Name: Sticky Toffee Pudding with Toffee Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 1 cup dates, pitted and chopped; 3/4 cup water; 1 1/4 cups flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon orange zest; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup unsalted butter; 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed; 1 tablespoon molasses; 2 tablespoons light corn syrup; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 29 reviews

If you’ve ever dreamed of a dessert that’s rich, comforting, and packed with luscious flavors, then you’re going to adore this Sticky Toffee Pudding with Toffee Sauce Recipe. This classic British treat brings together moist, date-studded cake drenched in a decadent, warm toffee sauce that feels like a cozy hug on a plate. Every bite melts in your mouth with the perfect blend of sweetness and a subtle hint of orange zest to brighten things up. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply because you deserve a treat, this recipe promises a magical experience that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A single tall slice of moist brown cake with a crumbly texture sits in the center of a white plate. A scoop of creamy white ice cream rests on top of the cake, slowly melting and blending into the cake's surface. Thick, golden caramel sauce pours down from the ice cream, covering both the ice cream and the sides of the cake, pooling onto the plate below. The background features a soft white marbled texture, and the scene is softly lit to highlight the rich colors and textures of the dessert. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the perfect Sticky Toffee Pudding with Toffee Sauce starts with straightforward, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in balancing the flavors, achieving the ideal moistness, and creating that irresistible caramelized finish.

Dates, 1 cup: These chopped, pitted dates add natural sweetness and a wonderfully moist texture that keeps the pudding tender.
Water, 3/4 cup: Helps soften the dates and creates the perfect base for the batter.
Flour, 1 1/4 cups: The foundation that provides structure to the pudding.
Baking powder, 1 teaspoon: Ensures the pudding rises with a light, airy crumb.
Baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon: Reacts with the acidity from dates and orange zest to give extra lift.
Salt, 1/4 teaspoon: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the richness.
Unsalted butter, 4 tablespoons (plus 1/4 cup for the sauce): Adds luxurious creaminess and helps develop the rich toffee flavor.
Brown sugar, 3/4 cup for pudding and 1/4 cup for sauce: Contributes deep caramel notes and moistness.
Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon for pudding and 1 teaspoon for sauce: Lifts the flavors, giving warmth and depth.
Large egg, 1: Binds the ingredients and lends a tender texture.
Orange zest, 1 tablespoon: Adds a fresh, bright twist that perfectly complements the sweetness.
Heavy cream, 1/2 cup (for the sauce): Creates a luxuriously smooth and rich toffee sauce.
Molasses, 1 tablespoon: Boosts the depth of flavor in the toffee sauce with its rich, slightly smoky sweetness.
Light corn syrup, 2 tablespoons: Keeps the sauce silky and prevents crystallization.

How to Make Sticky Toffee Pudding with Toffee Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Date Mixture

Start by soaking your chopped dates in boiling water. This softens them up beautifully and infuses the base with natural sweetness and moisture. Let them soak for about 15 minutes, then mash lightly with a fork so that they break down but still have a few chunks for texture. This step is pure magic as it guarantees that moist, sticky goodness right in the puddings’ heart.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

While your dates soak, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. This dry mix ensures even distribution of rising agents and seasoning so that your pudding bakes evenly and has just the right crumb.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate large bowl, beat the unsalted butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air which helps the pudding rise and develop a lovely texture. Once creamed, add in the egg and vanilla extract, beating well to combine.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Fold the soaked dates, including all that flavorful soaking water, into your creamed butter and sugar mixture. Then gently incorporate the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Finally, add the fresh orange zest—this little touch is what makes the dessert sing with a subtle citrus brightness.

Step 5: Bake the Pudding

Pour the batter into a greased baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The pudding should be springy yet moist, a sign you’ve achieved pudding perfection.

Step 6: Make the Toffee Sauce

While the pudding bakes, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then stir in brown sugar, molasses, corn syrup, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and let it simmer for 5 minutes, stirring frequently until thickened and glossy. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor.

Step 7: Serve with Sauce Warm

Once your pudding is baked, cut into squares or scoop portions onto plates, then lavish each serving with the warm, sticky toffee sauce. This step is where the luscious sauce melds with the moist pudding, creating a luxurious treat that’s absolutely irresistible.

How to Serve Sticky Toffee Pudding with Toffee Sauce Recipe

The image shows two side-by-side photos of a metal pan on a white marbled surface. On the left side, the pan contains several ingredients separated: a block of pale yellow butter near the top right, a white cream layer covering the base, a small pile of light brown sugar near the bottom right, a dark thick sauce on the bottom left, and a small dollop of black sauce near the top left. On the right side, the ingredients are mixed into a smooth, shiny, medium brown sauce filling the pan. A silver whisk rests inside the sauce, with the handle pointing to the upper left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Sticky Toffee Pudding with Toffee Sauce Recipe, consider a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. These creamy extras balance the richness while adding a cool contrast that melts joyfully with the warm pudding. For a final flourish, sprinkle some toasted chopped nuts or a dusting of cinnamon to add a bit of texture and spice.

Side Dishes

This dessert stands beautifully on its own, but if you’re serving it at a dinner party, pair it with fresh fruit like sliced pears or berries lightly macerated in a splash of brandy. The fresh acidity cuts through the richness and adds dimension to every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For an impressive presentation, serve individual puddings in small ramekins topped with toffee sauce and edible flowers or mint leaves for a splash of color. You could also layer chunks of pudding with toffee sauce and whipped cream in glass jars to create an elegant trifle-inspired dessert. The possibilities with this Sticky Toffee Pudding with Toffee Sauce Recipe are endless and always delightful!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover sticky toffee pudding can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the toffee sauce separate in an airtight container to maintain its silky texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the pudding either whole in the baking dish or cut into portions wrapped tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Make sure to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat puddings in the microwave or oven until just warmed through. Warm the toffee sauce on the stovetop or microwave until silky and pourable. Reheating gently preserves the moist texture and luscious flavor of this Sticky Toffee Pudding with Toffee Sauce Recipe.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. The pudding will still be moist and delicious thanks to the dates and toffee sauce.

What kind of dates work best?

Medjool dates are ideal because they’re naturally soft and sweet, which complements the dessert perfectly. If you only have dry dates, soaking longer helps soften them thoroughly.

How do I ensure the toffee sauce doesn’t crystallize?

Incorporating light corn syrup and simmering the sauce without stirring too vigorously helps prevent sugar crystals from forming, keeping the sauce smooth and glossy.

Can this dessert be made ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the pudding up to two days ahead and simply warm with freshly made toffee sauce just before serving for effortless entertaining.

Is there a vegan version of this recipe?

Yes, you can swap butter for a vegan margarine, use a flax egg or other egg substitute, and choose plant-based cream alternatives for the sauce. The flavors remain wonderfully rich and comforting.

Final Thoughts

This Sticky Toffee Pudding with Toffee Sauce Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and joy to any table. It’s a dish that feels like a special celebration and a cozy night in all at once. I can’t wait for you to try making it; once you do, it’s sure to become a beloved favorite that you’ll bake again and again.