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Sticky toffee pudding topped with warm toffee sauce and served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Super Easy and Delicious Sticky Toffee Pudding

Emilia
A classic British dessert with tender date cake soaked in rich toffee sauce. Soft, warm, and comforting; this pudding melts in your mouth!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dessert
Cuisine British, European
Servings 8
Calories 410 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 8x8 baking dish

Ingredients
  

For the pudding

  • 1 cup pitted dates chopped
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 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
  • 1/4 tsp salt

For the toffee sauce

  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter (half a stick)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • pinch of salt

Instructions
 

For the pudding

  • Chop the dates and place them in a bowl. Pour boiling water over them. Let them sit for 10 minutes until softened, then lightly mash with a fork. Do not drain or rinse! You’ll add the soaking water to the batter for moisture and flavor.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8-inch glass baking dish.
  • In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla.
  • Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in another bowl, then fold into the wet mixture. Stir in the dates and their soaking liquid.
  • Pour the batter into your prepared dish and smooth the top. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Make the toffee sauce

  • While the pudding bakes, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add brown sugar and whisk until dissolved. Slowly pour in the cream and let it simmer 3–5 minutes until smooth and slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and salt.

Finish and serve

  • When the pudding comes out of the oven, poke a few holes with a skewer. Pour half the warm sauce over it while still hot and let it soak for 10 minutes. Serve warm with more sauce drizzled on top and a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Notes

  • For extra depth, add 1 tablespoon molasses to the batter or 1 teaspoon to the sauce.
  • Use dark brown sugar for a stronger toffee flavor.
  • Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving to bring back its gooey texture.
  • Perfect with coffee, tea, or after a cozy winter meal.
Keyword british dessert, caramel sauce, date cake, easy holiday dessert, fall dessert, Sticky Toffee Pudding, winter dessert