Gordon Ramsay's Sticky Toffee Pudding

Gordon Ramsay's Sticky Toffee Pudding is a medium British recipe that serves 8. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Justin Bishop on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 1 hr 10 min

Cost: $7.31 total, $0.91 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1.5 cup Pitted Dates (chopped roughly)
  • 1 tsp Baking Soda (for the date soak)
  • 1 cup Boiling Water (hot, for softening dates)
  • 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter (softened, plus extra for sauce)
  • 1 cup Brown Sugar (packed)
  • 2 large Eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
  • 1 cup Self‑Rising Flour (for extra lift)
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (pure)
  • ¼ tsp Salt (fine sea salt)
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream (for sauce, 35% fat)
  • 2 tbsp Golden Syrup (or light corn syrup)

Instructions

  1. Soak Dates

    Place chopped dates in a heat‑proof bowl, add baking soda, then pour boiling water over them. Stir and let sit for 10 minutes until softened.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Blend Date Mixture

    Using a hand blender or food processor, puree the soaked dates until smooth. Set aside.

    Time: PT3M

  3. Cream Butter and Sugar

    In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter with brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.

    Time: PT3M

  4. Add Eggs

    Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Combine Dry Ingredients

    Sift together all‑purpose flour, self‑rising flour, and salt. Fold into the butter mixture until just combined.

    Time: PT3M

  6. Add Date Puree and Vanilla

    Stir in the date puree and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Bake the Pudding

    Pour batter into a greased 8‑inch square baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 35 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.

    Time: PT35M

    Temperature: 350°F

  8. Prepare Toffee Sauce

    While the pudding bakes, melt 4 tbsp butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add brown sugar, golden syrup, and heavy cream. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens and bubbles, about 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  9. Combine and Serve

    When the pudding is done, poke several holes across the surface with a skewer, then pour half of the warm toffee sauce over it, allowing it to soak in. Serve each portion with a drizzle of the remaining sauce and a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
5g
Carbohydrates
45g
Fat
15g
Fiber
2g

Dietary info: Vegetarian

Allergens: Eggs, Dairy, Gluten

Last updated: April 17, 2026

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Gordon Ramsay's Sticky Toffee Pudding

Recipe by Justin Bishop

A classic British holiday dessert featuring a moist date‑spiced cake drenched in a rich buttery toffee sauce. Perfect for festive gatherings and cozy evenings.

MediumBritishServes 8

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

Source Video
18m
Prep
50m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 18m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$7.31
Total cost
$0.91
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Soaking and pureeing the dates to achieve a smooth base.
  • Baking the pudding until just set to keep it moist.
  • Making the toffee sauce without burning.

Safety Warnings

  • Boiling water can cause severe burns; handle with care.
  • Hot toffee sauce can splatter—use a deep saucepan and keep the handle turned away from the edge.

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 UK in the 1970s, popularized by hotel chefs as a comforting winter dessert. It has become a staple holiday treat, celebrated for its rich caramel flavor and moist date cake base.

cultural
Q

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

A

While the classic version uses dates and a buttery toffee sauce, some regions add treacle, ginger, or whisky to the batter. In Scotland, a drizzle of whisky‑infused sauce is common, whereas in England the focus remains on pure caramel.

cultural
Q

How is Sticky Toffee Pudding traditionally served in England during the holidays?

A

It is typically served warm, drizzled with hot toffee sauce, and accompanied by vanilla ice cream, custard, or clotted cream. The dessert is often presented on a rustic platter for family gatherings.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Sticky Toffee Pudding traditionally associated with in British culture?

A

Sticky Toffee Pudding is a favorite at Christmas, New Year’s gatherings, and winter parties. Its warm, indulgent nature makes it a go‑to dessert for festive meals and cozy evenings.

cultural
Q

What other British dishes pair well with Sticky Toffee Pudding?

A

Pair it with classic British accompaniments like clotted cream, vanilla custard, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A glass of fortified wine such as sherry or a rich porter also complements the caramel flavors.

cultural
Q

What makes Sticky Toffee Pudding special or unique in British dessert tradition?

A

Its combination of a moist date‑spiced sponge and a luxuriously thick toffee sauce sets it apart. The balance of sweet caramel, buttery richness, and subtle spice creates a comforting dessert unlike any other British sweet.

cultural
Q

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

A

Common errors include over‑mixing the batter, which creates a dense texture, under‑softening the dates, leading to a gritty cake, and burning the toffee sauce by cooking it too high or too long.

technical
Q

Why does this Sticky Toffee Pudding recipe use both all‑purpose flour and self‑rising flour?

A

All‑purpose flour provides structure while self‑rising flour adds extra lift without additional leavening agents, ensuring the pudding stays light and airy despite its dense ingredients.

technical
Q

Can I make Sticky Toffee Pudding ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, bake the pudding a day ahead, keep it covered, and store in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in the oven and pour fresh warm toffee sauce before serving for the best texture.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Justin Bishop specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Justin Bishop focuses on approachable home cooking tutorials, seasonal recipes, and technique‑focused videos that help home cooks achieve restaurant‑quality results.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Justin Bishop's approach to British cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Justin Bishop emphasizes clear step‑by‑step explanations, practical tips for everyday kitchens, and a relaxed presentation style, making classic British dishes like Sticky Toffee Pudding accessible without requiring professional equipment.

channel

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