Warm Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe: Sweet Comfort in a Bowl

Warm, decadent sticky toffee pudding transports dessert lovers to a realm of pure comfort.

This classic British treat melts hearts with its rich, caramel-soaked sponge cake.

Dates give the pudding a deep, natural sweetness that dances on your palate.

The velvety toffee sauce cascades over the tender cake, creating a symphony of indulgence.

Soft and moist, each bite promises a luxurious experience that speaks to the soul of traditional desserts.

Served warm with a generous drizzle of sauce, this pudding turns an ordinary moment into a celebration of sweet bliss.

Prepare to be enchanted by this irresistible dessert that turns ordinary meals into memorable feasts.

What Makes Sticky Toffee Pudding Loved

• Quick and Easy Treat: Whip up this delectable dessert with minimal kitchen skills, perfect for novice bakers looking to impress without stress.
• Versatile Serving Options: Create individual ramekin servings or a family-style baking dish, making it adaptable for intimate dinners or larger gatherings.
• Indulgent Flavor Explosion: Experience a rich combination of sweet prunes, buttery cake, and decadent toffee sauce that melts in your mouth with every luxurious bite.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Guaranteed to wow guests with its irresistible caramelized texture and warm, comforting essence that feels like a culinary hug.

Sticky Toffee Pudding Ingredient List

• Butter: A creamy base that adds richness.
• Eggs: Provides structure and moisture.
• Vanilla: Brings a warm, sweet flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: Gives the cake its tender crumb.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and become light.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Prunes: Adds moisture and subtle fruity sweetness.
• Hot Water: Helps blend the ingredients smoothly.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor.

• Butter: Creates a rich, smooth base.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious creaminess.
• Brown Sugar: Provides deep caramel notes.

• Sea Salt: Balances and intensifies the sauce flavors.

• Whipped Cream, Heavy Cream: Adds a light, cool contrast.

Sticky Toffee Pudding Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Cake Batter

Grab your mixing bowl and combine softened butter, eggs, and vanilla.

Whisk these ingredients until they’re beautifully blended.

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until you create a smooth, silky batter.

Chop some prunes and soak them in hot water to soften, then gently fold them into the batter.

Step 2: Set Up Baking Dish

Generously grease an 8×8-inch square baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

Pour the cake batter into the prepared dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Slide the baking dish into a preheated oven at 375°F.

Bake for 15 minutes, then carefully cover with aluminum foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes.

Check the cake’s doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Let the cake cool slightly before moving to the next step.

Step 4: Create Decadent Toffee Sauce

• Unsalted butter
• Heavy cream
• Brown sugar
• Sea salt

Heat the mixture over medium-high heat, whisking constantly.

Allow the sauce to bubble gently and thicken until it coats the back of a wooden spoon, which takes about 3-4 minutes.

Step 5: Assemble and Finish

Slice the cake into generous squares.

Drizzle each piece generously with the warm toffee sauce.

For an extra touch of indulgence, add a dollop of whipped cream or a splash of heavy cream on top.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the sticky toffee pudding while it’s still warm.

The combination of moist cake, sweet prunes, and rich toffee sauce creates a dessert that’s pure comfort in every bite.

Perfect for sharing with friends or savoring all by yourself!

Tips for a Rich Sticky Pudding

• Soak prunes in hot water for maximum moisture and depth of flavor in your cake, ensuring a rich, soft texture.
• Use a light-colored ramekin or baking dish to help monitor browning and avoid over-baking the delicate pudding.
• Whisk continuously while cooking to prevent sugar crystallization and achieve a silky, glossy sauce.
• Substitute gluten-free flour for traditional flour to make this dessert suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Keep a close eye during the final broiling stage to achieve a caramelized top without burning the delicate pudding.

How to Store Sticky Toffee Pudding

• Store leftover sticky toffee pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover the pudding completely to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen pudding can last up to 2 months without losing its delicious texture and flavor.
• Preheat oven to 325°F. Place pudding in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Drizzle fresh toffee sauce before serving to restore moisture.
• Warm individual portions for 30-45 seconds on medium power. Add a splash of cream or toffee sauce to keep the dessert moist and restore its original gooey texture.

Serving Tips for Sticky Toffee Pudding

• Perfect Drink Pairing: Match Rich Dessert with Port Wine
• Select a vintage or tawny port that complements the sticky toffee pudding's deep caramel notes, offering a smooth, sweet counterpoint to the dense cake's rich flavor profile.
• Elevate Dessert Experience: Accompany with Aged Rum
• Pour a high-quality aged rum with hints of vanilla and oak, which beautifully mirrors the pudding's warm, butterscotch-like toffee sauce and enhances the dessert's complex sweetness.
• Creamy Complement: Serve with Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream
• Top the warm pudding with freshly whipped cream infused with real vanilla bean, creating a light, airy texture that cuts through the dessert's intense richness and provides a cool contrast.
• Bonus Pairing: Enjoy with Spiced Tea
• Brew a hot cup of chai or spiced black tea, whose warm cinnamon and cardamom notes beautifully echo the pudding's deep, comforting flavors and provide a wonderfully aromatic finish.

Ideas to Change Up Sticky Toffee Pudding

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free baking blend, ensuring the same tender texture while accommodating wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Alternative: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with mashed bananas or flax eggs, and heavy cream with coconut cream for a plant-based friendly dessert.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of brown sugar, and replace prunes with dates for natural sweetness while reducing overall sugar content.
• Nutty Enhancement: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added crunch and depth of flavor, creating a more complex taste profile.

FAQs

• What are prunes, and why are they used in this recipe?

Prunes are dried plums that add natural sweetness and moisture to the cake. They help create a rich, dense texture and enhance the pudding’s deep flavor profile.

• Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cake and toffee sauce in advance. Store the cake and sauce separately in the refrigerator, then reheat and assemble just before serving to maintain the best texture and warmth.

• Is sticky toffee pudding a traditional British dessert?

Absolutely! This dessert originated in England, specifically in the Lake District region, and has been a beloved classic British pudding since the 1970s. It’s particularly popular in restaurants and home kitchens across the United Kingdom.

• What can I do if I don't have ramekins?

You can use an 8×8-inch baking dish as an alternative. The recipe provides instructions for baking in a square pan, which works perfectly if individual servings aren’t possible.

Sticky Toffee Pudding Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Indulgent sticky toffee pudding from England celebrates rich dates and caramel in a heavenly dessert. Warm, tender cake drenched in silky toffee sauce promises comfort that will delight and satisfy you.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup pitted prunes, chopped (or pitted dates)
• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons (180 ml + 30 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) hot water

Sugars and Sweeteners:

• 1/3 cup + 1 teaspoon (80 ml + 5 ml) granulated sugar (or Turbinado sugar)
• 1/3 cup + 1 teaspoon (80 ml + 5 ml) dark brown sugar

Baking and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the pudding base by blending prunes with hot water into a smooth, rich mixture that will infuse deep flavor and moisture into the cake.
2. Combine all dry ingredients with butter, eggs, and vanilla in a food processor, creating a uniform batter that will ensure a consistent texture throughout the dessert.
3. Carefully distribute the batter into ramekins, filling each approximately two-thirds full to allow proper rising and prevent overflow during baking.
4. Place ramekins in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C), baking until the cakes demonstrate a delicate spring when gently pressed, indicating perfect moisture and doneness.
5. While cakes bake, craft the toffee sauce by melting butter with cream and brown sugar, whisking continuously to develop a silky, glossy consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
6. After baking, slice each cake horizontally, creating layers that will absorb the decadent toffee sauce more effectively.
7. Reassemble the cake halves in their ramekins, generously drizzling toffee sauce between and over the layers to enhance moisture and flavor.
8. Briefly broil the sauced cakes, watching carefully to achieve a caramelized, sticky surface without burning.
9. Plate the warm puddings, finishing with an additional cascade of toffee sauce and a dollop of whipped cream for a luxurious presentation.

Notes

• Select ripe, soft prunes for a more intense, rich flavor that enhances the cake’s natural sweetness and moisture.
• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smoother batter mixing and more consistent cake texture.
• Adjust baking time carefully to prevent dryness; pudding should be moist and springy when touched.
• Consider replacing prunes with dates for a different flavor profile while maintaining similar moisture and sweetness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 29 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 61 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg