Sticky Toffee Pudding: A Beloved British Classic
Sticky Toffee Pudding is a quintessential dessert from the United Kingdom, cherished for its moist, tender sponge cake infused with the natural sweetness and richness of dates. This comforting treat is renowned for being generously covered in a warm, buttery toffee sauce that soaks into the cake, creating an indulgent combination of flavors and textures. Often enjoyed with a side of cream, custard, or vanilla ice cream, sticky toffee pudding is a staple in British cuisine, especially popular during colder months and festive occasions for its hearty sweetness and satisfying richness.
The dessert’s charm lies in its simplicity and depth of flavor—dates add moisture and a caramel-like taste to the sponge, while the homemade toffee sauce enhances the pudding’s decadence. Despite its luxurious profile, sticky toffee pudding is straightforward to prepare at home, making it a favorite among home cooks worldwide who love to share their versions on platforms like Cookpad. It frequently appears in food recipes collections as a go-to dessert for those looking to create a show-stopping yet comforting treat.
Its enduring popularity is a testament to how this humble yet indulgent dessert captures the essence of traditional British comfort food, inspiring bakers and dessert lovers around the world.
Traditional Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe
Ingredients:
For the pudding:
- 200g (7 oz) pitted dates, chopped
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 250ml (1 cup) boiling water
- 85g (6 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
- 175g (3/4 cup) brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 200g (1 2/3 cups) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
For the toffee sauce:
- 200g (1 cup) brown sugar
- 100g (7 tbsp) unsalted butter
- 250ml (1 cup) heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an
8-inch square baking dish.
- Place chopped dates and baking soda in a bowl. Pour
boiling water over the dates and let soak for 10-15 minutes until
softened.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown
sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in
the vanilla extract.
- Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt into the wet
mixture and fold gently until combined.
- Stir in the soaked dates along with their liquid.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake
for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out
clean.
- While the pudding is baking, prepare the toffee sauce.
In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream over medium
heat. Stir constantly until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves.
Bring to a gentle boil and cook for about 5 minutes until thickened
slightly. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Once the pudding is done, remove it from the oven and
poke holes on the surface using a skewer or fork. Pour half of the warm
toffee sauce over the pudding, allowing it to soak in.
- Serve warm with the remaining toffee sauce drizzled on
top, alongside cream, custard, or vanilla ice cream.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make sticky toffee pudding
ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the pudding a day ahead, store it covered, and reheat it
gently before serving. Prepare the toffee sauce fresh for best results.
What can I use if I don’t have
dates?
While dates provide a unique flavor and moisture, prunes or dried figs can be
used as substitutes, but the taste will vary slightly.
Is sticky toffee pudding very sweet?
It is sweet but balanced by the richness of the butter and cream. You can
adjust the amount of sugar in the toffee sauce if you prefer a less sweet
dessert.
Can I freeze sticky toffee pudding?
Yes, sticky toffee pudding freezes well. Freeze it without sauce, then thaw and
reheat before serving with freshly made toffee sauce.
What is the best way to serve sticky
toffee pudding?
Traditionally, it’s served warm with pouring cream, custard, or vanilla ice
cream to complement the richness of the pudding and sauce.
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