Sticky toffee pudding

Sticky toffee pudding is a medium British recipe that serves 6. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Andy Cooks on YouTube.

Prep: 32 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 32 min

Cost: $7.93 total, $1.32 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Pitted Dates (chopped and soaked)
  • 1 cup Boiling Water (for soaking dates)
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
  • 0.25 teaspoon Salt
  • 0.5 cup Unsalted Butter (melted)
  • 0.75 cup Brown Sugar (packed)
  • 2 large Eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream (for sauce)
  • 1 cup Dark Brown Sugar (for sauce)
  • 0.5 cup Butter (for sauce, cut into cubes)
  • 1 pinch Salt (for sauce)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven

    Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 350°F

  2. Soak Dates

    Combine the chopped dates with 1 cup of boiling water in a bowl and let sit for 10 minutes until softened.

    Time: PT10M

  3. Blend Date Paste

    Puree the softened dates and water with a hand blender or food processor until smooth.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Combine Dry Ingredients

    In a separate bowl sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

    Time: PT3M

  5. Cream Butter and Sugar

    In the mixing bowl, whisk melted butter with brown sugar until smooth and glossy.

    Time: PT3M

  6. Add Eggs and Vanilla

    Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Incorporate Date Paste

    Fold the date paste into the butter‑sugar mixture until fully combined.

    Time: PT2M

  8. Fold in Dry Ingredients

    Gently fold the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to over‑mix.

    Time: PT3M

  9. Transfer to Baking Dish

    Pour the batter into a greased 8×8‑inch baking dish and smooth the top.

    Time: PT2M

  10. Bake Pudding

    Bake for 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

    Time: PT35M

    Temperature: 350°F

  11. Make Toffee Sauce

    While the pudding bakes, melt ½ cup butter and 1 cup dark brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until dissolved. Add 1 cup heavy cream and a pinch of salt, bring to a gentle simmer and cook 5 minutes until thickened.

    Time: PT10M

  12. Combine Pudding and Sauce

    When the pudding is done, poke several holes with a skewer, pour half of the warm toffee sauce over it, and let sit 5 minutes to absorb.

    Time: PT5M

  13. Serve

    Serve the sticky toffee pudding warm, drizzled with the remaining sauce. Optional: add a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
5 g
Carbohydrates
55 g
Fat
15 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian

Allergens: Gluten, Dairy, Eggs

Last updated: April 17, 2026

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Sticky toffee pudding

Recipe by Andy Cooks

A classic British sticky toffee pudding with a rich caramel sauce, perfect for a comforting dessert.

MediumBritishServes 6

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
29m
Prep
55m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 34m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$7.93
Total cost
$1.32
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Soaking the dates until soft ensures moisture.
  • Do not over‑bake; the pudding should be moist.
  • Make the toffee sauce without boiling vigorously to avoid scorching.
  • Poke holes before adding sauce so it penetrates the pudding.

Safety Warnings

  • The toffee sauce is extremely hot; handle with care to avoid burns.
  • Use oven mitts when removing the baking dish from the oven.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Sticky Toffee Pudding in British cuisine?

A

Sticky Toffee Pudding originated in the United Kingdom in the 1960s and quickly became a beloved comfort dessert, often served in pubs and at family gatherings. Its rich caramel flavor reflects the British love of sweet, buttery puddings.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Sticky Toffee Pudding in the United Kingdom?

A

While the classic version uses dates, some regions add treacle or golden syrup for extra depth. In Scotland, a drizzle of whisky‑infused sauce is sometimes served alongside the pudding.

cultural
Q

How is Sticky Toffee Pudding traditionally served in England?

A

It is typically served warm, poured with a generous amount of hot toffee sauce, and often accompanied by vanilla ice cream or custard. A dollop of clotted cream is also a popular topping in some areas.

cultural
Q

During which occasions is Sticky Toffee Pudding traditionally enjoyed in British culture?

A

Sticky Toffee Pudding is a popular choice for holiday meals, especially Christmas and New Year’s, as well as for cozy winter evenings and special family celebrations.

cultural
Q

How does Sticky Toffee Pudding fit into the broader British dessert tradition?

A

It exemplifies the British tradition of steamed or baked puddings that are rich, buttery, and served with a sweet sauce, similar to Spotted Dick and Bread and Butter Pudding.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Sticky Toffee Pudding versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients include pitted dates, brown sugar, butter, eggs, and heavy cream. Acceptable substitutes are raisins or figs for dates, coconut sugar for brown sugar, and half‑and‑half or milk plus butter for heavy cream.

cultural
Q

What other British dishes pair well with Sticky Toffee Pudding?

A

A classic pairing is a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of clotted cream. It also goes well with a cup of strong English tea or a glass of fortified wine such as sherry.

cultural
Q

What makes Sticky Toffee Pudding special or unique in British cuisine?

A

Its signature moist date‑laden cake combined with a luxuriously thick caramel sauce creates a contrast of textures and flavors that is uniquely indulgent among British puddings.

cultural
Q

How has Sticky Toffee Pudding evolved over time in British cooking?

A

Originally a simple home‑cooked dessert, it has evolved into a restaurant staple with variations that include added spirits, flavored sauces, and gluten‑free versions, reflecting modern dietary trends.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Sticky Toffee Pudding at home?

A

Common errors include over‑baking, which dries out the cake, and not soaking the dates long enough, resulting in a dense texture. Also, boiling the sauce too vigorously can cause it to scorch.

technical
Q

How do I know when Sticky Toffee Pudding is done cooking?

A

The pudding is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, and the top is golden brown. The sauce should be bubbling gently during the final minutes.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Andy Cooks specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Andy Cooks focuses on approachable home‑cooking tutorials, featuring classic comfort foods, quick weeknight meals, and detailed step‑by‑step guides for beginners and intermediate cooks.

channel

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