make Sticky Toffee Pudding with Clotted Cream Ice Cream
Ingredients:
For the pudding:
200g (7 oz) pitted dates, chopped
250ml (1 cup) boiling water
1 tsp baking soda
100g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
150g (3/4 cup) light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
200g (1 3/4 cups) self-raising flour
Pinch of salt
For the toffee sauce:
200g (1 cup) light brown sugar
100g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
250ml (1 cup) heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
For serving:
Clotted cream ice cream
Tools and Equipment:
A 9-inch square or round baking dish
Hand or stand mixer
Medium saucepan
Heatproof mixing bowl
Spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make Sticky Toffee Pudding
Step 1: Prep the dates
Place the chopped dates in a heatproof bowl and pour the boiling water over them. Stir in the baking soda and let it sit for 10 minutes to soften. Mash the mixture lightly with a fork.
Step 2: Make the batter
In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Gradually fold in the flour and salt, alternating with the date mixture, until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Bake the pudding
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Pour the batter into a greased baking dish and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 4: Prepare the toffee sauce
In a saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter, and cream. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and turns a rich caramel color (about 5 minutes). Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: Assemble and serve
Pour a generous amount of warm toffee sauce over the baked pudding. Serve slices with a scoop of clotted cream ice cream and an extra drizzle of sauce.
Tips for Making the Best Sticky Toffee Pudding
Use fresh, plump dates for the best texture and flavor. Pre-packaged dates can sometimes be dry, so soak them longer if needed.
Don’t overmix the batter. This will help keep the pudding light and fluffy.
Warm the sauce before serving. A warm toffee sauce enhances the dish’s gooey decadence.
Double the sauce! If your family loves extra sauce (like mine does), make a double batch to serve on the side.
Experiment with toppings. A sprinkle of sea salt, toasted nuts, or even a dash of cinnamon can add extra flair.
Reader Reviews
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This pudding is a game-changer! My kids devoured it, and my husband declared it the best dessert I’ve ever made.” – Sarah M.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Perfect for our Sunday dinner! The toffee sauce is divine, and the clotted cream ice cream takes it to another level.” – Lisa T.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “So easy to make, and the results were stunning. I froze leftovers, and they reheated beautifully.” – Emma P.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Delicious, but next time I might add a little spice to the batter, like cinnamon or nutmeg.” – Mark H.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This was a hit at my dinner party! My guests couldn’t believe I made it from scratch.” – Olivia K.
Printable Recipe
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Sticky Toffee Pudding
Sticky Toffee Pudding is a rich, moist dessert featuring a date-filled cake drenched in a luscious toffee sauce and served with clotted cream ice cream. Perfect for family gatherings or special occasions!
Ingredients
- For the pudding:
- 200g (7 oz) pitted dates, chopped
- 250ml (1 cup) boiling water
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 100g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 150g (3/4 cup) light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 200g (1 3/4 cups) self-raising flour
- Pinch of salt
- For the toffee sauce:
- 200g (1 cup) light brown sugar
- 100g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
- 250ml (1 cup) heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For serving:
- Clotted cream ice cream
- Tools and Equipment:
- A 9-inch square or round baking dish
- Hand or stand mixer
- Medium saucepan
- Heatproof mixing bowl
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
- Prep the dates: Place the chopped dates in a heatproof bowl and pour the boiling water over them. Stir in the baking soda and let it sit for 10 minutes to soften. Mash the mixture lightly with a fork.
- Make the batter: In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Gradually fold in the flour and salt, alternating with the date mixture, until everything is well combined.
- Bake the pudding: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Pour the batter into a greased baking dish and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the toffee sauce: In a saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter, and cream. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and turns a rich caramel color (about 5 minutes). Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Assemble and serve: Pour a generous amount of warm toffee sauce over the baked pudding. Serve slices with a scoop of clotted cream ice cream and an extra drizzle of sauce.
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