The Best Homemade Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This sticky toffee pudding is a cozy, comforting dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, from weeknight treats to holiday feasts. You’ll love how easy it is to make, with simple ingredients that create a rich, gooey masterpiece.
- Irresistible flavor: The warm, caramel-like sauce paired with moist cake is a match made in dessert heaven.
- Easy to make: No fancy techniques needed—just mix, bake, and enjoy the delicious results.
- Crowd-pleaser: Whether serving family or friends, this dessert always earns rave reviews and empty plates.
Recipe
Indulge in the rich, comforting flavors of homemade sticky toffee pudding, a classic British dessert that combines moist date cake with a luscious toffee sauce. Perfect for cozy evenings or special occasions, this recipe delivers a decadent treat that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Pudding:
- 200g pitted dates, chopped
- 250ml boiling water
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 85g unsalted butter, softened
- 140g dark brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 175g self-raising flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Toffee Sauce:
- 175g dark brown sugar
- 50g unsalted butter
- 225ml double cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Pudding:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/350°F/gas mark 4. Grease a 20cm square baking dish.
- Place the chopped dates in a bowl, pour over the boiling water, and stir in the baking soda. Let sit for 10 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then fold in the flour and vanilla.
- Stir in the date mixture (including the liquid) until well combined. Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for 35–40 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean.
- Make the Toffee Sauce:
- While the pudding bakes, combine the sugar, butter, and cream in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.
- Serve:
- Poke holes in the warm pudding and pour over half the toffee sauce. Serve slices with the remaining sauce drizzled on top.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before serving.
- For extra richness, serve with vanilla ice cream or clotted cream.
Equipment
- 20cm square baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer (optional)
- Saucepan
Time
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 40 minutes
Cuisine
British
Serving
Serves 8–10
Nutrition
This classic sticky toffee pudding is rich in flavor and calories, perfect for an indulgent dessert. Below is the nutritional breakdown per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 65 g |
| Sugar | 50 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my sticky toffee pudding with creamy vanilla ice cream; it cools the warm pudding perfectly. Adding a drizzle of warm caramel sauce takes it to the next level, making every bite richer. Trust me, these two additions turn a simple dessert into something truly unforgettable.
Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream
Creamy vanilla ice cream is the perfect companion to sticky toffee pudding, creating a balance of warm and cold that’s hard to resist. The smooth, cool sweetness melts into the rich, caramelized sponge, making every bite feel like a cozy hug. I love how the vanilla’s subtle flavor doesn’t overpower the toffee but enhances it, letting both shine. A scoop on top turns dessert into something extra special—simple yet indulgent. If you’ve never tried this combo, you’re missing out! It’s like pairing a warm cookie with milk, but even better. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll never go back.
Warm Caramel Sauce
There’s something magical about warm caramel sauce—it’s smooth, rich, and instantly makes any dessert feel extra special. I love drizzling it over sticky toffee pudding because it deepens the flavors, adding that perfect touch of sweetness. It’s easy to make at home—just sugar, butter, and cream—but it feels luxurious. I’ve found it’s also fantastic with ice cream, fresh fruit, or even pancakes. Sometimes, I’ll sneak a spoonful straight from the jar—no judgment here! It’s versatile, indulgent, and always a crowd-pleaser. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to pour it on everything. It’s that good.
