Pin it A cozy, rustic dessert with a deep caramel flavor, luscious dates, and a rich toffee sauce — perfect for fireside gatherings or indulgent cabin weekends.
I first enjoyed making this dessert during a chilly cabin weekend and it quickly became a family favorite for fireside treats.
Ingredients
- For the Pudding: 225 g (1 1/2 cups) pitted Medjool dates, chopped, 250 ml (1 cup) boiling water, 1 tsp baking soda, 85 g (6 tbsp) unsalted butter softened, 175 g (3/4 cup + 2 tbsp) dark brown sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 tsp pure vanilla extract, 200 g (1 1/3 cups) all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
- For the Sticky Toffee Sauce: 200 g (1 cup) dark brown sugar, 200 ml (3/4 cup + 1 tbsp) heavy cream, 100 g (7 tbsp) unsalted butter, 1 tbsp black treacle or molasses (optional for depth), Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) Butter a 23 cm (9-inch) square or round baking dish
- Step 2:
- Place chopped dates in a bowl Pour over boiling water and sprinkle with baking soda Stir and let sit for 10 minutes to soften
- Step 3:
- In a large bowl cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy Beat in eggs one at a time then mix in vanilla
- Step 4:
- Mash the softened dates (with liquid) lightly with a fork then fold into the batter
- Step 5:
- Sift together flour baking powder and salt Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined
- Step 6:
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish Bake for 35 40 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean
- Step 7:
- While the pudding bakes make the sauce Combine brown sugar cream butter treacle (if using) and salt in a saucepan Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat stirring until smooth and slightly thickened (about 5 7 minutes)
- Step 8:
- Once the pudding is done poke holes all over the surface with a skewer Pour about half of the hot toffee sauce over the pudding Let it soak for 10 minutes
- Step 9:
- Serve warm cut into squares with extra toffee sauce drizzled over each portion Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if desired
Pin it Making this pudding brings back memories of cozy cabin nights spent sharing stories around the fire with my loved ones.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls Electric mixer or sturdy whisk 23 cm (9-inch) baking dish Saucepan Wooden spoon or silicon spatula Skewer or toothpick
Allergen Information
Contains Gluten (wheat flour) Eggs Dairy (butter cream) May contain traces of nuts if substituting or as processed Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens
Nutritional Information
Calories 470 Total Fat 21 g Carbohydrates 67 g Protein 4 g per serving
Pin it 
This sticky toffee pudding is the perfect blend of sweet and cozy for your next gathering.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of dates is best for this dessert?
Medjool dates are ideal due to their natural sweetness and soft texture, which blend smoothly into the batter.
- → Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the toffee sauce can be made in advance and gently reheated before serving to maintain its smooth consistency.
- → How do I know when the pudding is fully baked?
Insert a skewer into the center; it should come out clean, indicating the pudding is cooked through.
- → Are there variations to enhance flavor?
Adding a pinch of smoked sea salt to the sauce or incorporating nuts like pecans can add smoky or crunchy notes.
- → What beverages pair well with this dessert?
Strong black tea or a glass of tawny port complement the rich caramel and toffee flavors beautifully.
- → Can this dessert be made vegetarian?
Yes, this dessert is suitable for vegetarians as it uses common dairy and egg ingredients without meat products.